Nicole Farhi, a name synonymous with luxury and timeless elegance, has left an indelible mark on the fashion world since the brand’s inception in the early 1980s. Farhi, originally from France, began her career under the wing of Stephen Marks, the founder of the iconic French Connection label. In 1978, she was brought to London to head the design studio for the brand, where she quickly made a name for herself with her distinctive approach to fashion. By 1982, with the support of Marks, Farhi launched her own eponymous label, setting the stage for what would become one of Britain’s most revered fashion houses. Her designs, known for their understated sophistication and impeccable craftsmanship, resonated deeply with those seeking a blend of Parisian chic and London cool.

The Nicole Farhi brand quickly expanded beyond women’s wear, introducing a men’s line in 1989, which echoed the same principles of effortless style and quality. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the label grew to include a home collection, epitomizing Farhi’s philosophy of living well and beautifully. Her ventures weren’t limited to fashion alone; the opening of 202, a concept store in 2002, seamlessly blended retail with a brasserie, offering a unique lifestyle experience that was ahead of its time. This holistic approach to design and living was a testament to Farhi’s deep understanding of the finer things in life, and it solidified her place in the hearts of fashion aficionados around the world.

However, the brand’s journey has not been without its challenges. In 2010, the Nicole Farhi label was sold to OpenGate Capital, marking a significant shift in its history. Despite its global success and the expansion of its retail presence, the brand faced financial difficulties, eventually entering administration in 2013. Even as the brand struggled, the legacy of Nicole Farhi’s original vision—a vision that brought together high-end fashion, art, and a touch of Parisian flair—remains influential. Today, vintage pieces from the Nicole Farhi collections are highly sought after, offering a glimpse into the label’s storied past and the enduring appeal of Farhi’s timeless designs.

1993 Nicole Farhi Fashion Show

How to tell if Nicole Farhi is vintage from the logo

Nicole Farhi, a British fashion label known for its luxurious and timeless designs, has seen several changes in its logo over the decades. These changes reflect the evolving aesthetics and branding strategies of the fashion industry. Below is a guide to identifying whether a Nicole Farhi piece is vintage based on its logo.

1980s to 1990s Nicole Farhi logo

• The logo from this era features a distinctive handwritten style, giving it a more personal and artistic touch.
• The letters are unevenly spaced and slightly elongated, which adds to the unique character of the brand during this period.
• This style is reflective of the casual yet sophisticated aesthetic that Nicole Farhi was known for during the 1980s and 1990s.

1980s to 1990s Nicole Farhi logo

2000s to now Nicole Farhi logo

• The logo from the 2000s onward is more modern and sleek, with clean, bold letters.
• The typeface is more uniform and professional, indicating the brand’s move towards a more polished and contemporary image.
• This logo reflects Nicole Farhi’s shift towards minimalism and refined luxury in the new millennium.

2000s to now Nicole Farhi logo

How to tell if Nicole Farhi is vintage from the tags

Nicole Farhi, a distinguished British fashion brand, has seen its tags evolve significantly over the decades, reflecting shifts in branding and design trends. From the minimalist approach of the 1990s to the more modern styles in the 2000s and 2010s, each era of Nicole Farhi tags offers clues to the garment’s age and authenticity. Below is a guide to identifying vintage Nicole Farhi clothing based on the tags from different decades.

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1990s vintage Nicole Farhi tags

• Tags are typically rectangular and feature minimalist designs.
• The “NICOLE FARHI” text is usually embroidered in a clean, sans-serif font.
• Colors of the tags during this period are subtle, often using neutral tones like beige or light gray.
• The brand name might be prominently displayed without any additional text or information.

1990s Nicole Farhi tags

2000s vintage Nicole Farhi tags

• Tags begin to incorporate a more refined and modern aesthetic.
• “NICOLE FARHI” is still featured in a minimalist style, but the fonts may vary slightly, appearing either embossed or printed.
• Tag colors remain relatively muted, with white or off-white being common, often with the brand name subtly embossed or stitched into the tag.
• Some tags from this era include additional product information, like size or material, on separate labels.

2000s Nicole Farhi tags

2010s vintage Nicole Farhi tags

• Tags feature a more contemporary design, often using bolder fonts and clearer contrasts.
• “NICOLE FARHI” or “FARHI BY NICOLE FARHI” might be displayed, reflecting slight rebranding efforts.
• Tags might include more detailed information about the garment, such as care instructions or manufacturing details.
• The materials used for the tags may vary, with a mix of fabric and leather-like materials being common.

2010s Nicole Farhi tags