Paul & Joe designer Sophie Mechaly in front of her latest Autumn/Winter 2014 collection in Jades Store, Düsseldorf
A glimmer of retro, a pinch of playfulness, a bit of ease and a lot of Parisian coolness: The successful ingredients of the French label Paul & Joe descend from the creative-head of the designer Sophie Mechaly. Once J’N’C met her last Friday for an interview, one understands why the label Paul & Joe radiates so much charm and happiness…
Mrs Mechaly, Paris is one of the biggest fashion cities of the world. How much of your hometown finds itself in your designs and where exactly lies the difference between French and German fashion?
I was born in Paris, went to school in Paris and I live the French culture until this very day. Of course what I learned and lived, flows into my collections. And to me it’s the culture, the history and the education that makes the difference to Germany. Every country is different and so is its fashion.
What is a typical French attitude in your opinion?
Paris is simply special and has a great history. And although it is not overly big, every place is different. There are surprises in every corner - even for me, as a native Parisian - I discover new places all the time.
You like to travel a lot frequently. What is your favorite place of the entire world?
Paris! I can travel wherever I want, but there is no place like home.
Do you believe that a city affects a woman’s style?
Yes, but like I already said: environment, education, the people around you and the experiences play a big role as well. Besides clothing, your own manners influence a woman’s style. French women are a bit different nowadays.