Interview: Ines de la Fressange On The Inspiration Behind Latest Collection With UNIQLO

Ines de la Fressange is a style icon for women around the world. Born into one of the oldest French families around, she became a model at the young age of 17 and quickly rose to prominence in the fashion industry. She has since become a symbol of French chic with her own brand. For the 2023 Fall/Winter collection, Ines has partner up with UNIQLO to debut a timeless LifeWear range that celebrates the effortless Parisian style

In the spirit of “something inherited and passed on to the future”, the French fashion designer talks about her fondness of clothes made of natural materials such as cotton and wool. It is her hope that all women can wear simple and elegant attire that will last and transmit essential and authentic values. Warm pointelle knits and volume sleeve blouses are typical examples. Also available in this collection are authentic style sheer shirts and velvet long skirts with modern updates, as well as form-fitting 3D knits and padded shirt jacket.

1. You’ve been using many natural materials in the collections. For this season, denim stands out. Frankly, what is the charm of denim as a material? What is denim to you?

Ines de la Fressange: Denim is a beautiful fabric. It has been invented in France in the city called Nîmes (de Nîmes/from Nîmes). Of course it’s very solid but it moves and change. It’s the most important thing that happen in the last decades regarding style, accepting something vintage can be more beautiful than something brand new. What I like about this fabric, is that the style of the clothes can change with whoever wears it, how and with what. It’s adaptable, can be casual or sporty and fits all kind of generation.

2. Since nature is an eternal inspiration, and the core component in the UNIQLO x INES DE LA FRESSANGE collection. What is your connection to “nature”?

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Ines de la Fressange: I spent all my childhood in the country. As I get older, I long for the mountains, the seaside or the countryside. Nature encompasses animals, trees, and everything is linked to human beings.

3. How has natural materials evolved for you?

Ines de la Fressange: What was ordinary in the past has now become luxury. Natural fabrics is synonymous with quality and beauty, that’s essential to me.

4. There are various autumn colors used in the collection color palette. Can you tell us your source of inspirations?

Ines de la Fressange: In the street I see many people dressed in black; of course I love black but not systematically! But I don’t think the opposite is dressing up in orange or bright pink. Autumn colours can be more subtle, easy to mix, soft and can give a refined spirit.

5. UNIQLO will have the first “volume sleeves” design made by you. What was the challenge in making new designs and silhouette?

Ines de la Fressange: The style is more or less the same, but taste can change with time. I trust our customers are open to new proportions and new way of wearing the items. Working in the fashion world also means you have to adapt to every season’s trends.

6. Any fashion tips?

Ines de la Fressange: It’s a comfortable collection, so I would advice to try bigger sizes and mix it up. For example, I like the idea of putting two belts identical together.

7. What is your hope for this new collection?

Ines de la Fressange: I want women to understand how easily they can match clothes with other items or with what they already have at home. If wearing these new designs bring them happiness, that’s success for me.