Sonia Rykiel

Fashion Designer

Sonia Rykiel was a Parisian fashion label founded by the eponymous designer. Born in the Neuilly suburb of Paris, Sonia Rykiel started her label in 1962, selling sweaters and maternity dresses through her husband Sam's boutique. Known as the Queen of Knits, Rykiel made clothes with a quintessentially Parisian feel and a wit and a verve all her own. Sonia Rykiel catwalk presentations are known for a distinct sense of fun, with models eschewing a traditional expressionless parade for smiles and laughter. In 2009, Rykiel launched a range of underwear with international fashion chain H&M bringing her chic irreverent aesthetic to a much larger audience.

Rykiel having stepped down from designing in 2009, she was succeeded as artistic director by her daughter Natalie. The role passed to April Crichton and then to Canadian designer Geraldo da Conceicao in 2012. Julie de Libran took over the role during the following year.

Sonia Rykiel passed away in 2016, and a street was named after her in Paris in 2018.

In 2019, the Sonia Rykiel brand liquidated its operations.

Sonia Rykiel was a Parisian fashion label founded by the eponymous designer. Born in the Neuilly suburb of Paris, Sonia Rykiel started her label in 1962, selling sweaters and maternity dresses through her husband Sam's boutique. Known as the Queen of Knits, Rykiel made clothes with a quintessentially Parisian feel and a wit and a verve all her own. Sonia Rykiel catwalk presentations are known for a distinct sense of fun, with models eschewing a traditional expressionless parade for smiles and laughter. In 2009, Rykiel launched a range of underwear with international fashion chain H&M bringing her chic irreverent aesthetic to a much larger audience.

Rykiel having stepped down from designing in 2009, she was succeeded as artistic director by her daughter Natalie. The role passed to April Crichton and then to Canadian designer Geraldo da Conceicao in 2012. Julie de Libran took over the role during the following year.

Sonia Rykiel passed away in 2016, and a street was named after her in Paris in 2018.

In 2019, the Sonia Rykiel brand liquidated its operations.

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