Valérie Hernandez, Head West
In 2014 this Hossegor- based fashion designer created La Méricaine and quickly stood out for her ponchos, capes and woollen blankets, quirky twists on the traditions and customs of Native Americans, perfect combination of elegant and relaxed. With its clean lines, impeccable cuts and made in France (in the Tarn) her brand became an instant success. The perfect accessory for picnics and evening aperitifs on the beach.
“My clothes look just as good with a pair of heels as with trainers”.
La Méricaine, from €220 for a cape. www.la-mericaine.com
Lionel Rouault, happy in his socks
Former artistic director at Oxbow, in 2014 Lionel launched his unisex sock “JeanJean”. Production is 100% made in Nouvelle-Aquitaine: from the design in Seignosse - where this ex-Parisian now lives - to the manufacture in a Limousin village, by a family company, Broussaud.
More than just socks, “JeanJean's” are genuine fashion statements that combine both quality (knitted toes and heels, premium cotton) and style. Design-wise, the accent's on basic colours, Heather Grey, Navy Blue and White; stripes, checks and exotic patterns.
Make sure you're well awake when you put them on because there's a left foot and a right.
“Wearing them to just below the knee has its advantages: they don't fall down”.
JeanJean, allow 20 euros a pair. https://jeanjeanetcompagnie.com
Cyrielle Birou and Dhélia Cétran take the plunge
Enticing thongs, high cut bottoms, sizzling red, shimmering kaki. Frills and off the shoulder, plunging necklines... if you're looking for a traditional swimsuit, go somewhere else.
Those you'll find at Nayade, a brand created by two sisters in 2014, are all about sensuality and elegance.
Sharp lines, comfortable for swimming: fashion and the sea are two worlds both stylists know well. Dhélia is a trained designer and World Tandem Surf Champion. Cyrielle worked in lingerie and swimwear. Made in Italian jersey, their pieces can be worn separately. With 138 items to choose from there's plenty of room for the imagination!
“The idea behind NAYADE swimwear, was quite simply to help women feel beautiful at the beach. Each collection is designed to be elegant, sexy and wearable”.
Nayade Swimwear, bottoms from 50 euros, tops from 60 euros. www.nayadeswimwear.com
Valérie Thévenot, a creative soul
After beginnings in haute-couture followed by a long experience in ready-to-wear and surfwear, this fashion designer decided to launch her own brand with a chic cool vibe. « Collective Soul » took off in 2012 uniting several creative talents passionate about textiles, art and crafts.
In Valérie's hands Chambray fabric and Linen become kaftans, blouses and dresses for both day and evening, town and beach.
“I wanted to get back to my first loves, to beautiful fabrics, beautiful constructions, with fine cuts and impeccable finishes”.
Collective Soul, blouse from 80 euros. www.collectivesoul.fr
Morgan De Vismes and Quentin Pitot, the arty t-shirt
In 2010 these two childhood friends, originally from Pau, launched the t-shirt brand Stepart to transform "the most worn garment in the world into an artistic canvas". To do so they gave carte blanche to French and foreign street artists. Today, the duo collaborate with around fifty illustrators, graphists and painters (Steven Burke, Will Bryant, Steven Harrington) to be found on the website
Stepart, for men from 39 euros, for women from 45 euros. www.stepart.fr
Originally from Laval (Mayenne department), Malika Guillemain settled in Bidart in the Basque Country in 2014.