I Live in Paris—These Are the French Brands Worth Wearing This Summer

The fashion landscape is far richer than the algorithm would have you believe. Since moving to Paris last year, I've discovered hundreds of fashion brands that barely register in North America, despite producing pieces every bit as compelling as the brands that dominate our feeds. Most are small European labels with modest followings, such as eco-conscious Danish jewelry brand Kinraden, and Veneto-based Poeve, a family-fun footwear brand that offers genuinely stylish, high-quality shoes at reasonable prices.

Within Paris itself, the discovery has been especially rewarding. The idea of “Parisian style” abroad is still shaped by the grand maisons and a handful of familiar French high-street labels. But living here has revealed an entirely different ecosystem: small brands and independent designers creating thoughtful, beautifully made clothing and accessories, many of which have found their way into my wardrobe.

Nomasei

Founded in 2019 by Paule Tenaillon and Marine Braquet, Nomasei has become one of my favorite shoe brands. The founders’ résumés explain why: Tenaillon previously designed footwear for Jimmy Choo, Jil Sander and Givenchy, while Braquet honed her expertise at Dior and Louis Vuitton. The two met at Chloé before deciding there was a different way to make shoes—fewer styles, produced slowly, that were genuinely comfortable and 100 percent Italian-made. As someone who has all but sworn off heels, I walked nearly five kilometres in my crystal Adora sandals—unheard of!

Michino Paris

For anyone seeking a beautifully made handbag without venturing into the increasingly common $5,000 territory, Michino Paris deserves serious consideration. Founded in Paris by Japanese designer Yasu Michino, my Lutèce Mini in a gorgeous prune elevates everything I wear.

If you need a more technical endorsement, leather expert Tanner Leatherstein examined one of the brand’s bags and described the “materials, craftsmanship, engineering and design” as being “at the highest calibre possible,” adding that he was particularly impressed by its structural engineering. High praise from someone who spends his career taking luxury handbags apart.

Charlotte Chesnais

Charlotte Chesnais jewelry seems to be everywhere in Paris! They’re fluid and sculptural, yes, but designed which so much restraint and consideration, interacting with the body in subtle, unexpected ways. See, for example, the position of these two cuffs above—how they wrap around the fingers, hand, and even wristwatch, almost becoming a part of the arm itself.

The brand is available at Shopbop and Neiman Marcus in the U.S.

Loulou de Saison

Loulou Studio offers polished, understated pieces but with restrained details such as animal print, feathers and fringe, that distinguishes it from a sea of other minimalist brands. I can’t wait to try on the deer print jackets in their Fall 2026 collection, and for Fall 2025, I added a black fringed jacket that works as much for a front row look at Lanvin as it does with the simplest jeans-and-tee combo.

And dress:

Baserange

Baserange is an eco-minded brand that has evolved from a minimal line of women’s underwear to a broader collection designed for everyday wear while always maintaining a focus on transparent production. I recently added the Jitsu barefoot sneaker (created in collaboration with Veja, another French brand!). They’re lightweight, comfortable, and ideal for a city where almost every day involves several kilometers on foot.