Christophe Lemaire founded his namesake label in 1990 after honing his craft at Christian Lacroix, Yves Saint Laurent and Thierry Mugler. Several incarnations later, as well as stints at Lacoste and Hermès, the designer, together with his partner Sarah-Linh Tran, is laser focussed on his own label and its signature low-key luxury aesthetic. Now, known simply as Lemaire, the Parisian fashion house is recognisable by its pared-back simplicity, elegance and practicality, achieving a cult-like following for deceptively effortless and masterfully crafted garments. Eschewing ephemeral trends, Lemaire centres on the details to craft a linear wardrobe that evolves from season to season, think sculpted knits, gathered poplin dresses and gabardine trench coats. With an emphasis on crisp tailoring that facilitates ease of movement, the house uses draping, volume and a streamlined colour palette to produce pieces that are timelessly cosmopolitan. This season, the design duo applies a more modular and hybrid outlook in their pursuit of clothing that is comfortably liberating.
