Sonia Rykiel execs issue tributes to founder

Senior directors at French fashion house Sonia Rykiel, including artistic director Julie de Libran, have issued tributes to the legendary French designer who passed away August 25, aged 86, after a long battle with Parkinson.

In a statement from the Sonia Rykiel business, the fashion label expressed that the fashion world had lost “an icon, a pioneer and a huge chocolate lover”. They added that Rykiel was “more than a designer, she was an extraordinary woman and an artist who devoted her life to women and their freedom.”

Current artistic director Julie de Libran, who has been with the fashion house since 2014 recalled her first meeting with the legendary designer: “My first moment meeting Sonia Rykiel at her home will stay in my heart as a very beautiful memory. I was very touched by the charm and grace of this unique woman who truly defined what it means to be iconic.

“She will be greatly missed but her style, legacy, and spirit will never be forgotten and will live on to continue inspiring women around the world.”

Chief executive of Sonia Rykiel, Eric Langon described the late designer as “essentially and uniquely free”.

Landon added: “She embodied remarkably this spirit of Saint-Germain-des-Pres. All of us, in the house she created in 1968, are deeply saddened by her passing away and express our deepest condolences to her family.”

Tributes pour in for fashion designer Sonia Rykiel

Chairman and chief executive of investor First Heritage Brands Jean-Marc Loubier offered condolences to her family including her children Jean Philippe and Nathalie, who was formerly artistic director of the house and remains a creative consultant.

Loubier added: “My thoughts are also with all the members of La Maison Rykiel who are so devoted and so proud to write its history, daily. But this extraordinary woman offers us an exceptional legacy. She is a pioneer woman who helped change our society always putting together creation, culture, and clothes to serve women and their rising role in the world. This legacy is alive and more than ever is the future.”

Sabrina Fung, group managing director at Fung Retailing, also issued a tribute, stating: “We are deeply sadden by the passing away of Madame Sonia Rykiel and out family extends our condolences to Nathalie, her daughters, and the family members. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

“As a family and as close partners we are proud to carry on the legacy of Madame Sonia Rykiel whose talent and skills have made an everlasting mark on the world of fashion.”

Sonia Rykiel founded her label in 1968 and became known as the “Queen of Knitwear” following the success of her signature striped knitwear, in particular, the poor boy sweater, which had long sleeves and a fitted shape and was worn by fashion icons including Audrey Hepburn and Brigitte Bardot.

Image: courtesy of Sonia Rykiel