Lady LUX

Juliette Swildens believes in finding inspiration everywhere – including the darker side of life. Her muses include the street, the country and vintage stores. “Even something awful can inspire me a very nice idea for clothing or accessory,” she declared.

Swildens is her family name and the line borrows not only the name from her parents, but much of the influence as well. “I'm a fashion lover. I grew up in a creative world, surrounded with stylist and designer parents,” she explained. Her family pioneered the label BONPOINT, opening a trendy concept store, MERCI, in Paris. Today Swildens is still sold there.

In 1998, she broke away from her parents and a career in singing, acting and fashion PR to make her own brand, a line of maternity clothing named 1 ET 1 FONT 3. Eight years later, Swildens – a “Parisian everyday life collection” – was born. Since that point, the designer has branched out into a collection for teens between 10 and 16, Swildens Teen and her latest obsession, sunglasses and eyeglasses. In February, Swildens launched Gypsy Caravan, a collection of 12 sunglasses and seven eyeglasses.

Stripe Silk Dress
American Flag Blouse
Fringe Knit Sweater
Draped Crepe Dress

“I simply love antique clothes with very nice details, and I'm always looking for natural and very comfortable fabrics which give the impression of ‘already worn.’ I am also influenced by the ‘80s, the rock culture, and I always use the classic codes of the masculine closet,” Swildens explained.

Conceived as a label that is stylish yet affordable, Juliette’s collections have discovered a niche in the market as slightly more authentic than other mainstream brands. And her niche has found success, with four Parisian stores and 250 multibrand stores around the globe carrying the label.

Her 2013 Fall/Winter collection is rooted in imaginary travel, with three main themes. Neo vagabond features raw, natural materials such as printed snake suede and rustic waxed corduroy in wild shades inspired by folk patterns. With fluid, raw fabrics, Mystic reinvents feather and snake prints for edgy looks in ecru and purple. Night transforms various shades of black, from faded to matte, for sparkling ensembles designed for a dark, bohemian woman.

“The Swildens woman (is) a bohemian-chic woman with a boyish and casual attitude but with enough femininity,” Swildens said.

This season, the designer is most excited by her shoe collection, which runs the gamut from casual, kickback sneakers to trendy boots with Western-style fringe.

Experience all her collections at her e-commerce store, or follow Swildens on Twitter or Facebook.

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