Fashion brand Paul & Joe is the cute, chic, cat-obsessed label that will give you a kooky Parisian twist. As the new SS18 collection hits stores, here's our edit of the 10 hot pieces you need in your life right now...
If you're a fan of flirty, pretty, French style, you've got a lot to thank fashion brand Paul & Joe for. Long before 'French-girl-cool' was the Brit fashion fixation it is now, the label was doing exactly that. As revealed in Marie Claire's Sophie Mechaly Interview, for this Parisian designer the brand is all about "girls with style who just love French chic." With a fun-loving and playful beauty collection launching in 2002, followed by a casual line of womenswear Paul & Joe Sister in 2006, Mechaly has quickly amplified her label's boutique feel into a blossoming empire.
Founding her womenswear line in Paris in 1996 - naming the fashion brand Paul & Joe after her two young sons - Mechaly created a label that would combine boyish design elements with a cute and retro femininity. Mechaly's recipe: take men's shirts and blazers, and mix with frilly high-necked blouses and 70s-inspired denim. Then, sprinkle with Mary-Jane shoes and delicate jewellery. Et voilà: perfect gamine chic. It's clear to see, Mechaly's signature shirting is in her genes. During her childhood, her parents both worked in fashion and ran two successful shirt labels (Julien and Le Garage). After working as a shop assistant for Azzedine Alaïa, Mechaly set up on her own. She decided that French fashion was too conservative and in dire need of some colour and fun.
As a result, there's no shortage of cool-girls lusting over this effortless style. Kate Moss, Alexa Chung, Kate Bosworth, Vanessa Paradis, Olivia Palermo, Daisy Lowe and Krisztina Bazan are all disciples of fashion brand Paul & Joe. Mechaly has even received royal-approval from The Duchess of Cambridge, who wore a Paul & Joe cape as part of her royal India tour wardrobe in Bhutan. From royals to rock-chic, fashion brand Paul & Joe has it covered.
It's clear to see, her seasonal shows are a go-to for this classic Parisian flair, and the Paul & Joe SS18 collection is no exception. With a nod to many Summer Fashion Trends, Mechaly says the collection’s print ideas came from a Vegas get-away romance. Picture the "wise girl from a wealthy family who falls in love with a bad boy" as her inspiration. She mixes the innocence of vintage children’s clothing with brocade fabrics. Then adds in retro 60s and 70s designs. It's the perfect combination for the rebellious pretty-girl and wild-at-heart tomboy behind her collection.
Wish list at the ready!
Floral print cropped trousers, £277, available at Farfetch.com
These psychedelic trousers are an instant boost of SS18 tropical spirit!
Embroidered cotton-voile maxi dress, £599.93, available at Net-A-Porter.com
A wardrobe classic, this lightweight cotton maxi dress is a holiday essential and has us dreaming of sunnier days ahead.
Le Logo Joe intarsia cashmere jumper, £382, available at Boutique1.com
Logos a go go! This jumper is right on trend with the best logo fashion pieces that were all over the SS18 catwalks. Soft cashmere, and in a pretty-pastel shade, throw over an outfit for some comfort and instant chic.
Tourbillon ruffled floral-print silk-crepon blouse, £413.90, available at Net-A-Porter.com
If you're looking for that Parisian laid-back look, this pretty floral blouse with the label's signature frills is your Paul & Joe staple.
White shorts, 295€ approx. £260, available at paulandjoe.fr
Statement Shorts are having a moment in the Summer Fashion Trends we should be investing in, so look no further for some stylish summer tailoring.
Striped satin-jacquard dress, £415, available at Net-A-Porter.com
Straight to the Riviera in this picture-perfect dress. We're loving the cotton candy stripes and simple shape for a playful and polished look all in one.
Prince of Wales check trench coat, 730€ approx. £644, available at paulandjoe.fr
Trench coats are a go-to for the street style set, with the trench coat 2.0 as seen at London Fashion Week stealing the limelight. The best trench coats really are the ultimate investment piece in all shapes and sizes, and we're loving Paul & Joe's latest offering in Spring's It-print, the beloved check.
Felino printed silk-twill dress, £641, available at Boutique1.com
Living up to Paul & Joe's kooky Parisian style, this print dress is feline-fabulous.
Mules, 380€ approx. £335, available at paulandjoe.fr
From office-chic to city-escapes, you're set for summer with these stylish mules. Pair with the above and you're good to go.
Limited edition face and eye colour set, £16, available at BeautyBay.com
Inspired by the look of vinyl records, Paul & Joe's multipurpose blusher and eyeshadow pigment is cute, quirky, and sure to make your complexion and eyes come alive with a pop of colour. The perfect compliment to any outfit.
Paul & Joe, you've got us in the mood for summer! So if you're looking for that straight-off-the-catwalk feel (but for a more accessible price point!), Paul & Joe's latest spring summer offerings are ready and waiting with their Parisian flair and effortless style.