FASHION

French Connection

by Holly Brubach

Forty years ago, Sonia Rykiel proved that a smart mind could be sexy. Building on that legacy, the designer Julie de Libran is taking Rykiel’s storied house to new heights.

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Photograph by Emma Summerton; styled by Julie de Libran.

Julie de Libran, third from left, and models wearing de Libran’s first collection for Sonia Rykiel. De Libran wears her own bracelet.

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Photograph by Jean-Luce Hure.

Sonia Rykiel with a model at her fall 1973 presentation.

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Photographed by Sofia Coppola.

Julie de Libran in her 
Paris atelier.

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Photograph by Sofia Coppola.

De Libran’s inspiration mood board.

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Photograph by Sofia Coppola.

De Libran’s fabric swatches.

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Photographs by Giovanni Giannoni/WWD.

Looks from de Libran’s spring 2015 debut at Sonia Rykiel.

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Photograph by Jean-Luce Hure.

A Rykiel look from spring 1975.

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Photographed by Sofia Coppola.

De Libran, moments before her runway show.