Sonia Rykiel, a renowned French fashion designer, was born in 1930 and made a significant impact in the industry. Starting her career as a window dresser, she later married the owner of an elegant women’s fashion boutique, Sam Rykiel. It was during her first pregnancy that Rykiel faced a lack of stylish and comfortable maternity sweaters, prompting her to take matters into her own hands. Collaborating with a Venice-based supplier to her husband’s store, she designed her own maternity creations.
Rykiel began selling her unique pieces in Laura, her husband’s boutique, and it was her innovative sweaters and knitwear that would ultimately pave her path to fame and fortune in the fashion world. The pullover sweater became Rykiel’s signature piece, and she continuously pushed the boundaries of its design. Notable innovations included placing seams on the outside, eliminating hems, creating loose knits meant to be worn with lining, experimenting with different sweater lengths, and even incorporating knitted words into her designs. Her approach to fashion encouraged women to embrace their individual personalities and style, instead of conforming to the dictates of couturiers.
In 1968, Rykiel opened her first boutique under her own name, solidifying her unique presence in the industry. Her talent and artistic flair earned her the title of “Queen of Knits” by Women’s Wear Daily in 1970. Aside from being a designer, Rykiel has also written nine books and received numerous accolades for her contributions to the fashion world. Even in her 80s, she remains actively involved in the industry as the Honorary President of Sonia Rykiel.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Rykiel’s daughter, Nathalie Rykiel, also pursued a career in fashion. Initially starting as a model, she later staged fashion shows for the Rykiel house. In 1983, during her own pregnancy, Nathalie founded Rykiel Enfant, the company’s children’s line. She further expanded the brand’s offerings by creating the secondary line, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, in 1989. Over time, Nathalie assumed various leadership roles, including Managing Director and Artistic Director. Presently, she serves as the President and Artistic Director of Sonia Rykiel.
In 1979, Sonia Rykiel launched her first fragrance, Septieme Sense. Under Nathalie’s guidance, the fragrance division expanded during the 1990s, introducing fragrances such as Le Parfum, L’eau de Sonia Rykiel, and Rykiel Homme. Nathalie herself became the face of Rykiel Rose, which was introduced in 2000. Many of the fragrances from this era were housed in pullover-shaped flacons, paying homage to the brand’s iconic knitwear.
Continuing their success in the fragrance market, the house of Sonia Rykiel, in collaboration with Selective Beauty, has introduced distinctive fragrances in the 21st century. The brand has a total of 17 perfumes in its fragrance base, with the earliest edition dating back to 1979 and the newest being launched in 2008. Perfumers such as Jean-Pierre Bethouart, Emilie Bevierre-Coppermann, Richard Ibanez, Jean-Marie Santantoni, Edouard Flechier, Gerard Anthony, and Anne Flipo have contributed to the creation of these fragrances.
Rykiel Woman Spring & Summer, created by renowned designer Sonia Rykiel, offers a delightful fragrance experience catered to women. Launched in 2006, this scent belongs to the Floral Fruity family,…
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Sonia Rykiel Parfum by Sonia Rykiel is an elegant and distinctive fragrance designed specifically for women. With its launch in 1997, this fragrance has captured the attention of fragrance enthusiasts…
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Le Parfum by Sonia Rykiel is an exquisite fragrance designed specifically for women. Its unique combination of amber and woody scents creates a truly captivating fragrance experience. Originally launched in…
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Le Parfum, created by Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite amber woody fragrance crafted specifically for women. Its initial release occurred in 1993, and the brilliant nose behind this captivating scent…
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Rykiel Woman by Sonia Rykiel is an exquisite Amber Spicy fragrance designed exclusively for women. Captivating the senses since its introduction in 2003, this fragrance is the result of the…
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Rykiel Woman by Sonia Rykiel is a luxurious Amber Spicy fragrance specifically created for the sophisticated, modern woman. Launched in 2003, this exceptional scent was skillfully crafted by the renowned…
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Rykiel Rose, created by renowned fragrance house Sonia Rykiel, exudes an exquisite blend of floral and fruity notes designed specifically for women. This enchanting fragrance made its debut in the…
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Rykiel Rose, created by renowned perfumer Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite Floral Fruity fragrance designed exclusively for women. Introduced to the market in the year 2000, this fragrance encapsulates the…
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Introducing Sonia Rykiel by Sonia Rykiel, an exquisite amber fragrance specially designed for women. It made its grand entrance into the perfume world in the year 1997. The brilliant nose…
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Rykiel Homme by Sonia Rykiel is an aromatic fragrance crafted specifically for men. It made its debut in 1999, with the esteemed perfumer Jean-Marie Santantoni as the mastermind behind its…
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Rykiel Homme, created by the renowned fashion house Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite aromatic fragrance designed specifically for men. This captivating scent made its debut in the year 1999 and…
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Rykiel Woman Hot! by Sonia Rykiel is an exquisite fragrance characterized by its floral fruity essence, designed exclusively for women. This remarkable perfume was first introduced to the market in…
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Rykiel Homme Grey by Sonia Rykiel is an exquisite Amber Spicy fragrance designed exclusively for men. Its launch in 2003 marked a milestone in the world of perfumery, introducing a…
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Belle en Rykiel Blue & Blue, created by renowned fashion house Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite fragrance designed specifically for the modern woman. Originally introduced to the market in 2008,…
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Rykiel Woman Eau de Toilette, created by the talented Sonia Rykiel, is a captivating fragrance designed specifically for women. Launched in 2005, this fragrance boasts an impeccable blend of amber…
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Rykiel Homme Grey by Sonia Rykiel is an exquisite Amber Spicy fragrance designed specifically for men. This remarkable fragrance was introduced in 2003 and was masterfully crafted by the talented…
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Belle en Rykiel by Sonia Rykiel is an exquisite Amber Spicy fragrance designed specifically for women. This enchanting scent was introduced in 2006, leaving a lasting impression on all who…
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Belle en Rykiel Blue & Blue, created by the renowned designer Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite fragrance crafted exclusively for women. Its enchanting scent was first introduced to the world…
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Rykiel Woman Eau de Toilette, created by the talented perfumer Anne Flipo, is an exquisite Amber Spicy fragrance designed specifically for women. Its captivating scent was first introduced to the…
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Introducing Le Parfum Sonia Rykiel Extrait, an exquisite fragrance curated specifically for women. Created by the talented nose, Richard Ibanez, this timeless scent was first introduced to the world in…
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L’Eau de Sonia Rykiel, created by renowned French fashion brand Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite fragrance belonging to the citrus aromatic family, specially crafted for women. Introduced to the market…
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L’Eau de Sonia Rykiel, created by the esteemed Sonia Rykiel, is an exquisite Citrus Aromatic fragrance designed specifically for women. Its introduction to the market took place in the year…
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