US Director of Public Relations, Sonia Rykiel. New York
Francophiles? You may want to be taking notes. As Lola Rykiel welcomed us into her place in the Meatpacking District (box of Ladurée macarons waiting, bien sûr), her demure demeanor made us feel instantly comfortable. As you may have guessed, Lola Rykiel is the granddaughter of Sonia Rykiel, the ultimate arbiter of that slightly offbeat, signature French style, but that's not all—her father is CEO of Brown's, a chain of luxury department stores in London. Not bad, right? But Rykiel is much more than a pretty face. The ballerina-turned-PR guru has both the brains and beauty to take her grandmother’s heritage brand into a new generation with a fresh and innovative perspectice. Rykiel had obviously done her Coveteur homework and had taken the steps to pre-arrange thoughtful vignettes with treasured pieces around her home. After showing us her set of worry dolls, Rykiel introduced us to some of her talented friends. Cue: Linn Lomo; the genius behind Rykiel’s arm cuff and “Lola” ring. Rykiel is really the ultimate Parisienne transplant. After a stint in New York in her early 20's studying dance ("I still love doing classes now and then"), Rykiel returned to Manhattan to take on her current post, where she's the director of public relations of her family's historied brand. Growing up around her grandmother and her father’s biz proved to be beneficial in many ways: "I have the retailer side and the pure art, pure genius of the other side," she explained. But Rykiel's not only partial to pieces that carry her heritage; her extensive collection of fantastical Charlotte Olympia shoes certainly proved otherwise. Plus, like us, Rykiel has a serious taste for emoticon jewelry. (See: her Lorraine Schwartz smiley face bracelet.) ☺ After giving us a run-through of a few of her current fixations — nail polish from Butter London, GIRLS, The Big Bang Theory (hear that, Kaley Cuoco?) and Astier de Villatte candles — we bid adieu to Rykiel, grabbing a few macarons to go (can you blame us?)
The best part is getting to meet inspiring people in the art and fashion industry, hearing amazing stories about my grandmother that I didn’t know and being part of this beautiful house and legacy.
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From left. Shorts, Unknown Designer; Beret, Gigi Burris; All, Sonia Rykiel and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
I think I was always into [fashion]. From my mother's side to my father's side (my father's family is the owner and founder of Browns in London), for me, a baguette was, in my mind, my British grandmother’s favorite handbag, not bread!
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L to R. Shoes, Charlotte Olympia, Charlotte Olympia, Christian Louboutin, Sonia Rykiel
My good friend is jewelry designer Linn Lomo and she is sooo talented! She even named one of her rings the "Lola" because I was so obsessed with it and had asked her to give me 10 of them, one for each finger!
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Sunglasses, Céline; Jewelry, Linn Lomo
Fedora, Gigi Burris; Shirt, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel;Purple Cage Ring, Vedur; Full Finger Ring, Linn Lomo; Wrist Bracelets, Dezso by Sara; Beltran Bracelet, Linn Lomo
I love steam rooms, and sometimes when I’m feeling brave I finish with a cold shower. For skin, I keep it basic: I always remove all my make-up and moisturize a lot. I like Skinceuticals, Sothys and I recently discovered Mario Badescu, which is great. I also buy pure Argan oil that is made in the hills of Marrakech at a woman 's co-op when I’m in Morocco. These are the most pure and natural products I have and I try to savour them until my next trip!
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Jewelry, Various Designers
Shoes, Charlotte Olympia; Bracelet, Linn Lomo
All, Sonia Rykiel
Fedora, Gigi Burris
In Paris I miss fighting with my sisters, eating steak tartare, spending time with my grandmother and staying out very late at Café de Flore with my friends. But I love the energy of NYC, I love all the great museums, art galleries, movies theatre to go to and doing everything I want at whatever time I want. Nothing really closes here!
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Headband, Sonia Rykiel; Jewelry, Various Designers
Blouse, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel; Skirt, Sonia Rykiel; Tights, Wolford; Headbands on left, Gigi Burris; Bags on right, Bags, Sonia Rykiel
Top, Shorts, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel; Cuff, Linn Lomo; Bracelets, Sara Beltran; Purple Ring, Verdura; Finger Ring, Linn Lomo
Bra with Rosettes, Sonia Rykiel; White Bra, Unknown Designer; Shoes, Jimmy Choo; Fur Stole, Sonia Rykiel
Shoes, Charlotte Olympia
The best advice my grandmother ever gave me? "Lola, there are two important things when you are a woman: Culture and attitude"
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Knit Check Dress, Sonia Rykiel; Printed Gown, Vintage Sonia Rykiel; Fur Stole, Sonia Rykiel; Shoes, Charlotte Olympia; Headwear, Gigi Burris
Blouse, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel; Skirt, Sonia Rykiel; Tights, Wolford; Headbands on left, Gigi Burris; Bags on right, Bags, Sonia Rykiel
Fedora, Gigi Burris; Bracelet, Linn Lomo; Shirt, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel; Earring, Lorraine Schwartz; Ring, Verdura
Purple Ring, Verdura; Flower Ring, Dog Ring, Sonia Rykiel
Shoes, Charlotte Olympia; Hats, Gigi Burris
Shoes, Charlotte Olympia
The earrings are by Lorraine Schwartz; I have a few very specials pieces from her that I cherish. I know how to cook dessert very well chocolate mousse is my specialty! Actually everything chocolate-related I've got under control. I am a coffee lover. I love Nonth Street Espresso, they have one in Chelsea Market. In Paris, I get my morning coffee at Le Flore (my flat is practically in front of it and I’m a lady of habit).
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Earrings, Verdura
Good lingerie can get you into trouble.
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Shoes, Charlotte Olympia; Lingerie, Playful Promises
The best part is getting to meet inspiring people in the art and fashion industry, hearing amazing stories about my grandmother that I didn’t know and being part of this beautiful house and legacy. From left. Shorts, Unknown Designer; Beret, Gigi Burris; All, Sonia Rykiel and Sonia by Sonia Rykiel
I think I was always into [fashion]. From my mother's side to my father's side (my father's family is the owner and founder of Browns in London), for me, a baguette was, in my mind, my British grandmother’s favorite handbag, not bread! L to R. Shoes, Charlotte Olympia, Charlotte Olympia, Christian Louboutin, Sonia Rykiel
I love steam rooms, and sometimes when I’m feeling brave I finish with a cold shower. For skin, I keep it basic: I always remove all my make-up and moisturize a lot. I like Skinceuticals, Sothys and I recently discovered Mario Badescu, which is great. I also buy pure Argan oil that is made in the hills of Marrakech at a woman 's co-op when I’m in Morocco. These are the most pure and natural products I have and I try to savour them until my next trip! Jewelry, Various Designers
In Paris I miss fighting with my sisters, eating steak tartare, spending time with my grandmother and staying out very late at Café de Flore with my friends. But I love the energy of NYC, I love all the great museums, art galleries, movies theatre to go to and doing everything I want at whatever time I want. Nothing really closes here!
Top, Shorts, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel; Cuff, Linn Lomo; Bracelets, Sara Beltran; Purple Ring, Verdura; Finger Ring, Linn Lomo
The best advice my grandmother ever gave me? "Lola, there are two important things when you are a woman: Culture and attitude" Knit Check Dress, Sonia Rykiel; Printed Gown, Vintage Sonia Rykiel; Fur Stole, Sonia Rykiel; Shoes, Charlotte Olympia; Headwear, Gigi Burris
The earrings are by Lorraine Schwartz; I have a few very specials pieces from her that I cherish. I know how to cook dessert very well chocolate mousse is my specialty! Actually everything chocolate-related I've got under control. I am a coffee lover. I love Nonth Street Espresso, they have one in Chelsea Market. In Paris, I get my morning coffee at Le Flore (my flat is practically in front of it and I’m a lady of habit). Earrings, Verdura
