In a minimalist atelier in Paris’s Marais, we sat down with a designer at the forefront of the minimalist wave. Light through the windows lit the same purity and elegance that run through her work. She spoke about finding strength in subtraction, and why “less is more” feels more precious than ever.
From Complexity to Simplicity
“My design journey actually began with a lot of complexity,” she said as she made tea. “When I was younger I wanted to put every idea into one piece—I was afraid of leaving anything out. With experience I learned that real power comes from choice: what to keep and what to let go.”
That shift happened in her tenth year. She was designing an important collection and hit a creative wall. “I remember the day I started erasing every decorative element from the sketch until only the essential lines remained. In that moment I suddenly saw the soul of the garment.”
Minimal Is Not Simple
Many mistake minimalism for mere simplification. For her it’s a more complex, deliberate process. “Minimalism demands deeper understanding and finer craft. When you remove everything superfluous, every detail that remains has to be flawless.”
She showed a white shirt from the atelier—deceptively simple, but on closer look: perfect shoulder proportion, hidden seams, a collar angle refined over countless fittings. “That shirt took six months to get right. Minimalism isn’t an excuse for taking shortcuts; it’s the pursuit of perfection.”
Why Material Matters
When design is stripped back, material takes centre stage. “I spend a lot of time finding the right fabric—hand, drape, sheen. Each factor shapes the whole.” She favours natural materials: organic cotton, linen, silk. “They have a life; they change with time and wear. That dialogue with time is what I want in my work.”
Colour Philosophy
Her collections stay in neutrals—white, cream, grey, black. “I’m not against colour, but I believe neutrals let the wearer’s personality lead. Clothes should support the person, not overpower them.”
“Minimalism is not lack but precision. It’s a conscious choice of what deserves to stay and what to release. In a noisy world, minimalism is a clear voice.” — Designer Sophie Laurent
Sustainability
Minimalism aligns naturally with sustainable fashion. “When you design for the long term, you reduce waste. I want people to buy my work not because it’s trendy but because it will still be beautiful and useful in five or ten years.” Her brand produces in small runs and offers lifetime repair. “That’s not just an eco strategy—it’s a commitment to quality. Every piece deserves to be cared for.”
Advice to Young Designers
On advice for emerging designers: “Don’t rush to fix your style. Experiment, make mistakes, explore—that’s part of the path. But learn to listen to what truly matters to you. Minimalism isn’t the only answer, but it taught me something essential: honesty. Whatever your style, let it come from a genuine place.”
Looking Ahead
She wants to keep deepening the exploration of minimalism. “I want to show that minimal can be diverse, warm, full of feeling. It’s not cold—it’s a deeper way of connecting.” As we left, the evening light turned the atelier gold. In that clean space we saw a designer’s devotion to beauty and a clear understanding of what fashion is. In her hands, minimalism is not just a style but a way of life—finding clarity in clutter and richness in simplicity.
