There are some brands that are liked by both celebrities as well as masses and one of them is Parisian brand Sézane. Completing 10 years of its establishment, this first French fashion brand born online is known for its working without intermediaries and prioritises quality while maintaining fair price. Boasting a revenue of US $ 450 million, the brand’s core markets are US, France and UK.
Founded by Morgane Sezalory, Sézane’s diversified product portfolio includes knitted and woven garments, denim for men and women, sneakers, leather shoes and accessories like bags and belts. Recently the brand launched its new kidswear line – Petit Sézane.
In garments, its product range encompasses cropped jackets, sweaters with lace trims, cosy jumpers, cute logo tees, winter coats, dresses, pleated skirts, causal dungarees, tights, socks, tied neck scarf, T-shirts and so on. Their prices vary from US $ 14 to US $ 450 with cotton, viscose, wool, linen, raffia, jute, hemp, silk and polyester being the major blends being used.
Almost 80 per cent of the brand’s revenue comes from online sales. In 2016, the brand launched its first physical store and now it has 20 global pop-ups and standalone stores, which are known as The Sézane Apartment where customers can get immersive experience. Apart from products, these exclusive stores have tableware, stationery and household linen on display.
The suppliers of the French fashion pioneer are long-standing partners which have grown along with the brand. Following responsible production model, the brand’s 68 per cent sourcing is from Europe, 18 per cent from China (the brand has banned cotton of Xinjiang region in China), 6 per cent from North Africa and 5 per cent from India but there is hardly any RMG supplier in Bangladesh working with the brand. Regarding its suppliers, the brand’s important consideration is the level of modernity in factories, particularly in terms of the working conditions which are sometimes better in Asia than in parts of Europe. For example, it has opted to produce some of its products in China to take advantage of China’s know-how and extensive resources in the production of silk garments and for its mastery of certain advanced knitting techniques, which are harder to come by in Europe.
An internal traceability tool helps to continue mapping its value chain, allowing it to include 100 per cent of Tier-1 suppliers and tanneries for ready-to-wear items and bags, footwear and accessories. To support the suppliers, the brand conducted a survey of all Tier-1 suppliers to take stock of their environmental energy practices and promote decarbonised energy solutions to support value chain transition effort.
Sustainability, the core strength of Bangladesh RMG sector, is also the pivotal focus of Sézane as it claims to be a mission-driven company since 2020, having received B-Corp certification since 2021. Besides, overproduction, flash sales, excess inventory or destruction are not a part of the brand.
That’s not all! Sézane’s products use around 77 per cent eco-friendly materials like organic or recycled cotton, RWS or recycled wool, recycled polyester and 83 per cent are certified pieces. 100 per cent of its leather tanning is also done responsibly, with all leather coming from tanneries certified by the Leather Working Group (LWG).
