Introduction
Christophe Lemaire is a French designer who founded the label now known as Lemaire and has directed collections for Lacoste, Hermès and Uniqlo U. Hermès appointed him artistic director of women’s ready-to-wear in 2010; his first collection was Autumn–Winter 2011 and his final collection, Spring–Summer 2015, was shown in October 2014.
Across independent design, sportswear and luxury, Lemaire has treated fashion as a working wardrobe. His Hermès tenure brought caftan, kurta and kimono-derived volumes into dialogue with leather, silk and cashmere, while his later work has extended the same attention to everyday movement and repeated wear.
Design ethos
Lemaire builds garments through volume, handle and the space around the body. Long coats, broad sleeves, straight trousers, tunics and soft tailoring are balanced by practical pockets and controlled closures, allowing the clothes to layer without becoming rigid.
Material carries much of the expression. Suede, calfskin, wool, linen, cotton and silk are used in muted or mineral colour ranges, with occasional saturated accents. Decorative branding recedes so that proportion, touch and use remain visible, whether the context is an independent collection, a heritage house or an industrially produced wardrobe.
Disclaimer
Career history
2014
Hermès announced Christophe Lemaire’s departure on 21 July 2014 so he could focus on his own label. He completed the tenure with the Spring–Summer 2015 collection shown on 1 October 2014.
2010
Christophe Lemaire joined Hermès women’s ready-to-wear in 2010. His collections ran from Autumn–Winter 2011 through Spring–Summer 2015, developing a relaxed wardrobe through volume, natural materials and leather.
1991
Christophe Lemaire founded his Paris label as a wardrobe project grounded in proportion, fabric, utility and quiet continuity. Over time, Lemaire became defined by clothes that feel designed for repeated use rather than seasonal spectacle.
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