It’s time to be très chic with Maje
The “French Girl” style has long enchanted us with its simplicity and timeless elegance as well as its refined silhouettes and air of effortlessness. From blazers to Breton stripes, the Parisian chic look is a relatively simple style formula that can transient seasons and generations to come. If you’re looking to bring a little Paris to your wardrobe, then look no further than Maje.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary, Maje is an effortlessly chic, transgenerational label made for women and girls with a similar mind. The cult favourite French brand has developed ready-to-wear and accessories collections over the years and established itself as one of the most très chic and accessible luxury in the world.
We recently chatted with Judith Milgrom, the founder and creative director of Maje about the brand and the changes it has seen over the years.
Take a look at our conversation with Judith Milgrom:
What does Maje mean?
Maje is a name that represents the symbiosis of my siblings: M for Moyal – my maiden name, A for Alain, my brother — co-founder of the brand, J for Judith and E for Evelyne, my sister — founder of Sandro.
To people who are unfamiliar with Maje, can you sum it up in a sentence or three words?
Transgenerational, transitional from day to night and versatility.
Who is a Maje woman?
I wanted to spread Parisian elegance all around the world with my brand, for women who seek on-trend apparel and accessories. The aesthetic of Maje has always been about what women want to wear, pieces that make them feel beautiful while being aligned with strong current trends. Maje dresses are for women who live several lives in a day, therefore our designs are versatile and can fit different occasions, from day to evening. The Maje woman is feminine, modern and urban, she’s connected to the world, and she loves playing with fashion without taking it too seriously.
What’s your design philosophy for the brand?
Elegance is about feeling good in your clothes, which boosts confidence. Your style reflects your persona, like a constant companion, affecting posture, energy, and mood.
Do you have an icon who you are strongly influenced by when it comes to designing the collection?
I have many fashion icons that had an impact on my inspirations and moods when I create. Jane Birkin & Kate Moss are among them.
Where do you go to look for inspiration?
In the late 1990s, I drew inspiration from women who sought independence, balancing work and motherhood while expressing their unique style at the workplace. This energy fueled me to create colourful, printed collections that embraced femininity, diverging from the prevailing minimalistic trend of the era.
What’s a Maje look that works every time?
I usually hold onto the clothes I enjoy or have enjoyed wearing, like my striped or white shirts, my favourite jeans, and my soft cashmere sweaters, even when they start to deteriorate. My fashion sense has developed without undergoing significant changes; I’ve always enjoyed experimenting with clothing and will continue to do so.
Maje’s 25th anniversary is this year — how has Maje changed since it was first established and how can we expect it to change in the coming years?
The brand has been growing since it started, staying true to the vision I had. We always adhere to the brand DNA in design. Maje has never targeted any specific age group but hopes that it will become a cross-age label, passed on to women and young girls who share similar ideas. At the same time, Maje will continue to share designs and products with them to sublimate their lives.
