Cotélac is a French clothing line that has become a household name in its native country; and it recently arrived in Westport. With an international following and multiple locations across the globe, it continues to grow its loyal customer base by offering unique pieces with a certain je ne sais quoi. Catherine Groener, U.S. market manager for the brand, spoke with us about the inspiration behind the brand and finding one’s individual style.
You may be able to find airy cotton tops, leather belts, and knit sweaters easy enough, but Groener says that “what differentiates Cotélac from any other brand is that its pieces have real character. Some things fit in terms of size, but not in terms of personality of the customer.” That’s the basis of shopping here; they want your identity and sense of style to shine through in your fashion choices. “When you wear a Cotélac piece, it’s not like you are wearing a ‘name.’ It’s you before the clothes,” she says.
In a world of fast-fashion and little individuality, Cotélac’s pieces stand apart, thanks to how the wearers style themselves. “Everyone has their own interpretation of the collection and that’s what I like…that surprise, and the fact that it’s not uniform. I like the personal creativity,” says Groener.
Cotélac has a particular emphasis on prints, and although the old rule is to pair prints with solids, here shoppers are encouraged to be more playful. “We pair plaids with other patterns in an outfit. Sometimes, we go off the traditional path.”
The brand’s founder and designer, Raphaelle Cavalli, is inspired by nature and the artistic and whimsical aspects of life. That’s seen in the brand’s habit of commissioning patterns from artists and illustrators to be used in a multitude of forms and sizes in the clothing. “You’re going to see the same print, incorporated in different ways. At first you won’t even know it’s the same print,” says Groener.
No matter if you mix polka dots with stripes or wear all solids, at the end of the day, it’s all about you and how you choose to wear clothing. “You have to find your own identity and feel good in what you are wearing and feel good about yourself. That’s the most important goal.”
111 Post Road East, Westport; cotelac.us