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We made the choice of values as we refuse to relocate overseas. We wanted to keep what is best in our French culture: unique know-hows and rare skills.
Fabienne Bailly & Sébastien Bailly, Founders of Maison Alexandre de Paris
History
Throughout the XXth century, the history of the workshop is influenced by the creativity of three famous contemporary characters, which reflects the French culture and nurtures the French know-how.
The first one, master of "Haute Coiffure", born Louis Alexandre Raimon, gives his name to the brand: Alexandre de Paris. Also known as the "Sphinx", he is a distinguished figure of Paris high society, worshipped by American movies stars as much as the Monegasque aristocracy.
He is the one who designed the very first piece out of a long collection of high-end accessories, the iconic Vendôme Comb. Inspired by the famous jewellers' hub in Paris, he has it crafted in Félix Huchard's workshop.
The second one is an artist, the French poet Jean Cocteau, who draws the impressive Sphinx as a gesture of his friendship for the famous hairdresser. This drawing will permeate the aura of the brand and be the symbol of these hair accessories with a Parisian elegance for the next 30 years.
Henceforth, Japan, enthralled by the unique know-how of hair accessories thoroughly handmade in France, becomes the first international market, counting up to 20 boutiques.
The opening of the flagship 235 rue St Honoré, followed by a shop in shop in Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, sets the pace of international growth, at the dawn of the 90's.
In turn, China falls for French creativity. Starting with Hong Kong, up to 60 Alexandre de Paris boutiques will flourish in Taiwan and mainland China.
At first, they were merely - however official and exclusive - manufacturer of Alexandre de Paris hair accessories, mostly for Asia and foreign tourists in France. But they had the purpose of uniting the craftsmanship and the brand: the duet of visionary entrepreneurs, Fabienne Bailly and Sébastien Bailly, eventually manages to acquire the ownership of the brand Alexandre de Paris to strengthen the French know-how. Now the headquarters in Oyonnax host all the expertise: from the Creative Studio to the Sales and Marketing team, from the local workshop to the international distribution network.
And this is how Alexandre de Paris becomes a Maison of fashion accessories for hair.
A hair clip thought of as a jewel, the body of which is covered with a fine gold plating.
Under the lead of Fabienne and Sébastien, Maison Alexandre de Paris is developing and growing worldwide (Brazil, USA, Central and Northern Europe). The next challenging step is the re-conquest of the French market through the emphasis on the excellence of the French craftsmanship.
Up to date, the original creations of Maison Alexandre de Paris - also a member of Comité Vendôme- are distributed in 200 points of sale all over the world (besides the self-operated omni-channels) and renew its expression territory, meeting with its French and foreign customers.
