Two of a Kind

The creative minds behind Ripauste are two sisters that come together with their individual personalities and talents to create a brand that is structured, yet carefree; meticulously designed, yet full of surprises. We asked the sisters to tell us a little about themselves, and what inspires their unique designs.

Q: What does confidence mean to you?

Stephanie: Confidence means having the courage to leave everything in order to carry out your dreams.

Pauline: It’s about following your heart without the need to ask permission.

Q: What do you think is the most important item in your wardrobe?

Stephanie: Without a doubt, my black suit jacket. I like to wear it with jeans, stilettos and my Ripauste red clutch bag for a chic, cool look.

Pauline: For me, it’s definitely my old blue jeans. Every woman must have a pair like this. They are the ones that fit so perfectly that you try to fix them up every day to keep them longer, and when they’re finally retired you cry a bit because you’re scared you will never find another pair like them again!

Q: When you’re not designing leather goods, what else do you enjoy doing?

Stephanie: I like to spend time and have a drink with my friends. Also, in recent months I’ve started running. It’s a real drug.

Pauline: I love travelling and discovering new countries and people. It’s a good way to open your mind and go back to work with new eyes and new ideas.

Q: What was your favorite historic time period for fashion?

Stephanie: My favorite historic time period for fashion was the 20’s and Coco Chanel style. It was the end of corsets, when women dared to wear pants and little black dresses.

Pauline: I like to mix it up between different periods of fashion, but if I had to choose one it would be the 60’s and hippy style. I love the spirit of that time.

Q: What do you enjoy most about living in France?

Stephanie: When I used to live in London, I dreamt about French cooking, fresh bread, and good wine.

Pauline: What I really love in France is the diversity between all of our regions. In Southern France, we get the sun and the sea. It’s a student city and we get all this energy. I love Paris, because Paris is Paris. I also enjoy the countryside of Normandy because it’s so peaceful. It’s really an amazing country to travel around… and we get really good cheese and red wine!