My favourite brand. Full stop. Anyone who knows me knows that most of my day wear and evening wear wardrobe is comprised of Maje’s unique pieces. Once you see one of these pieces, you will instantly know it is Maje– flirty yet sophisticated, cute yet elegant, there’s a distinct Maje flair. Read on to find out the history behind the brand, some of my favourite pieces & a little fashion finance (read: IPO & shareholder activism) …
Founded by Judith Milgrom in 1998, who still remains the brand’s artistic director, Maje unites her family:
- M for Moyal – Judith’s maiden name
- A for Alain – her brother, and co-founder of Maje
- J for Judith
- E for Evelyne – her sister, and founder of sister-brand Sandro
Catering to 41 countries and delivering €407.3m in sales in 2021, Maje has expanded from its humble origins.
- Maje opened its first boutique opened in 2022 on Rue du Four in the 6th arrondissement.
- Maje sailed across the Atlantic Ocean and opened its first US shop in New York in 2011
- 2012 saw Maje travelling to the Far East and opening its Hong Kong store
MAJE’S ALLURE
Maje is the go to brand for girls and women, loved by young women. It’s flirty and girly styles contrast with the intricate and sophisticated prints, creating the perfect transitional pieces to be worn day and night for those wanting to remain youthful whilst adding a touch of elegance. Indeed, Milgrom summarises the emotions evoked by the brand: “The elegance of living multiple lives in a single day.”
Since uni (and beyond!) I have been obsessed with Maje’s skorts and they are a key anchoring component of my wardrobe (find one of my favourite skorts here). Although on first glance they look like a cute short skirt, they are in fact shorts at the back. Pair with Stuart Weitzman boots (blog post here) for an ultra chic look!
SMCP POWERHOUSE
Maje is one of four brands under the SMCP umbrella, an umbrella which “inspires Parisian Elegance around the world”. Headed by CEO Isabelle Guichot since August 2021, SMCP has carved a niche in the growing accessible luxury market in France and beyond.
SMCP IPO’ed in October 2017 at €22 per share, giving a €1.7 billion market cap and it was the second-largest IPO on the Paris stock market in 2017.
In June 2019 the Group acquired De Fursac and in Spring 2020 Claudie Pierlot was the last brand to ban the use of fur, making SMCP a fur-free group.
A little bit of fashion finance for you:
- October 2021: SMCP’s majority shareholder European TopSoho defaulted on €250m of bonds
- This angered institutional shareholders BlackRock and Carlyle
- 29% share of SMCP was taken over and sold by its creditors
- January 2022: BlackRock, Carlyle and other investors voted to dismiss 5 board members. These 5 board members represented European TopSoho.
IF YOU LOVE MAJE…
Sister brand Sandro, also under the SMCP umbrella, is another of my much loved brands, however this one has a more sophisticated feel, with longer, less teasing cuts, and a slightly older target audience. I love their long wool coat & it’s currently on sale here! Whilst Sandro offers clothes for men too, SMCP’s Fursac exclusively creates mens suits and clothes.
Claudie Pierlot also creates elegant pieces which are lovely additions to corporate wardrobes. This black pleated short dress with ruffles is perfect for afterwork drinks and corporate dinners (find it here)!
Have you tried on Maje’s gorgeous pieces?
What are your thoughts on my favourite daywear and evening wear brand?
Let me know! Lots of love, Jo xoxo
PS. Post uses affiliate links.
