Women in Luxury: Morgane Sézalory, founder and creative director of Sézane
Morgane Sézalory has an enviable eye for detail – which combined with her passion for ecommerce – has grown Sézane into a go-to for fashion-forward crowds around the globe
Not many people can say they single-handedly grew France’s first ecommerce brand into a multi-million-pound fashion label with a cult following – but Morgane Sézalory can. Founder of Sézane, which was launched from her Parisian bedroom in 2013, it’s fair to say Sézalory was ahead of her time, creating a business model which prioritised an online presence rather than a traditional bricks-and-mortar setting. That said, the brand now has outposts spanning London, Spain and New York, as well as in its spiritual and physical home in Paris. More than 10 years on from its inception, Sézalory not only has her finger on the pulse when it comes to encapsulating Parisian-chic, but also the ever-changing world of retail and online shopping. After all, she always knew that in a crowded retail market, you’ve got to do something different to survive.
Not that Sézane is merely surviving. With an estimated company valuation just shy of €1 billion, and Sézalory listed as one of Business of Fashion’s leading creative directors in the world, not even she could have predicted the success that would come from a humble blog about fashion finds from Parisian flea markets. Aged 18, she would scour the rails to source vintage Hermès and Saint Laurent to sell initially on Facebook, later on eBay, and then on her own website, Les Composantes, which launched in 2008. Before long, similarly-savvy, second-hand fashionistas cottoned on and would flock to her website on the first Tuesday of every month to try and nab Sézalory’s latest 100-strong drop – which, naturally, sold out in minutes and bolstered her monthly salary by thousands of euros.
Not content with merely selling other people’s designs, however, after five years of resale success, Sézane – a combination of both her first and last name – launched as France’s first and only e-commerce-led fashion brand. Having spotted a gap in the market for feminine, vintage-inspired designs – think blouses with scalloped collars and billowing sleeves, flattering bootcut jeans with distinct floral patterns, and Nineties-inspired suede jackets – Sézane allowed Sézalory to design her own drops at reasonable price points. A coterie of French It girls, as well as the Princess of Wales, Taylor Swift and Sienna Miller, were instant fans.
Morgane Sézalory
Having centred her original business model around second-hand clothes, it was important to Sézalory that Sézane also had a conscience. A B-Corp brand since 2021 – with a commitment to using eco-friendly materials in at least three-quarters of its products, and more than 80 per cent carrying trusted, ethical certifications – Sézalory also launched a philanthropic programme named Demain in 2018, supporting global charities such as the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, Libraries Without Borders, and the Young Women’s Trust.
Today, Sézane encompasses more than just fashion, with a brother brand, Octobre Edition, tapping into the menswear market; an interior edit reviving the Les Composantes name; and, new in 2024, Petit Sézane – a childrenswear range catering up to 12 years old and adopting the same approach to classic, chic French style.
Here, she sits down with us to reflect on humble beginnings, her innate eye for detail, and why your background should never define your success.
I knew I always wanted to do something creative. I never studied fashion, but it found me through my love of vintage.
Not at all. I worked in retail at age 17 for pocket money but quickly realised I didn’t want anyone telling me what to do. I had to create my path – it was empowering. I started selling vintage finds online after school without realising it would lead to Sézane. But from the beginning, I had an eye for finding beauty in small details, and that instinct has guided me ever since.
I didn’t follow the traditional path – no university, no formal fashion background. Launching Sézane as the first French online brand when I was young seemed a little crazy then, and many weren’t convinced. However, I learned to trust my instincts and listen to those around me who I trusted the most.
Morgane Sézalory
There’s no real average day, but my time is split between spending time with my family, creative direction, and our team, and always thinking about what’s next.
The best part is the Sézane team, driven by an incredible group of women and men who bring passion and talent to everything we do. We’ve built something meaningful together, and I’m constantly inspired by the people I work with. The most challenging part, but also the most crucial part, is giving ourselves the challenge to improve all that can be. I still wake up feeling like it’s day one, always thinking about how to improve.
Expanding into the home category with Les Composantes has always been a dream of mine. Growing up scouring vintage markets, I’ve always been fascinated by the beauty of everyday objects. Bringing that vision beyond fashion and into people’s homes was a natural and exciting next step.
Starting young was both a challenge and a gift. Growing from just me to a worldwide team has been incredible, but keeping the agility and freedom while balancing work and family is always something I work on.
I spend time with my family, travel, and always look for beauty in the world around me, in
Paris and beyond.
My mother. She taught me to be dégourdi – resourceful. She raised us with trust and pragmatism, always encouraging us to find and forge our path.
As a manager, treat others as you would want to be treated. I always say this to my team. We want customers to feel good after their experience with Sézane. As a leader, always give back. It’s a responsibility. That’s why I founded Demain in 2018, our philanthropic programme, for equal access to culture and education.
The internet has opened doors that were once closed in fashion and luxury. Now, anyone with a big idea and determination can create something meaningful.
More access, more opportunity – where background doesn’t define success, but vision and hard work do.
Finding balance and ensuring opportunities are more equal. There’s still work to do.
Trust yourself. The path that feels different can lead to something truly special.
Two things: qui ne tente rien n’a rien – nothing ventured, nothing gained. Take the chance if you have the choice. And stay dégourdi – forge your path, find a way, and make it happen.
Visit sezane.com
Read more: In conversation with Cece Fein Hughes, founder of Cece Jewellery
