Page 26 - #184 September 2023

Miami, US

Simple Sophistication

Not constrained by the fast pace of fashion seasons, Marie France Van Damme fuses
understated European elegance with dramatic Asian aesthetics to create a distinctly
unique collection. In this interview, we spend some time with company Founder
Marie France to discuss the growth of the business since its inception in 2011 and
what its next moves are.
aving been in fashion since the early 80s, Marie France 10 years since our opening in ifc,” explains company Founder Marie France.
established her manufacturing company in Hong Kong back “I design uncomplicated pieces that are easy to ‘throw on’. What
Hin 1984, designing, developing and manufacturing collections you wear should give you glamour without the fuss and bother. It is a
for French, British and American retailers. collection that takes you from day to night, city to resort and cocktails to
This was the foundation of the Marie France Van Damme brand, dinner with ease and elegance.”
which began as a resort collection that Marie France started ‘for fun’, Operating out of nine global stores in iconic locations such as
where she designed a chic wardrobe for her vacation needs. In time Bangkok, California, Dubai, Florida, Hong Kong, Marrakech, Phuket
this collection began to draw attention from the likes of Harrods and and Singapore, the business has very high customer retention. People
Bergdorf Goodman. who discover and buy the brand instantly become fans of the brand.
“Being backed by major luxury department stores, I had the confidence The company strategy is to engage with their retail partners around the
a year later to approach ifc mall in Hong Kong for my first standalone store world to create personalised brand experiences that they can share with
which they gave me and is still in full operation. Just last month we celebrated their audience.

Bangkok, Thailand