Facettes Studio — Founder Interview with Marie-Laure Dumon

FACETTES STUDIO STANDS OUT IN THE SLOW FASHION INDUSTRY FOR COMBINING ETHICAL PRODUCTION WITH EFFORTLESS FRENCH ELEGANCE. THINK PERFECTLY TAILORED BLAZERS, WAISTCOATS AND SUIT PANTS. WE SAT DOWN WITH THE BRAND’S FOUNDER, MARIE-LAURE DUMON, TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HER PARISIAN BRAND, FROM HER USE OF DEADSTOCK MATERIALS SOURCED FROM FRENCH LUXURY HOUSES TO HER INSPIRATION DRAWN FROM STYLE ICONS SUCH AS KATE MOSS, MONICA BELLUCCI, AND BIANCA JAGGER. DUMON SHARES HER JOURNEY FROM WORKING IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY FOR OVER A DECADE TO LAUNCHING HER OWN BRAND, ALONG WITH HER INSPIRATIONS AND DEDICATION TO CREATING BEAUTIFULLY TAILORED PIECES THAT EMPOWER WOMEN WHILE BEING CREATED IN A SUSTAINABLE WAY.

words by SARAH MARIE DAY
photographs COURTESY OF BRAND

Sarah Marie Day: When did you have the idea to start your own brand?

Marie-Laure Dumon: I don't have a single defining moment; it's more of a long-standing desire to do my own thing without knowing exactly what it would be. After spending ten years in the fashion industry and freelancing with independent designers, my experiences with startups and smaller brands gradually led me to start my own company. Frustrations with sustainable fashion and the challenge of finding clothing that aligned with my values as well as my aesthetic made me realize I was ready to take the leap and create something of my own.

How did you become interested in sustainable fashion?

My own sustainable fashion journey started when I was a student at Parsons. There was a very specific moment, it was during a production class we watched the documentary The True Cost, which profoundly impacted me. Although I was aware of the negative effects of fast fashion, the documentary's thorough presentation completely changed my perspective. From that day, I stopped buying fast fashion entirely. Recently, while on a flight from Paris to Boston, I rewatched the documentary and was moved to tears once again.

It's such a good documentary. How would you describe the purpose you have with Facettes Studio?

I want to show that it's possible to dress sustainably while still being elegant and effortless. I use only deadstock fabrics for my designs and everything is made locally in Paris. The idea is to help women dress more intentionally and sustainably, making them feel empowered through the clothes they are wearing. It's not about producing and selling more clothes, as there are already so many brands out there. This thought made it difficult for me to start. But I think the fashion industry needs more sustainable brands that are both, ethical but yet stylish and empowering.

“I think the fashion industry needs more sustainable brands that are both, ethical but yet stylish and empowering.”

— Marie-Laure Dumon, Founder of Facettes Studio

It's amazing to see stylish and sophisticated brands emerging in the sustainable fashion space. Why did you decide to focus mainly on tailoring?

My goal is to create timeless, elegant clothing with versatile designs. Think high-quality pieces for a capsule wardrobe. Naturally, I started with the blazer because it's incredibly versatile — you can wear it to work, dinner, or a night out, and it pairs well with jeans, dress pants, or a dress. From there, I expanded the collection with matching pants and waistcoats, creating pieces that mix and match like building blocks for a cohesive wardrobe. So the focus is more on versatile wardrobe staples and the first ones happened to be tailored pieces. But I'm also working on a bias-cut dress to diversify the collection at the moment! The vision is to grow thoughtfully, with core pieces that are timeless and elegant essentials — not basics. For example, I won’t create a white t-shirt since many sustainable brands already excel at that. Instead, I aim to offer pieces that stand out for their elegance and timeless appeal.

How did you decide on the name Facettes Studio?

Choosing a name was challenging! It comes from the French word “boule à facettes" which means "disco ball," which I love as a fan of disco. It also represents the multifaceted nature of women's lives, as well as the many facets involved in creating a garment and the fashion industry as a whole. The name is a playful nod to all these aspects.

What did you do before starting your own brand?

I’ve been working in the fashion industry for about 10 years, primarily in e-commerce even though my career began with a master’s in fabrics and textiles. For the past four years, I’ve been freelancing and consulting with various independent fashion and lifestyle brands. My consulting is mostly in e-commerce, but as it’s with smaller brands, I sometimes help with sourcing fabrics as well.

What fabrics do you focus on for your brand? And where do you source them?

I exclusively use leftover fabrics from French and Italian luxury houses, sourced through Nona Source, a startup within the LVMH group. Nona Source provides detailed information on fabric composition and origin, which is crucial for informed choices. While many brands use deadstock fabrics, I go a step further by using only natural or artificial fibers, avoiding synthetics like polyester and nylon to prevent microplastic pollution.

Do you design the pieces yourself?

I design everything myself but collaborate with a highly experienced pattern maker who specializes in tailoring. With 30 years in the industry and a background working with brands like Balenciaga, she brings invaluable expertise to the process. While I handle the design through mood boards and detailed explanations, her skill ensures the patterns are executed flawlessly. This collaboration is essential, as fashion design and pattern making require distinct expertise.

For the design process, where do you find most inspiration?

I don't know if it's because I'm a Pisces, so I'm supposed to be creative and sensitive, but I find inspiration all around me! Street style of women around me inspires me as well as archive photos from the 70s to the early 2000s. I believe that timeless style persists through the decades. Nature provides inspiration for colors, materials, and shapes of my designs, and architecture also plays a role.

Let's talk about the production. You said you’re trying to produce everything locally?

Actually everything is made in Paris. I wouldn't mind if it would be made in France, but it actually happens that everything is made here, even the buttons and care labels. And the pattern making is done just outside of Paris. The only exception are the brand tags, they come from Italy. But otherwise everything happens here, the design, pattern making and sewing.

Are there any physical locations, any retailers or pop ups where people could find the Facettes Studio pieces?

Currently, my products are available exclusively through the website as a direct-to-consumer model, which helps keep prices lower by avoiding intermediaries. I’m planning pop-ups, including one in Paris this September and potentially another before the holiday season. I’d love to do a pop-up in New York or Boston this winter!

Let's talk about the garment’s names, I saw some fun names like Monica and Bianca on the website. What are the names inspired by?

The names of my designs are inspired by figures featured on my mood boards. "Monica" references Monica Bellucci or Monica from the TV show “Friends” who often wore vests, and the”Bianca" pants is inspired by Bianca Jagger’s iconic tailoring. The "Kate" vest is named after Kate Moss, who has worn similar styles from the 90s to today. Each name reflects the timeless elegance and versatility of these influential women.

“The names are inspired by figures featured on my mood boards. Monica references Monica Bellucci or Monica from Friends who often wore vests.”

— Marie-Laure Dumon, Founder of Facettes Studio

How would you describe the style of Facettes Studio in three words?

I would say timeless, elegant but also undone. The idea is not to be too polished.

Undone was an unexpected one! But it feels very effortless and French!

That’s definitely a French thing. For instance, wearing a blazer with slightly oversized jeans or casual shoes like flats or even flip-flops, and keeping makeup minimal. It’s all about looking like you didn’t put too much effort into getting ready. To achieve this, it’s sometimes even helpful to take one thing off right before you head out.

I can totally see that! Which garment of the collection do you personally wear the most?

For me, it’s definitely the Bianca pants. They are the perfect blend of comfort and style, so you feel put together without much effort. I wear them with flats, and they’re incredibly comfy — way better than leggings. I have them in linen for hot summer days and in light wool for transitional weather and winter. I pair them with tank tops, t-shirts, or linen shirts, and they’ve become a go-to in my wardrobe.

And we talked the other day about the fact that tailored pants are actually much more comfy than jeans! Are they your best seller?

Actually no, I guess pants are maybe harder to sell online because of the fit. My best sellers are the tuxedo jacket in black and the vest in white.

Do you have any tips how we can keep our garments in good shape?

For blazers, use large hangers to preserve the shoulder pads from braking and hang them with the buttons closed to maintain their shape. This tip comes from my mom. In general, always check the care instructions of your garments. While some of the Facettes Studio pieces have to get dry cleaned, especially the blazers, a few can be washed gently in the washing machine.

This question I ask all founders I interview: at Luméra we want to shine a spotlight on people who have a good impact in the fashion industry. If you could hold that spotlight on other people or brands, what would it be?

I know a few great brands I’d love to shout out. Studio Terre Blanche is a friend of mine who does vintage bridal and wedding guest dresses, sourcing from France and Italy and offering beautiful pieces from the 60s to the 90s. Another friend, Amicalement Soi, creates stunning silk scarves entirely made in France, she even hand paints them. And there’s Humaya Paris, a footwear brand using deadstock leather made in Portugal. And lastly there’s a brand who’s a competitor of mine, but they do amazing things, they are called Waste Paris. They also use deadstock fabric and leather and have some beautiful tailored pieces. They also do amazing timeless handbags! The more brands are doing sustainable and stylish pieces with upcycled fabrics, the better, it means the fashion industry is changing and evolving towards more circularity.

Amazing, thank you! Let’s do some rapid fire questions to end off! Your go-to spot to get a drink in Paris?

There's a cocktail bar called Fréquence on Rue Keller. They have great cocktails, and they play amazing music on vinyls.

Your favorite coffee spot in Paris?

It's hard to pick, but any Noir location is great. The coffee is fantastic and it’s ethically sourced.

Where do you get recharged and get inspired again?

When I was a kid, I used to visit my grandparents in the South of France, near the sea. Every time I'm by the sea and see the blue water, I feel recharged — it might be my Pisces energy, but it really calms me. It sounds like a cliché, but it’s true. Walking is another thing I love—it's like active meditation for me, and I often get my best ideas while walking. I enjoy strolling through Paris, but I do it in Boston too. And I also love sitting at a café, on a terrace, and watch the people passing by — it’s one of my favorite activities.

the last place you traveled to?

New York a few weeks ago.

the last book you read?

I’m currently reading “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero. I know the book has been around for a while, but I'm finally reading it. I like self-development books.

a song that instantly lifts your mood?

“Don't Leave Me This Way” by Thelma Houston. It lives rent free in my head!

Facettes Studio

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