What inspired this collection?
This collection draws inspiration from the history of the mullet hairstyle, which over time has become a true symbol of rebellion, identity, and pop culture. In the 1970s and 1980s, the mullet established itself as a strong visual at the heart of rock and pop culture. Artists such as David Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust era, Paul McCartney, and Rod Stewart made it a stylistic statement, synonymous with boldness and self-expression. Adopted by musicians, athletes, and some communities, the hairstyle became a marker of counterculture and social expression, embodying energy, excess, and the desire to stand out. In the 1990s and 2000s, its image evolved. The mullet lost its iconic status and became associated with kitsch and bad taste, often mocked and used as a caricature of an aesthetic considered outdated. The mullet stopped being a provocation and became more of a design statement.
How would you describe the colour palette?
Simone plays with shades of blue throughout all of its collections. This winter, shades of brown, green, and sandy beige have been added to the mix. To contrast with these warm colours, powdery light pink adds a soft touch to the collection.
Which materials did you particularly enjoy working with?
For the first time, we worked with cashmere jersey. The challenge was to take this luxurious fabric, often used in classic cuts, and take it out of its usual ways.
Your ideal fictional character?
Woody from Toy Story: an urban cowboy who always smiles.
The movie or book that continues to inspire you?
Big Fish by Tim Burton, because it’s filled with pop culture, surrealism, and emotion. The aesthetic is incredibly colourful without being as polished as Wes Anderson’s.
A childhood memory that shaped your vocation?
My nickname at school: “The girl who dresses weird.”
A neighbourhood or place in Paris you particularly love?
The Café de la Poste, rue de Turenne – a fashion show 365 days a year/all year long/ everyday!
How do you define yourself today? Your aesthetic?
Like a cronut – a blend of the elegance of a Parisian croissant and the eccentricity of a colourful donut.
Your mantra? Your lucky charm?
I love collecting objects, whether they have meaning or not. Beyond being useful, they remain small treasures that carry memories, dreams, and stories. As I grew up, my passion for key-chains did not fade. On the contrary, it became a source of inspiration for my creations. That's how the idea of incorporating key-chains into my clothing came about. For me, each key-chain added to a piece in my collection is a way of telling a story, creating an emotional connection, and celebrating life's little moments.
Your vision for 2026 and your projects?
To grow the Simone community both on social media and in real life – and why not in other countries where the brand is already established.
I want J. Simone to be more than just a brand; I want it to become a club. Our next presentation is open to more people beyond the fashion sphere. We have invited our social media community.
You as a destination ?
A mix between Bali and Tokyo.
L.B.
This interview has been lightly edited.
