Who Is Isabel Marant? The Designer, the Paris House and Its Signature Pieces

By Gemma Deeks, Luxury Handbags Fashion Editor. Updated 14 October 2026.

Isabel Marant is a French fashion designer, born in 1967 in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, and the founder of the Paris label that bears her name. She launched the brand in 1994 and showed her first collection at Paris Fashion Week in 1995. The house is known for a relaxed, bohemian take on Parisian style, and for the hidden-wedge sneaker that became one of the most copied shoes of its decade.

At a glance

• Born 12 April 1967, Boulogne-Billancourt, France.
• Trained at Studio Berçot in Paris, 1985 to 1987.
• Founded her label in 1994; first Paris show in 1995.
• First boutique on rue de Charonne in 1998.
• Launched Isabel Marant Étoile in 1999.
• Designed a sell-out collaboration with H&M in 2013.

Early years

Marant studied at Studio Berçot, the Paris fashion school, and in 1990 launched a knitwear label, Twen, with her mother before founding her own label in 1994. Her first boutique opened on rue de Charonne in the 11th arrondissement in 1998, followed by stores in Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Marais.

The style

Isabel Marant clothes look lived in. Washed denim, slouchy suede boots, printed silk blouses, chunky knits and fringed leather sit together, with a slightly rock edge. The house rarely does formal glamour; even its evening pieces, in lurex and beaded lace, are made to be worn with boots.

The signature pieces

The hidden-wedge sneaker, led by the Bekett and the Bobby, is the shoe most people know her for. The Western boot, in shapes such as the Dicker and the Duerto, is the other signature, and the studded Oskan Moon is the best-known bag. Luxury Handbags stocks the current versions in the Isabel Marant edit; see Isabel Marant sneakers, model by model and Isabel Marant boots.

Isabel Marant Étoile

In 1999 the house added Étoile, a more relaxed and lower-priced line of knits, sweatshirts, denim and printed blouses. It sits under the same studio and uses the same sizing. Our guide to Isabel Marant vs Isabel Marant Étoile explains the difference.

The H&M collaboration

In November 2013 Isabel Marant designed a capsule for H&M, with fringed suede, embroidered jackets and her signature boots at high-street prices. It sold out almost immediately.

Where to buy Isabel Marant

The house sells through its own boutiques in Paris and other cities, its online store and luxury retailers. Luxury Handbags stocks the current collection, and every piece is checked for authenticity before dispatch. Our guide to how to spot real Isabel Marant explains what to check when buying elsewhere.

Isabel Marant today

The house makes women’s ready-to-wear, the Étoile line, shoes, bags, jewellery, sunglasses and accessories, and a menswear line. Every collection is designed in Paris.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Isabel Marant?

Isabel Marant is a French fashion designer, born in 1967, who founded her Paris label in 1994. She is known for bohemian Parisian style and the hidden-wedge sneaker.

Is Isabel Marant a luxury brand?

Yes. Isabel Marant is a Paris designer label that shows at Paris Fashion Week and sells through its own boutiques and luxury retailers.

What is Isabel Marant famous for?

The hidden-wedge sneaker, Western boots, slouchy suede, printed silk blouses and an effortless, lived-in Parisian style.

Where is Isabel Marant from?

She was born in Boulogne-Billancourt, near Paris, and the house is based in Paris.

Did Isabel Marant work with H&M?

Yes. Her H&M collaboration launched in November 2013 and sold out almost immediately.

More Isabel Marant guides

• Isabel Marant vs Isabel Marant Étoile
• is Isabel Marant worth it?
• brands like Isabel Marant
• Isabel Marant sneakers, model by model
• Shop all Isabel Marant at Luxury Shoes