Meet Apparis
When it comes to winter fashion staples, a statement faux fur jacket is always on the top of our list and the more colorful the better. One new emerging designer on our radar is Apparis, a New York-based company founded by Amelie Brick and Lauren Nouchi, who wanted to create the perfect faux fur jacket. Together they combined their progressional experience that included working at fashion houses like Louis Vuitton to start their new venture. We caught up with the duo to learn more and share our favorite pieces here, as modeled by ROSE & IVY fashion stylist and contributor Ana Tess.
MEET the APPARIS designers
Amelie Brick
From: Marseilles, France
Currently Resides: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Lauren Nouchi
From: Marseilles, France
Currently Resides: Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Apparis Sophie faux fur coat; Closed sweater; 3x1 jeans; Loeffler Randall Isla boots; Rachel Comey Tenril earrings available at The Frankie Shop; Happy Socks Lovisa knee high socks
First off, we love faux fur and the Apparis coats are not only fashion-foward but they are also incredibly soft and warm. What inspired you both to start a company based around faux fur?
We really wanted to bring something new and meaningful to the industry. We started as a boutique selling vegan French apparel and accessories and noticed that girls would come in and try on our faux fur coats that we had designed, which is when we realized that we had something special. After doing a lot market research, we saw that there was a need in the market for a faux fur outerwear brand with great quality at an affordable price point, especially with the noticeable shift in consumers’ buying behaviors when it came to buying fur. Real fur has become a faux pas.
You have both worked at luxury French fashion houses and met while working at Louis Vuitton. How did those experiences shape your approach to fashion?
Those experiences taught us about storytelling and craftsmanship. We understand that customers want to feel an emotional connection with the brand and the products. We also know that we are at a time in fashion when prices do not dictate quality, so we really want to design outerwear that is stylish and luxe, yet very affordable.
What made you both decide to join forces and strike it out on your own?
We both come from entrepreneurial backgrounds, so we knew we wanted to create something. After a few glasses of wine, we decided to quit our jobs and begin our journey!
Apparis Lisa Color-Blocked faux fur coat; Closed sweater; Closed jeans; Rachel Comey Tuck acrylic earrings, available at The Frankie Shop
Apparis Sarah faux fur coat; Closed sweater; 3x1 Cora crop jeans ; Loeffler Randall Cooper boots (on sale); Bonheur earrings; Proenza Schouler hex paneled bag
What were some non-negotiables when creating the brand?
We were very adamant to keep our prices affordable, while maintaining our high standards in regards to quality.
How did you come up with the name?
Finding a name for a brand is not the easiest! We wanted a name that was reminiscent of where we were from, but also catchy and easy to remember. After days of brainstorming, we came up with Apparis (Apparel + Paris.)
The color palette is diverse with so many pretty options. Where do you draw inspiration from?
We took inspiration from all of the cities we've lived in. From Marseille, where we are from, to NYC where we live. We are all about chic and fun colors.
Apparis Sophie faux fur coat; Closed sweater & scarf; Closed jeans; Loeffler Randall Cooper boots (on sale); Bonheur earrings; Happy Socks Lovisa knee high socks
Congratulations on your New York Pop Up! What do you like most about living and working in the city?
We love NYC! Both coming from France, we are very attached to our roots, but feel very lucky to wake everyday in a such inspiring city. Paris is where we get our inspiration when it comes to designs, but NYC is definitely drives our ambition and hard work.
What’s next for Apparis?
To continue bettering our quality and craftsmanship, while listening to our clientele. For next fall, we are planning on developing a children's line and entering the European market.
Apparis Sarah faux fur coat; Closed sweater; 3x1 jeans; Loeffler Randall Isla boots; Bonheur earrings; Happy Socks Lovisa knee high socks
Photography by Alison Engstrom / Stylist and Model Ana Tess