Swonki: Trespassing the French Eccentric.
There are few things in life that inspire raging inferiority complexes more than chic Parisians. A chic Parisian can make even the most seemingly extreme fashionista seethe with envy at the ease with which, say, a garbage bag is paired with laddered tights and biker boots and then paraded down rue Etienne Marcel.
And so, on that note, introducing the sweetest thing since chocolate met praline – the lovechild of two French designers fresh out of a Paris fashion school (and thus armed with a diploma in how-to-make-everyone-else-look-decidedly-unfashionable) www.swonki.com
Manon and Mona, the bright sparks behind Swonki (who, when not running the company, designing jewellery, bags, hats, tee shirts and sourcing other French designers to showcase, moonlight as fashion presenters on a television program) started Swonki in January 2007 in an effort to take matters into their own hands. Wanting to blend their creativity, fashion passion, business acumen and desire to give other designers a platform for their work, they came up with a company that did just that. Swonki, contrary to popular belief, is not a secret French word that holds the key to their coveted style. It has its origins in pragmatism. Initially, Swonki was swanky, but swanky had far too many websites clamouring for its name. Wanting to be the stars of the show, and so they should be, the girls simply changed two letters and Swonki was born.
And, perhaps, so was the drive to be completely and utterly unique. Most of the designs, from the delectably kitsch jewellery to the celebrity homage tee shirts, are their own. The girls work in small quantities, many pieces being one-offs. Exclusivity is a big focus for these ladies and, let’s face it, there’s nothing better than owning a one-off from a Parisian designer (I know I own several …). ‘Oh this old thing? I picked it up in this little boutique on the left bank … they only had one.’ You know, that old chestnut. Feel the smugness.
The other designers they do choose to showcase have to have a strong personality behind them and are, in keeping with the Swonki take on life, stocked in limited quantities. The girls single-handedly choose what Swonki will stock and, if you’re wondering, there is a secret recipe …sparks of colours, a touch of eccentricity and a good dose of humour, and Champs Elysees is your oyster. But shhh, I didn’t tell you.
It is possible to be Swonki and not hail from the streets of Paris. The international shipping will cost more, but it is doable if you must have the MIMI SAC, série limitée. Email Manon or Mona directly at swonki@swonki.com
