Sophie Lardet
Head of Kidswear with 20+ years of experience in international luxury houses (Versace, Gucci, Bonpoint). Specialist in launching and transforming high-growth kidswear lines, combining creative vision, international leadership and measurable business impact. Deep expertise in team structuring, brand positioning elevation and the development of commercially strong collections.
Established creative direction for the childrenswear line, aligned with Versace's global vision and brand code. Full oversight of two collections and two capsules annually, from concept to showroom launch, reinforcing luxury positioning and desirability. Management of an international team of 10 designers, pattern makers and product developers. Direct reporting to the Artistic and Executive Directors.
Creative direction and capsule design for international companies, including product architecture and positioning of newborn, layette and toddler categories for Jacadi.
Created and launched a new Chinese children's brand - Little Hong: niche positioning in the luxury segment, focused on desirability, product excellence and selective distribution. Built the collections and oversaw product development including sourcing. Management of a Chinese team of 9 designers, pattern makers and product developers. Position based in Shanghai.
Created two collections and three annual capsules contributing to +142% sales growth vs. LY for FW18-19. Collection development in line with Alessandro Michele's creative direction. Management and structuring of a 4-person design team.
Strategic contribution to defining and consolidating Molli's creative identity. Formalisation of iconic codes to strengthen brand territory and global coherence.
Creative leadership of two annual newborn and baby collections at high volume (150,000 pieces produced per season). Structuring and growth of the newborn gifting category. Contribution to product identity consolidation across key girls' categories.
March 2006 – December 2010 | Freelance Designer Led the design and launch of the Paul Smith Junior Girls line, in close collaboration with Paul Smith and his Women's RTW studio in London. Developed three consecutive collections (FW 2010–11, SS 2011, FW 2011–12), from concept through to product development. Core challenge: defining the creative identity of the line — translating Paul Smith's personal vision into a coherent and commercially relevant childrenswear offer.
Adapted the Isabel Marant womenswear creative universe for the development of the SS 2009 childrenswear collection — from collection plan analysis and style design through to fit development. Key focus: faithful translation of the brand's DNA into childrenswear, with full respect for Isabel Marant's aesthetic while addressing the specific technical requirements of the category (proportions, comfort, wearability).
Freelance Designer | 2006–2010 Delivered creative direction and trend consulting for brands across childrenswear, mass-market fashion and the toy industry. Concept development and artistic direction of the Peclers Kids trend book, translating trend analysis into actionable creative guidelines for industry professionals.
Freelance Designer | 2006–2010 Designed and developed a gift line for Steiff, the iconic German soft toy brand — bridging the worlds of childrenswear and collectible toys across two seasons (Winter 2010–11 and Summer 2012).
Progressed from Junior Designer to Designer over 13 years at a leading luxury childrenswear house, with expanding responsibilities across all categories, building a deep mastery of luxury childrenswear codes. Contributed to the creative and technical foundation that defined Bonpoint's global identity.