Ruffled panties, satin negligees, garter belts and a healthy dose of mischief: at Fifi Chachnil, lingerie has no intention of behaving itself. To discover the designer’s world, head to 68 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau in Paris’s 1st arrondissement, where her studio-boutique is tucked away at the back of a courtyard. For decades, this address has celebrated a retro, coquettish and delightfully irreverent femininity.
The house was founded in 1984, at a time when fashion was enamored with black, deconstructed silhouettes. Fifi Chachnil preferred skater dresses, color, bloomers and fanciful costumes. Her flair for theatrical presentation naturally led her to the world of entertainment, before she launched her first lingerie collection in 1996. Since then, she has dressed stars such as Madonna and Kate Moss and created designs for the Crazy Horse. She even staged a show at the Lido: it would be hard to find a better fit for her love of feathers and frills!
In her Parisian workshop-boutique, the space takes on the feel of a boudoir, with lingerie inspired by the styles of pin-ups and old-time cabarets. Balconette bras, high-waisted briefs, thongs, nightdresses, waist cinchers and dressing gowns sit alongside ready-to-wear pieces. Lace, satin, dotted tulle and chiffon play with transparency, volume and delicate details.
But behind the ribbons and theatrical flourishes, there is also real cutting and sewing work. Since 2016, the fashion house has been making its creations in its workshop in the 1st arrondissement and offers a made-to-measure service. Customers can choose certain fabrics, have their measurements taken and even select materials from previous collections to create a one-of-a-kind piece. Made-to-order production generally takes about ten days.
At Fifi Chachnil, overly demure lingerie can always get dressed up!
Location
Fifi Chachnil
68 Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau
75001 Paris 1
Route planner
Access
Métro 4 Étienne Marcel
Official website
fifichachnil.com
