The story of the French vision
50 years of history
Throughout the 20th century, the workshop's history is influenced by the creativity of three famous contemporary figures, reflecting French culture and nurturing French know-how .
1971
A star is born: the first luxury hair accessory brand
The first, the master of "Haute Coiffure", born Louis Alexandre Raimon, gives the brand its name: Alexandre de Paris. Also known as "The Sphinx", he is a prominent figure in Parisian high society, revered by American movie stars as well as the Monaco aristocracy.
He is the one who designed the very first piece in a long collection of high-end accessories, the iconic Vendôme Comb. Inspired by the famous jewelry center in Paris, he had it made in the workshop of Félix Huchard.
The other is the artist, the French poet Jean Cocteau, who draws the impressive Sphinx as a gesture of his friendship with the famous hairdresser. This drawing permeates the aura of the brand and will be the symbol of these hair accessories with Parisian elegance for the next 30 years.
80'S
Japanese enthusiasm for hair jewelry
From now on, Japan, captivated by the unique know-how of hair accessories thoroughly handcrafted in France, becomes the first international market, with up to 20 boutiques.
1989
The opening of the Parisian flagship rue St Honore
The opening of the flagship at 235 rue St Honoré, followed by a store at Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, set the pace for international growth at the dawn of the 1990s.
1992-1995
The French aura in China
China, in turn, is falling prey to French creativity. Starting in Hong Kong, up to 60 Alexandre de Paris boutiques will flourish in Taiwan and mainland China.
2000's
From production to Maison
At first they were only - however official and exclusive - manufacturers of Alexandre de Paris hair accessories, mostly for Asia and foreign tourists in France. But their goal was to unite craft and brand: the duo of visionary entrepreneurs Fabienne Bailly and Sébastien Bailly eventually manage to acquire ownership of the Alexandre de Paris brand to strengthen French know-how. Now the headquarters in Oyonnax hosts all expertise: from the creative studio to the sales and marketing team, from the local workshop to the international distribution network.
And so Alexandre de Paris becomes a Maison of fashionable hair accessories.
2010
The first Vendôme hair clip
From the very beginning, Maison Alexandre de Paris has been producing hair accessories for everyday life of excellent quality. In 2010, our Creative Studio decided to design a hair clip for women as a piece of jewelry to wear in everyday life as well as in special moments.
The gold-plated Pince Vendôme is a real hair jewel. Pince Vendôme, an unmissable fashion accessory, goes with any wish, whim or mood: play it flat or play it sparkly, you don't have to play by the book!
2010's
The international influence of Made in France
Under the leadership of Fabienne and Sébastien, Maison Alexandre de Paris is developing and growing all over the world (Brazil, USA, Central and Northern Europe). The next challenging step is to recapture the French market by emphasizing the excellence of French craftsmanship.
The original creations of Maison Alexandre de Paris – also a member of the Comité Vendôme – are still distributed today in 200 sales points worldwide (in addition to independently operated omnichannels) and renew their expressive territory, meeting their French and foreign customers.
