Christophe Lemaire & Sarah-Linh Tran
Co-artistic Directors, Lemaire
The former Hermès designer and his creative partner have turned the eponymous label into one of Paris' most dynamic designer businesses, while also helping shape the creative trajectory of Uniqlo.
Founder and designer Christophe Lemaire and co-artistic director Sarah-Linh Tran are the creative and entrepreneurial duo behind the fast-growing designer brand Lemaire.
The minimalist label, known for its easy-to-wear, androgynous wardrobe, is a pillar of the ‘soft tailoring” movement, as well as one of Paris’ most dynamic design companies. The brand has seen rapid commercial scaling in recent years; in-house sales increased tenfold over a five-year period, rising from approximately €10 million in 2019 to over €100 million ($117 million) in 2024. The company has roughly doubled its headcount since moving to its Place des Vosges headquarters in 2022. Following the 2023 opening of a major 340-square-metre flagship on Rue Elzévir in the Marais, the duo expanded their retail footprint to Asia, opening a first Tokyo flagship store in the Ebisu district in November 2024.
Having held a number of high-profile design roles within the industry, including an artistic directorship at Hermès, French designer Christophe Lemaire has developed his namesake label since exiting the luxury house in 2014. Lemaire also serves as the Artistic Director of Uniqlo’s U line and leads the Japanese retailer’s Paris R&D Centre. In September 2025, the duo launched the Uniqlo U Autumn/Winter 2025 collection, further reinforcing the brand’s global “LifeWear” strategy.
Sarah-Linh Tran got her start in publishing before turning her focus to fashion. As Lemaire’s co-artistic director since 2010, she oversees brand image and the development of the label’s womenswear silhouette. She is also co-artistic director for the Uniqlo U line and co-director of the Paris R&D Centre. In January 2026, the pair presented the Lemaire Autumn/Winter 2026 collection, titled “Mine Eyes,” utilising a theatrical series of “moving tableaux” in collaboration with director Nathalie Béasse.
Career History
VITAL STATISTICS
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The Philosophy Behind Lemaire’s $100 Million Ascent
Demand for the Paris label’s androgynous, utilitarian wardrobe has grown ten-fold since 2019 as shoppers turn their back on logo-mania and embrace the brand’s more subtle ethos. ‘Reality isn’t a dirty word,’ says co-creative director Christophe Lemaire.
The Philosophy Behind Lemaire’s $100 Million Ascent
Demand for the Paris label’s androgynous, utilitarian wardrobe has grown ten-fold since 2019 as shoppers turn their back on logo-mania and embrace the brand’s more subtle ethos. ‘Reality isn’t a dirty word,’ says co-creative director Christophe Lemaire.
What Makes a Power Woman?
The return of empowered femininity is all the rage this season, but designers had their own takes on what this looks like, reports Angelo Flaccavento.
What Makes a Power Woman?
The return of empowered femininity is all the rage this season, but designers had their own takes on what this looks like, reports Angelo Flaccavento.
In Paris, Lightness for Our Times
Today at the Paris shows, a lighter touch prevailed at both Rochas and Lemaire.
In Paris, Lightness for Our Times
Today at the Paris shows, a lighter touch prevailed at both Rochas and Lemaire.
Kenzo Taps Felipe Oliveira Baptista
The former Lacoste creative director will succeed design duo Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, who are officially parting ways with the LVMH-owned house on July 1.
Kenzo Taps Felipe Oliveira Baptista
The former Lacoste creative director will succeed design duo Carol Lim and Humberto Leon, who are officially parting ways with the LVMH-owned house on July 1.
Koché Wins ANDAM Grand Prize
Christelle Kocher, founder of the haute streetwear label, will receive a grant of €250,000 and mentorship from OTB boss Renzo Rosso.
Koché Wins ANDAM Grand Prize
Christelle Kocher, founder of the haute streetwear label, will receive a grant of €250,000 and mentorship from OTB boss Renzo Rosso.
The End of Excess at Paris Fashion Week
After a few years of overt decoration, sculpted, monochromatic lines look utterly fresh again. Lemaire, Rochas and Courrèges each proved the point in their own way.
The End of Excess at Paris Fashion Week
After a few years of overt decoration, sculpted, monochromatic lines look utterly fresh again. Lemaire, Rochas and Courrèges each proved the point in their own way.
Welcome Simplicity in Paris
At Lemaire and Rochas, sophistication and elegance made for strong and soulful collections.
Welcome Simplicity in Paris
At Lemaire and Rochas, sophistication and elegance made for strong and soulful collections.
Will LVMH and Kering Continue To Dominate Luxury Fashion?
There is little doubt that the two French leaders in luxury fashion are becoming more powerful.
Will LVMH and Kering Continue To Dominate Luxury Fashion?
There is little doubt that the two French leaders in luxury fashion are becoming more powerful.
Uniqlo Owner Takes Stake in Lemaire
Japanese conglomerate Fast Retailing has also extended designer Christophe Lemaire’s contract as artistic director of the Uniqlo Paris R&D Center by another five years.
Uniqlo Owner Takes Stake in Lemaire
Japanese conglomerate Fast Retailing has also extended designer Christophe Lemaire’s contract as artistic director of the Uniqlo Paris R&D Center by another five years.
Who Will Dress the Philophiles?
Fans and retailers alike reckon with the reality of a post-Phoebe Philo Céline, signalling opportunity for brands who could fill the gap.
Who Will Dress the Philophiles?
Fans and retailers alike reckon with the reality of a post-Phoebe Philo Céline, signalling opportunity for brands who could fill the gap.
What is The BoF 500?
The people shaping the global fashion industry, curated by the editors of The Business of Fashion, based on nominations and on-the-ground intelligence from around the world.
