Sophie Mechaly, better known as Sophie Albou, is a Parisian stylist, known as the founder of the Paul & Joe clothing line. She has exceptional expertise in the field of luxury and couture. Focus on the journey of the entrepreneur and member of the jury of Who wants to be my partner?
Biography of Sophie Mechaly and launch of Joe & Paul
Sophie Mechaly was born in 1967 in Paris, under the name Sophie Albou. Since she was little, she has been immersed in the world of textiles and sewing. Indeed, his parents, Yvan and Nicole Haggiag, were an executive and stylist in their clothing company “Garage”.
Sophie Mechaly began her studies at the Sorbonne and the French Fashion Institute before working for Azzedine Alaia, the fashion house. This last experience was decisive, since it revealed his great talent and his vocation in life. She then joined her parents’ business, called “Le Garage”, known for the cult printed shirts of the 1980s. She stayed with them for 7 years as a shirt stylist.
In 1995, the young woman made a big decision: she decided to launch her own brand, which she named Paul and Joe, after her two little boys. Over time, the company grew and today has more than thirty stores across the four corners of the world.
In addition to her hard work to develop her brand, Sophie Méchaly does not hesitate to sign commercial collaborations: in 2006, she designed a line of clothing for Target, the American low-cost ready-to-wear chain. Likewise, in 2007, she worked with La Redoute to design the spring-summer collection. In 2008, Paul & Joe collaborated with Pierre Cardin, for whom Sophie Méchaly will reinterpret key vintage pieces from the brand.
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The development of Paul and Joe and the empowerment lessons of Sophie Mechaly
Paul & Joe has evolved over the years. At the beginning, a simple fashion brand, the brand has grown greatly and diversified its activities over the last 25 years. The site specifies that it is the influence of Sophie Mechaly who has clearly made the difference in the development of the group: “ Sophie Mechaly has made her independence a strength and a true state of mind that drives her every day. »
Paul & Joe’s goal, over the years, has always beenempowerment female. Indeed, Sophie Mechaly wishes to enhance women, while freeing herself from the notion of season, as the brand specifies: “ The Paul & Joe woman is independent and curious, joyfully nostalgic and always chic, and above all, she does not flirt with the passing trends of a season. »
Of course, over the years, Paul & Joe has diversified and now offers products for men. In addition, the brand is no longer limited only to ready-to-wear. It now offers pajamas, with PJ Night, sunglasses branded Paul & Joe Eyewear, beauty products (Paul & Joe Beauté), but also a whole range of home accessories under the Paul & Joe Art brand. the Table.
Sophie Mechaly: An innate passion for fashion
Sophie Mechaly did not launch completely into the unknown by creating her brand. She already mastered the codes of the profession: “I learned everything from my parents. In the 1980s, they created the Le Garage brand. The concept was clever and innovative, they only sold unisex shirts with an impeccable cut. A success! » she explains to Fashion Network.
Since she was little, she had been immersed in this world, in fact she accompanied her mother to discuss with suppliers, in order to choose fabrics and select lace. When her parents made the decision to sell the label, it was a shock for the businesswoman: “I had just had my two boys. I felt within me the vibrant and urgent desire to bounce back. I noticed that the men’s market lacked exciting offerings. » It was following this significant event that the Paul et Joe brand was born.
Sophie Mechaly member of the jury of “Who wants to be my partner?” »
Sophie Mechaly will be part of the jury this year for the show “Who wants to be my partner?” » which will begin on Wednesday January 5, 2022 at 9:05 p.m. on M6. This year, the show will be presented by Xavier Domergue.
Sophie Mechaly shares the stage with other entrepreneurs and business angels as Marc Simoncini, creator of Meetic, Delphine Andrédirector of the transport company GCA and Eric Larchevèqueengineer and chairman of the board of directors of Ledger, which secures cryptocurrency like Bitcoin.
Alongside them, the young shoots will discover four new members of the jury:
- Isabelle Weillfounder of IWCORP
- Anthony Bourbonfounder of Feed.
- Jean-Pierre Nadirfounder of FairMoove.fr
What is the show “Who wants to be my partner?” »
The show Who wants to be my partner aims to support young startups in their quest for entrepreneurship. Project leaders must present their concept to a jury of seven major emblematic figures from the business world. The goal is to convince them to invest in their startup and thus find a partner who will guarantee the success of their business. The latter will provide part of the capital against a percentage of the company to the winners.
The lucky ones will be able to benefit from advice and financing from seven experienced entrepreneurs whose reputation precedes them. The members of the jury will have the freedom to follow the project that they like the most. The only rule to respect is that, if the percentage of the company obtained can be negotiated, the amount invested cannot be less than that initially requested by the project leader.
The show has a very specific goal: to democratize entrepreneurship and promote its image among the French, while encouraging entrepreneurs who do not have the courage to start and who are full of resources and ingenuity.
According to a study carried out by YouGov for Maddynessthe image of entrepreneurship has greatly evolved in the eyes of the French thanks to the show. 54% of respondents admit “have a positive image of entrepreneurship, compared to 6% a negative image (and 33% neither positive nor negative). »
