Vanessa Seward has been an iconic figure in the fashion world since her days at Azzaro in the early 2000s. Her designs have left an indelible mark on style icons like Nicole Kidman and Carey Mulligan, who were famously photographed in her crystal-lined little black dresses (LBDs), as well as Kate Moss in a strapless satin bow-front jumpsuit.

From London to Paris: The Journey of Vanessa Seward

Born in Argentina and raised in London, Vanessa Seward has carved out her niche within the Parisian fashion scene. Known for her chic aesthetic, she embodies a timeless elegance that is reminiscent of classic film stars like Gena Rowlands.

Her distinctive look includes stacked heel boots and a covetable bouncy coiffure—a deep chocolatey brunette hairdo that seems to be straight out of a 1970s art-house film. In 2022, Seward shared her insights on elegance with the publication of “La Guide de la Gentlewoman,” offering tips for those seeking to infuse their wardrobe with effortless chic.

Vanessa Seward’s Signature Style

• Mid-2010s Eponymous Brand: High-rise jeans and velvet evening bags from this collection remain timeless favorites for many fashion enthusiasts. Though the brand was short-lived, its impact lingers.
• Fashion Icon: Seward’s work continues to inspire a dedicated following who recognize her pieces on the streets.

Seward’s influence in fashion is undeniable, yet she has recently been captivated by the world of painting. This new passion began during the Covid-19 pandemic and evolved into a celebrated art practice showcasing self-portraits, film icons like Isabella Rossellini, and portraits of close friends.

A French Collaboration: Bonpoint Meets Vanessa Seward

The recent collaboration between Bonpoint and Vanessa Seward came as a delightful surprise to fashion enthusiasts. This marks Bonpoint’s first venture into designer collaborations for women—a move that promises to bring a fresh perspective to the brand.

Collection Highlights

• Funky & Fresh: The collection features a variety of pieces, including softly belted dresses suitable for both day and night, and a flannel pantsuit paired with a frill-neck blouse.
• Pieces with Personality: Signature items include a long peacoat adorned with shiny gold buttons and iconic black sequin pants that can be styled in multiple ways, including being paired with a classic denim button-down for a high-low fashion look.

Seward’s deep connection to Bonpoint goes beyond her role as a designer. A long-time shopper herself—often purchasing pieces intended for her daughter—the designer appreciates the brand’s simple yet quality-driven ethos, which she describes as perfect for mixing with more high-fashion items.

This collaboration is not just about creating fashion-forward pieces but also about addressing the lack of stylish options for teenagers. The collection includes shorter pieces aimed at younger audiences, offering a chic alternative to ubiquitous teen trends.

The Sustainable Approach

Seward emphasizes sustainability through timeless design—a principle she strongly believes in and one that is reflected in her creations for Bonpoint. “I get very much into this. For me, the sustainable way of making fashion is doing pieces that you keep,” Seward asserts.

This collaboration has already sparked excitement, with a summer collection planned to be released next year. The fall capsule will debut on August 24 at Bonpoint stores worldwide.