Maison — Sophie Theallet

“Sophie is quite a character: uncompromising and very loyal, in friendship and in life.”
Azzedine Alaïa, Ubikwist

Trained at Studio Berçot in Paris, Sophie Theallet worked in Jean Paul Gaultier’s studio, then spent ten years at Azzedine Alaïa’s side. She founded her house in New York, where her work won the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund and the Woolmark Prize, and was worn by Michelle Obama.

Today she designs private commissions for clients around the world, and Room 502, essentials made in limited runs.

Room 502

“Sophie is quite a character: uncompromising and very loyal, in friendship and in life. When she was working here in Paris with me, it was always very intense; we worked a lot but we had a lot of fun as well. … She started as my assistant; now she is my friend.”
Azzedine Alaïa, Ubikwist

“Her dresses, draped and finished with impeccable precision, have been worn by supermodels, professional women and the First Lady. Theallet’s success is a reminder that a strong technical foundation is priceless.”
Anna Wintour, Vogue

“Among the best color sense of any designer in New York or Europe. Some old pros say it reminds them of Saint Laurent’s.”
Cathy Horyn, The New York Times

“Sophie can only be described as a leader in the field. Her designs are truly unique and stellar.”
Kate Betts, TIME Style & Design

“Sophie has integrity in both her designs and spirit. Her execution is always impeccable.”
Ikram Goldman, Ikram, Chicago

Azzedine Alaïa fitting a jacket on a model in his Paris atelier, Sophie Theallet beside him

Azzedine Alaïa at a fitting Painted Ladies, Vivienne Westwood In his Paris atelier, Alaïa fits a jacket while Sophie Theallet, at his side, translates for him. Watch on YouTube

The Dressmaker Couture consultant to the director, for the film starring Kate Winslet.

Poster for Model Citizen: From the Midwest to Paris, Veronica Webb and Sophie Theallet

In conversation with Valerie SteeleThe Museum at FIT, New YorkA public talk with the museum’s director, held during the exhibition Paris, Capital of Fashion.

Model Citizen: From the Midwest to ParisWith Veronica Webb · SAIC Fashion Resource Center and Alliance Française de ChicagoTwo friends and collaborators on the Paris fashion world, from Azzedine Alaïa to Karl Lagerfeld and Jean Paul Gaultier, and on diversity and sustainability in a changing industry. With Alex Aubry, director of the Fashion Resource Center.

Sophie Theallet on stage in Chicago, a photograph of Studio Berçot projected behind her

Fashion designÉcole supérieure de mode, UQAMTaught design to students in the Bachelor’s in Fashion, guiding them from research and concept to a finished collection.

Visiting artistSchool of the Art Institute of ChicagoA talk for fashion students at the Fashion Resource Center, on mentors, couture craftsmanship and the road ahead.

MasterclassesFashion Institute of Technology, New YorkMasterclasses for students, and critiques of their graduating collections.

Private mentoringBy referralA small number of young designers each year, preparing portfolios and first collections.