Franck Sorbier
Franck Sorbier is an independent French haute couture house founded in Paris in 1990 by the designer of the same name. It creates unique, labour intensive womenswear pieces and presents during Paris Haute Couture Week.
| Founded | 1990, Paris |
|---|---|
| Founder | Franck Sorbier |
| Haute couture member | Since 2005 |
| Training | Esmod Paris |
| Website | franck-sorbier.com |
What is Franck Sorbier?
Franck Sorbier is a Paris haute couture house led by its founder, a designer born in Fréjus in 1961. He is known as an independent, instinct driven couturier for whom aesthetics come before commercial considerations.
History
Sorbier trained at the Esmod school in Paris, where his 1984 graduation collection won the Special Jury Prize. In December 1990 he set up his own company, and early orders came from retailers including Bergdorf Goodman and Galeries Lafayette. The business closed in 1997 after an investor withdrew, before being relaunched with new financial backing.
In 2004 he was made a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres, and in 2005 he became a full member of the haute couture federation, one of a small number of independent houses to hold the status.
Products and positioning
The house focuses on women's haute couture: unique pieces that require many hours of handwork. Collections are often theatrical and narrative; a recent show combined Andean influences with Parisian pageantry.
Why it matters
Franck Sorbier represents the independent end of the haute couture calendar, proving that small houses outside the large luxury groups can sustain a long presence in Paris through craftsmanship and artistic identity.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Franck Sorbier?
Franck Sorbier is a French couturier, born in Fréjus in 1961, who founded his Paris haute couture house in 1990.
Is Franck Sorbier an official haute couture house?
Yes, Franck Sorbier became a full member of the haute couture federation in 2005 and shows during Paris Haute Couture Week.