KAREN RADLEY TALKS TO XAVIER AUJARD FOUNDER OF PRÊT POUR PARTIR

We have known each other a long time and I am delighted you are back with us at Scoop this season.

Where do you live in Paris?

I live next to Rue Saint Honoré and Place de la Concorde, which is 300 m away from PRET POUR PARTIR showroom.  This is a very convenient location for buyers who are in Paris during Fashion Week.

What was your first job?

I worked first for automobile industry as Export area manager for Automobiles Peugeot in charge of East Africa and then Middle East.

How did you start your career in fashion?

I started as Export Manager for a beautiful knitwear brand called TEHEN and then as CEO for ESPRIT France, KWAY and Caterpillar footwear.

I launched my brand PRET POUR PARTIR in February 2008.

What is your coffee order?

Double expresso!

When you design the collection  - how are you influenced?

I get inspiration from the buyers who always come with ideas, suggestions and feed back from their clients.  I also receive input from individual clients coming to our showroom – store.

Is there a signature look for Prêt pour Partir?

All jackets are made in waterrepellent fabrics made in Italy and mostly developed in exclusivity for us .

All jackets have a back pocket with a zipper and big metallic eyelets at the bottom of the garment.

On unlined jackets , We add a band inside the back of the garment, which is in liberty fabric; all pipîngs are made in contrasted colour, which gives a very elegant look and emphasizes the quality of the workmanship.

Who would you say is your customer?

Our final customer is an elegant lady who is away from fashion constraints and focuses on quality, modernity and likes keeping her coats for ever!

If a woman was to own just one item from your collection - which one would you suggest and why?

For Fall I would recommend a parka in waterproof cotton with removable wool lining, it is functional and elegant or as alternative one of our beautiful coats with detachable quilted vest.

Where is your favourite place to shop?

I only shop when I travel , whether London, New York or Tokyo.

Do you have any words of positivity to share with our Scoop readers?

Let us make garments in good quality fabrics, which will last for many years; we are more focused on durability, sustainability , quality than fashion!