agnès b. Launches a New Online Concept Store

Ever since she opened her first boutique in Les Halles in 1975, agnès b. has been turning out stylish wardrobe basics for men, women and children long on casual chic and timeless charm. Her well-cut jeans, vintage striped tops, duffel coats, demure little dresses and snap cardigans have become classics—wearable, fun and distinctly French. Her new collection is loaded with terrific looks for fall and winter. Womenswear ranges from trim military-style jackets and slouchy pants to floaty, ultra-feminine dresses and flirty little skirts, while standouts for guys include narrow pants topped by classic tweed jackets, chunky pullovers, a sophisticated dark suit and the perfect overcoat for an urban dandy.

But while she still designs her own collections—and produces them largely in France—the designer’s interests range far beyond fashion. She’s a music lover—listening stations have long been a staple in her stores; a film buff—her audiovisual company has produced films by Gaspar Noé, Claire Denis and others; an avid art collector—she’s collaborated with many international artists and photographers and in 1984 opened her own Galerie du Jour; and a humanitarian—among her many projects are a school for the handicapped, fundraising for AIDS research and a joint effort with Philippe Starck to raise money to make access to clean water a universal right. Now the dynamic designer has launched a reinvented website that not only showcases her clothing, but also gives an in-depth look into her cultural universe. Think of it as an online concept store, with b. side magazine—something between an online magazine and a blog, including Paris event listings and stories on the latest trends; a radio link—a great place to discover new music; and, of course, a full selection of cool agnès b. fashions and accessories.

www.agnesb.com