Who am I?
Passionate about fashion since always, I directed my studies with the objective of working in this environment. After a bac+3 in general commerce, I specialized in the sector with my MBA, obtained in a fashion school.
During my two years of specialization, I learned a lot about the sector and worked in it. It was then that I realized the significant impact of fashion on the environment: fashion is the second most polluting industry in the world.
Based on this observation, I decided at the end of my studies not to participate in the problem but to try to be part of the solution, on my scale, by creating something that made sense to me.
Having been passionate about thrifting and second-hand stores for over 10 years, I quickly found the concept that inspired me: creating my own vintage, sustainable and trendy second-hand store.
The story of No'made
No'made originally was a project that was born from a group work at the end of a course in fashion school. The original concept was to hunt for second-hand pieces and offer them for sale monthly, through a pop-up, during a weekend event organized by the team, with the aim of selling only through this means, in different cities in France. This is where the name of the company naturally appeared, which is a play on words between not having a physical point of sale and only offering "non-made" products. There were 4 of us working on this business idea.
Once I graduated, my classmates quickly found paid employment. For me, that wasn't an option. I was so excited about this group project that I wanted it to come to fruition. In just a few weeks, No'made was real!
The company first existed through second-hand sales events and then over time, the concept evolved first towards online sales through Vinted and then, later, towards a physical store in Le Mans, specializing in vintage.
And now, No'made has its own online store!
The selection process
The selection process is the most time-consuming part of the business. Demanding and very selective, I only want to choose pieces with character, with strong DNA and very precise targeting.
Vintage
Above all, the piece must be vintage (made more than 20 years ago) so that it fits perfectly into the concept.
Natural materials
I then look at the composition: I always prioritize pieces made of natural mono-materials (100% Cotton, 100% Wool, 100% Silk...). I sometimes make exceptions on "small" pieces (t-shirts, blouses...) by accepting that they are made of polyester, but this only if the pattern and/or cut is particularly interesting and identifies an era (polyester was used a lot from the 70s, so it is difficult to avoid it without missing out on some gems...
Sustainability
The goal of No'made, together with the environmental issue, is to offer you pieces that will stay in your closets for a long time. I therefore pay particular attention to the seams and finishes: a well-made piece will be more resistant to time and different washes.
Style
At the beginning of each season, a moodboard of trends is created through the analysis and cross-referencing of different sources of information (magazines, social networks, Fashion Week, etc.). This allows me to have a more precise idea of the types of pieces, shades, patterns, and materials that I am going to look for.
Along with this analysis, the selection is divided between a majority of timeless pieces, which you can wear for a long time without ever getting tired of and combine with a multitude of pieces and a limited quantity of more extravagant, more eye-catching pieces which will enhance your looks.