From Textile Design to Paris Menswear, Charlotte Lionnard on her Creative Path

Charlotte Lionnard plays numerous roles in the fashion world.

She began her career in fashion by immersing herself in textile design. After relocating to Berlin to study knitwear, she enrolled in the London College of Art in London to continue her education, specializing in menswear. She joined Anne Sofie Madsen’s Danish team while studying in London and worked for Grace Wales Boner before returning to Paris to support the Botter during their tenure as Creative Directors at Nina Ricci. She founded her own label LIONNARD after working for Yiqing Yin, who has been part of the prestigious Fédération Française de la Couture official calendar as a guest member.

It was with her label that Charlotte focused on creating thoughtful, beautiful menswear with a slow fashion approach. All pieces are made in Paris, pushing quiet luxury into a new era with offerings of bespoke experiences. She has garnered attention for bringing her signature soft embellishments to menswear, as found in such diverse combinations as embroidery over dyed denim of hand-painted ink. With her capsule collection created for the AMI x IFM Prize, she showed the breadth that accompanies her depth.

Chloe Spingarn speaks to the multitalented creative in the fashion industry as well as an esteemed professor at the Paris American Academy. From starting her own label to teaching fashion students fundamental skills, Charlotte opens up about how to approach the industry, how teaching has impacted her life, and what she sees next for her future.

Let’s start at the beginning. What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion?

I have always seen Fashion as a language. A way to tell stories without using words. What inspired me the most was the possibility of creating silhouettes that carry emotion, dignity, and presence. Fashion became the place where I could merge poetry, craft, and human connection.

What is something that you are most proud of in your fashion career?

I am proud of creating my own brand, LIONNARD, and shaping it into a universe that reflects strength, sensuality, and commitment. Building this project from scratch – from the atelier to the silhouettes, from the clients to the community – has been one of the most challenging and rewarding journeys of my life. I’m most proud when someone tries on one of my pieces and feels seen. This is the real success for me.

What is something that you think all fashion students should know about the fashion industry?

That the industry is demanding – emotionally, creatively, and physically. The most important thing is to stay anchored in your identity while remaining open to collaboration. And to remember that skills matter, yes, but consistency, resilience, and curiosity matter even more.

If you could give one piece of advice to current fashion students, what would it be?

Protect your creativity, challenge it, and don’t let comparison steal it. Also, learn to fail, to make mistakes, because imperfection teaches you how to move forward. It will help you be more agile, more independent, and more self-reliant.

How does working at PAA differ from other jobs that you have had?

Teaching at the Paris American Academy allows me to slow down, observe, and transmit. Being around students keeps me connected to the essence of why I started Fashion in the first place: Curiosity, experimentation, and the joy of learning. It’s also a space where I grow as much as I teach.