The two French giants have come together to create a limited edition autumn range that is full of colour, inspired by the joyful and liberated spirit of the Left Bank Parisian neighbourhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the birthplace of the Rykiel fashion house.

Julie de Libran, Artistic Director of Sonia Rykiel © David Bailey for Sonia Rykiel

The idea is in keeping with the tone of the Rykiel brand, which focuses on its founder Sonia Rykiel’s desire to contribute in her own way to the liberation of women, freeing her clients’ bodies with her ultra-flowing cuts and her frank, optimistic color palette.

"In Lancôme I see the free and joyful Rykiel woman who makes her own choices," explains Julie de Libran, Artistic Director of Sonia Rykiel. "A beauty that is sometimes natural, sometimes sophisticated but never subjected to diktats. Our two houses share a modern vision of femininity which, I believe, is tangible for today’s women."

Françoise Lehmann, Managing Director of Lancôme International, agrees, saying: "Sonia Rykiel is the ultimate incarnation of a certain idea of the Parisian."

The project is the latest in a long line of collaborations between Lancôme and high-profile creatives from the industries of art, fashion and jewelry. Recent partnerships include eyeshadow palettes created with Belgian fashion designer Anthony Vaccarello and a capsule line with model and author Caroline de Maigret.

Sonia Rykiel x Lancôme will be available from mid-August 2016.