‘Why I give everything away’: How this perfumer achieves her enviable French style

Each week, we quiz a prominent person about their style and the inspiration behind it. Ahead, perfumer Marie du Petit Thouars.

On Sundays you will find Marie du Petit Thouars wearing relaxed dress and slides.Credit: Courtesy of Maison Louis Marie

How would you describe your style? I love dresses and colour; I rarely wear black. I appreciate good craftsmanship and fabrics like cotton, linen and silk.

What’s the oldest thing in your wardrobe? A blue Alexander McQueen cape coat that my husband gave me 12 years ago.

And the most recent additions? A pair of gold Bottega Veneta “Sunday” slippers, bright red Chanel loafers and a Dries Van Noten camel coat with denim sleeves.

Marie du Petit Thouars is enjoying her gold Bottega Veneta “Sunday” slippers.

What would you wear … on a first date? The last time I went on a date with my husband, I wore a very short but not-close-to-the-body dress by German designer Baum und Pferdgarten with pink Prada chunky-sole fisherman sandals and a red The Row pouch. … on a plane? A comfortable dress with a silk scarf, cashmere socks – always – and loafers. … on the red carpet? A pink and red silk Balenciaga dress that I’ve never worn, it’s very complicated to put on.

What’s your favourite fashion era? I love the present and looking to the future. It’s always exciting to see the fashion shows and what the designers are doing. That’s why I’m always recycling my wardrobe. Twice a year, I give everything away.

Who are your favourite designers? I’m never disappointed with Simone Rocha, Dries Van Noten, Margiela and Phoebe Philo.

What’s your fragrance of choice? I wear my Maison Louis Marie “No. 5 Kandilli” and “No.9 Vallee de Farney” but I’m also loving Maison Louis Marie’s new perfume “No. 14 Icila”. I’ve always loved fragrance. My very first perfume when I was 15, “Quartz” by Molyneux, came in a beautiful glass bottle and made me feel like a woman. Before I started my own brand, I wore Chanel “Cristalle” for many years.

Du Petit Thouars loves “No. 14 Icila” from her Maison Louis Marie brand.

What are the three essential items in your wardrobe? A dress, flat shoes and a nice bag; my current go-to is a bohemian knitted Miu Miu tote.

Any go-to jewellery? Little beaded bracelets from my son, Tiffany & Co pendant necklace and earrings, and a vintage Patek Philippe “La Flamme” watch.

Can you remember a favourite outfit you wore as a child? There was a pink flannel nightgown my parents brought me back from L. L. Bean in the US that made me feel like I was in Little House on the Prairie.

What was your first fashion moment? It was in 1998, I was working for Isabella Blow in Paris and she took me to my first fashion show: a John Galliano show with all the supermodels like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss. It blew me away. I didn’t realise anything that beautiful existed.

And your worst fashion mistake? It wasn’t my mistake but it’s a good story. I was having dinner with Isabella and Alexander McQueen in Paris the day before his show when she leant over the candle on the table to show me her ring and the beautiful Philip Treacy feather hat she was wearing caught fire.

What’s on your wishlist? I really like the first look from the Rabanne SS 2025 show: a striped shirt, striped jacket and shorts.

Is there something you would never wear? Turtlenecks, jeans, T-shirts or sneakers.

What do you sleep in? An Emerson Fry caftan.

Is there a current trend you like? No, I don’t follow them.

What shoes do you wear the most? Alaïa ballet flats, Miu Miu sandals, Chanel loafers and a funky pair of Roger Vivier creepers.

Who is your favourite fashion icon? Isabella Blow, who introduced me to fashion and drew me into that world, David Bowie for his androgynous, chameleon style, and Coco Chanel for getting rid of corsets and setting women free.

What do you wear on a typical working day? A dress and ballet flats.

What’s your favourite off-duty, casual Sunday look? A relaxed dress by Rachel Craven or Black Crane, and shearling Prada slides.

Marie du Petit Thouars is the founder of Maison Louis Marie.

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