Sonia Rykiel claims that her unique niche in fashion was born from ignorance. Her fashion debut came in 1962, when she displayed a collection of homemade dresses and tops designed for a pregnant friend. After gaining a reputation for producing shockingly sexy, signature striped knitwear, Rykiel established her first boutique on Paris' Rue de Grenelle in 1968 (the shop remains there today). Sonia's rise to fame was due, in part, to her complete disregard for what was "fashionable" at the time. She was also one of the first designers to use her clothes as a medium of communication. Words and phrases ("Special Edition Evening Dreams," "Fatale") were - and are still - often stitched prominently onto her creations.

"Clothes have become ornaments again. Catalysts. It is up to each woman to project herself."