Avec Les Filles Is Launching Footwear for Fall ’24
Outerwear brand Avec Les Filles is expanding into footwear for the first time.
Meaning “with the girls” in French, Avec Les Filles was founded in 2017 by Joyce Azria, daughter of the late Max Azria. In 2019, the company was acquired by Bagatelle International Inc., and has become known for its statement outerwear, as well as ready-to-wear, including dresses and denim.
“We have been growing by classification,” said Jamie Litvack, president of Bagatelle International Inc. And after continued requests for more categories from retail partners, including Nordstrom, Macy’s, ShopBop and Bloomingdale’s, “it was time to expand [into footwear] keeping it close and family driven,” he added.
To do that, Bagatelle has entered a licensing agreement with Kaanas Shoes to design and produce Avec Les Filles footwear. It was a partnership led by Azria, who first met the Kaanas sister duo a decade ago while she ran BCBG Generation.
“When you come from a family-owned business, it’s a whole different set of values. It’s about a family moving their dreams [ahead], their goals forward. So this was very synergetic from the beginning,” Azria said.
It’s a surprise move, given Kaanas’ lack of experience in licensing. However, the company is no stranger to the footwear business. CEO Natalia Acevedo and creative director sister Liliana Acevedo first launched their made-in-Colombia shoe brand in 2013 and are known for their spring-summer styles, including espadrilles, sandals, block-heels and sneakers. Like their business partners, the fashion business has been in their blood. Growing up, their father had shoe stores in Colombia, while their mother owned a small factory.
On why Avec Les Filles looked towards an independent company to handle their footwear assortment rather than a licensing giant, Azria said it came down to values.
“It’s incredible to launch with big guys. They have incredible relationships. They can put you to scale quickly — but just as quickly as they launch you, they can fold you,” she said. “True relationships are give give, and Natalia brings an incredible team of creatives to the table, who are going to understand and translate this brand in its essence.”
For fall ’24, the Avec Les Filles shoe collection is comprised of a range of styles, from leather boots, ballet flats, heels and sneakers. The footwear is made in Brazil and ranges in price from $195 to $295.
“It was exciting to turn on that design switch in a very different space. For us, spring is the strongest because it’s where we started. With Avec Les Filles, it is this totally different personality and girl,” said Natalia Acevedo. “Avec is known for breaking the rules, finding whitespace and doing things that surprise both our buyers and the end-consumer.”
The line will launch direct-to-consumer online and with retail partners.
