Designer Anne Fontaine discovered her passion for fashion at a young age, spending her early years sketching and drawing clothes. The idea for her first collection of white shirts was sparked when she stumbled upon a trunk full of these shirts in her husband Ari Zlotkin's family home. Zlotkin was managing a clothing manufacturing business in Honfleur, Normandy at that time.
Taking this inspiration and fueling her creative drive, Anne co-founded the iconic brand Anne Fontaine. At the age of 22, she launched her first collection and opened her inaugural store in the vibrant Saint-Germain area of Paris in 1994. She quickly expanded with additional stores in Boston and Tokyo the following year. Building on her success, Fontaine established her own Maison fashion house, which includes couture pieces.
While the brand is renowned for its signature white women's shirts, its fashion line has grown to encompass ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, handbags, and shoes. In 2003, Fontaine expanded the brand further by introducing her first line of handbags, and in 2008, she unveiled a collection crafted by French artisans called Les Précieuses.
Fontaine's contributions to the fashion industry have not gone unnoticed. She has been honored with the French National Order of Merit and received the prestigious l'élan de Mode award from the French Federation of Fashion in 2006. In addition to her remarkable achievements in fashion, Fontaine also has a deep commitment to environmental conservation. In 2011, she established the Anne Fontaine Foundation, based in New York, which focuses on protecting endangered forests and promoting reforestation efforts. The Foundation's primary projects are centered around the preservation of the Brazilian Atlantic forest, also known as the Mata Atlântica. To date, the Foundation has successfully planted 100,000 trees to contribute to this important cause.
Anne is wearing the ZUAVE Shirt. Learn more & follow Anne Fontaine on IG @annefontaine
Who is your favorite female role model from history and why?
There are many remarkable and inspiring female role models from history – for me, it is Simone de Beauvoir. As a prominent figure in the feminist movement, she revolutionized societal norms by promoting the belief that women deserve equal rights and opportunities as men. Her legacy continuously empowers and motivates me to strive for a world that embraces fairness and equality.
What's the most empowering quote by a woman that motivates you daily?
One empowering quote by a woman that motivates me daily is by Maya Angelou: "I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." It encourages me to prioritize creating positive and meaningful experiences for those around me, knowing that our actions and the way we make others feel can leave a lasting impression.
If you could have dinner with three influential women, living or deceased, who would you choose and what would you ask them?
Malala Yousafzai: I would like to ask about her experiences advocating education for girls and her thoughts on overcoming adversity.
Michelle Obama: I would inquire about her initiatives in promoting education, empowering girls, and her impact as a role model.
Ruth Bader Ginsburg: I would ask about her fight for gender equality, her views on justice, and the legacy she wanted to leave behind.
If you had to create a women's empowerment playlist, which songs would definitely be on it?
I’m Every Woman - Chaka Khan
Girl on Fire - Alicia Keys
I Am Woman - Emmy Meli
Flowers - Miley Cyrus
I Will Survive - Gloria Gaynor
9-5 - Dolly Parton
Dancing on My Own - Robyn
You Don’t Own Me - Lesley Gore
If you could travel back in time and give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could travel back in time and give advice to my younger self, it would be to always embrace and believe in my own abilities and to not let fear or doubt hold me back from pursuing my passions and dreams.
Can you share a memorable and empowering moment from your personal life or career that made you proud to be a woman?
I am grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to the reinvention of the traditional men's white shirt for women. With the intention of infusing a sense of empowerment and versatility, my designs have introduced intricate details like lace, embroidery, and feminine cuts to transform the white shirt into a symbol of confidence and elegance. By incorporating these creative elements, I hoped to give women the opportunity to elevate their everyday attire and embrace their unique style. It has been humbling to witness how my reinvention of the white shirt has allowed women to feel both powerful and feminine, making a bold statement in any given setting.
Share a fun or empowering piece of advice you received from an influential woman in your life.
Embrace your uniqueness and never be afraid to be yourself. You don't have to fit into a mold or follow societal expectations. Your individuality is your strength, and it's what sets you apart. Celebrate your quirks, follow your passions, and let your true personality shine brightly in everything you do.
What advice would you give to young women who are just starting their careers?
Prioritize your well-being and make sure to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Find activities or hobbies outside of work that bring you joy and help you recharge. Remember, everyone's career journey is different, so trust in your own path and be resilient in the face of challenges.
What does International Women's Day mean to you personally, and how do you celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in your everyday life?
International Women's Day is such a special time for everyone to come together in solidarity, showing support and working towards a world where women are treated with fairness and equality everywhere. It's really important to have conversations and take action to promote gender equality and bring attention to the challenges women face in our society. As a proud mom of three amazing young women, this day means a lot to me because it fuels my passion to empower them and help create a future where they have endless opportunities and are fully included.
White shirts can be dressed up or down, making them suitable for various occasions. How do you style a white shirt to reflect your personality and make a fashion statement?
Fashion is all about showing off who you are and feeling good about it. I enjoy playing around with various styles and accessories. On laid-back days when I'm off-duty, I like to wear a boyfriend-style shirt as a dress, adding a belt to give it some shape. But when it's time for an event, I like to mix it up by pairing the shirt with a skirt, a black blazer, and accessorizing with a statement belt to tie it all together.
