Emma François is a French fashion designer and the founder of the French designer brand Sessun. Emma did not start out with fashion in mind. Born in France, she studied economic anthropology in Montpellier and later at the Sorbonne in Paris, cultivating a curiosity about culture, craft, and human stories that would become central to her design philosophy.
At 21, during a transformative trip to Guatemala, she encountered communities mastering weaving, embroidery, and handmade clothing. That experience ignited a lifelong passion: blending traditional know-how with contemporary design.
Her travels through Latin America — Ecuador, Peru, Guatemala — studying local craftsmanship and cultural practices, shaped her perspective as a designer, instilling a respect for heritage, sustainability, and storytelling through garments. Every piece she creates carries memory, culture, and emotion.
Creative Roots in Marseille and Menorca
Today, Emma makes her creative home in Marseille, a city whose light, Mediterranean softness, and convivial energy deeply inform her aesthetic. Marseille’s subtle hues and vibrant streetscapes resonate in the relaxed cuts, earthy tones, and effortless elegance of her collections.
When not immersed in her studio, Emma and her family retreat to a hidden “bolthole” in Menorca — Es Molí. This rustic house among olive trees and old stone, surrounded by sea salt air and slow island rhythms, is a source of inspiration and renewal. The tranquility and natural beauty of Es Molí often influence her choice of fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and grounded color palettes.
Emma François’ Creative Philosophy
A. Travel, Memory, and Materials
Emma draws inspiration from what others often overlook: a photograph in a museum bookshop, a record sleeve, traditional textiles, or urban and natural landscapes. “Books first,” she says — anthropology texts, weaving manuals, and global craft references constantly fuel her imagination.
Fashion, for Emma, is storytelling. Each collection is a visual narrative sparked by a photograph, film frame, or musical piece. Her designs transform garments from functional objects into vessels of memory, culture, and emotion.
B. Boho-Chic, Artisanal, Human
Emma’s aesthetic — often described as boho-chic — mirrors her worldview: earthy tones, relaxed silhouettes, natural fabrics, and handcrafted details. Her creations celebrate the wearer’s individuality while honoring artisanal craft.
Her philosophy emphasizes “slow fashion”: longevity, authenticity, and emotional connection with clothing. Emma’s garments encourage mindful consumption and celebrate the artistry of craftsmanship.
Storytelling Through Design
Emma treats design as a form of narrative. Literature, photography, music, and cinema inform her collections, turning inspirations into wearable stories. She collects influences like memories — from Zapotec weaving in Oaxaca to Japanese indigo dyeing discovered during a Tokyo trip.
Her garments are not just clothing; they are vessels for cultural and emotional resonance. Wearing Emma’s designs is a way of carrying heritage, personal narrative, and artistic expression.
Craftsmanship, Sustainability & Purpose
Emma has long prioritized craftsmanship and ethical practices. She believes fashion should respect both people and the planet. Her design ethos emphasizes sustainability, social responsibility, ethical sourcing, and the preservation of artisan skills.
As she puts it: “Make the journey even greater than the destination.” Every piece reflects care, thought, and a deep understanding of cultural and human significance.
Why Emma François Matters — More Than a Designer
Emma François is more than a founder; she is a cultural curator, transforming memory, travel, and craft into tangible design. Her work demonstrates that fashion can be a bridge between cultures, eras, and people — and that garments can be vessels for storytelling, emotion, and intention.
Her approach elevates clothing from mere apparel to a medium that embodies curiosity, empathy, and creativity — inspiring wearers to embrace individuality, culture, and craftsmanship.
For readers inspired by designers who blend travel, culture, and craft into wearable stories, exploring Emma François’ latest creations is a journey in itself. Discover her latest designs or explore our curated range of French fashion designer pieces.
