Des Petits Hauts: Celebrating 25 Years of Parisian Elegance and Playful Moments

Founded in 2000 by sisters Katia and Vanessa Sanchez, Des Petits Hauts has blossomed from a small, charming venture into a beloved Parisian brand with an international presence. Over the last quarter-century, the label has become synonymous with feminine elegance, joyful designs, and a distinctly Parisian sense of style. While it began with a simple collection of “little tops” (the literal translation of the brand’s name), Des Petits Hauts has expanded far beyond this initial offering, emerging as a lifestyle brand with an eclectic range of clothing and accessories that continue to captivate women worldwide.

Brand Origins and Evolution

Des Petits Hauts’ story begins in the early 2000s, when Katia and Vanessa Sanchez, inspired by their shared vision of feminine charm and effortless Parisian chic, launched their very first collection. The initial offering was a modest range of just 20 lightweight tops, each adorned with a signature star charm—an emblem of good luck and positivity. These tops, with their simple designs and delicate details, quickly caught the attention of women seeking comfortable yet stylish wardrobe staples.

By 2002, just two years after the brand’s launch, Des Petits Hauts opened its first boutique in Paris, marking the beginning of its physical retail presence. This was a significant milestone, cementing the brand’s place in the Parisian fashion scene. Over the following decade, Des Petits Hauts expanded its offerings to include dresses, outerwear, and accessories, gradually transforming from a niche brand into a full-fledged lifestyle label.

The company’s international growth took a major leap forward in 2013, with the launch of e-commerce, allowing the brand to reach customers beyond France and into the broader European and global markets. By the time the brand celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2020, Des Petits Hauts had built an impressive portfolio, with 92 standalone stores across Europe, alongside a wholesale network comprising around 800 retailers worldwide.

Despite Katia stepping back from daily operations in 2019, Vanessa Sanchez has continued to lead the creative direction of the brand. Her vision has ensured that Des Petits Hauts remains true to its roots, combining the playful femininity and artisanal quality that the brand is known for with a modern approach to both retail and digital storytelling.

Key Success Factors

Several key factors have driven the success of Des Petits Hauts over the years. One of the brand’s most notable strengths is its ability to maintain a transgenerational appeal. Des Petits Hauts’ clothing resonates with a wide range of women, from young fashion-forward teens to older, style-conscious women who appreciate the brand’s timeless aesthetic. The brand’s offerings are designed to be both chic and comfortable, making them suitable for various occasions—from casual daywear to more polished evening looks.

At the core of Des Petits Hauts’ success is its commitment to creating clothing that embodies “joyous femininity.” The brand is known for its exclusive in-house prints, which often feature whimsical designs and intricate details, as well as its soft color palettes. The use of luxurious, ultra-soft yarns—particularly in its signature mohair-blend knitwear—further sets Des Petits Hauts apart, offering a tactile and sensual experience for the wearer.

Another significant factor contributing to the brand’s continued growth is its mastery of digital marketing and social media engagement. Des Petits Hauts has been particularly adept at using platforms like Instagram and TikTok to connect directly with customers, showcase its playful, poetic universe, and build a loyal community around the brand. The official Des Petits Hauts Instagram account has over 260,000 followers, where the brand shares lookbook imagery, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and posts celebrating the simple joys of life.

Des Petits Hauts has also made its mark with the hashtag #despetitsmoment, which encourages customers to share their own personal moments and style inspirations, further fostering a sense of community and engagement. Recently, the brand expanded its presence onto TikTok, where short-form videos showcase styling tips, behind-the-scenes moments, and fashion inspiration, allowing the brand to tap into a younger, trend-savvy audience.

Product Range and Pricing Strategy

From its humble beginnings with a small collection of tops, Des Petits Hauts now offers a complete wardrobe designed to embody the brand’s whimsical Parisian spirit. The collection spans a wide range of categories, including airy blouses, delicate shirts, printed dresses, knitwear, outerwear, and accessories.

The brand’s knitwear has long been a signature offering, with its mohair-blend cardigans and jumpers becoming particularly popular. These pieces, priced between €180 and €250, are known for their exceptional softness and unique textures, offering a luxurious yet relaxed look. Des Petits Hauts also offers a wide selection of printed dresses, which range from €150 to €180, as well as airy blouses and shirts priced between €60 and €120. For outerwear, the brand offers a more premium selection of tailored wool coats and trench jackets, typically priced between €250 and €300.

The brand’s pricing strategy is one of its key strengths. By offering a variety of price points—ranging from more affordable everyday pieces to higher-end investment items—Des Petits Hauts appeals to a broad audience. Customers can build a wardrobe of playful yet refined pieces, from casual staples to more luxurious, timeless garments.

Global Reach and International Expansion

Though Des Petits Hauts is rooted in Paris, the brand has made significant strides in expanding its global footprint. Its standalone boutiques span France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Spain, while its e-commerce platform enables the brand to reach customers across nearly 30 countries in Europe. The brand’s wholesale partnerships with prominent department stores, such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps in Paris, have further increased its visibility in key markets.

Approximately 60% of Des Petits Hauts’ sales now come from international markets, a testament to its broad appeal and successful export strategy. Independent concept stores in cities around the world also showcase the brand’s collections, helping to further solidify its global presence.

Looking ahead, Des Petits Hauts plans to continue its international expansion, particularly within Europe, while selectively growing in other regions. The brand has also expressed interest in forging additional partnerships with retail partners abroad, expanding its reach and influence in key markets.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

As the fashion industry faces increasing scrutiny over its environmental impact, Des Petits Hauts is committed to ensuring that its growth is responsible and sustainable. The company has taken several important steps toward reducing its environmental footprint, prioritizing natural fibers and ethical production processes in its collections.

In 2025, Des Petits Hauts became one of the first French fashion brands to publish environmental impact scores for each garment online, in collaboration with the sustainability rating company Fairly Made. This transparent approach reflects the brand’s commitment to responsible production, ensuring that customers are fully informed about the environmental impact of their purchases.

In addition to its commitment to sustainability, the brand continues to focus on creating high-quality products that stand the test of time, both in terms of style and durability. This emphasis on timelessness and quality has contributed to Des Petits Hauts’ enduring popularity, with customers returning season after season for their carefully crafted garments.

Looking to the Future

As Des Petits Hauts celebrates its 25th anniversary, the brand stands poised for continued growth and success. With a strong digital presence, a loyal customer base, and a clear commitment to sustainability, Des Petits Hauts is well-positioned to continue charming women across generations. While the brand will continue to focus on its core values of playful femininity, artisanal craftsmanship, and Parisian elegance, it will also seek new ways to innovate and expand its offerings, ensuring that it remains a relevant and beloved brand in the years to come.

In conclusion, Des Petits Hauts’ 25-year journey reflects the enduring appeal of Parisian style—light, joyful, and effortlessly chic. The brand’s commitment to high-quality, beautiful clothing and its ability to adapt to an evolving retail landscape ensures that it will remain a fixture in the wardrobes of women around the world for many years to come.