Fashion scholar Sophie Albou first got her stylish feet wet at France's Fashion Institute. She followed her graduation with an
appointment at Azzedine Alaia and then became a stylist for Le Garage.

In 1995 Albou launched her first menswear collection, under the name "Paul and Joe" - a shout out to her two young sons. Two years later the designer released a womenswear line under the same moniker, to critical acclaim

2007 finds Albou celebrating the tenth anniversary of her Paul and Joe womenswear line with a festive (bordering on cartoonish) collection of clothing. The billowing royal purple coat, a blouse with enormous white bell sleeves paired with dark khaki slouchy, pirate boots proudly declare Albou's standing as a "resolute anti-conformist." Even her primmer outfits - a conservatively tailored mint green coat with gold button accents comes to mind - are punctuated with loud purple, white or green stockings and patent knee-high boots.

Currently Paul and Joe offerings are available in over 30 boutiques around the globe, as well as in retail giants Barney's, Harvey Nichols and Harrod's among others. By L Harper