3 questions for ... Narjisse Temmim, Ellozze Manager

The Carolina Ritzler brand has gotten a makeover and become Ellozze. Manager Narjisse Temmim explains the change in name and its impact on the brand’s style and strategy.

Why Ellozze?

With Caroline’s departure, it seemed clear that we had to make the brand evolve both as a name and a visual identity. The jumpsuit, of course, is still the house trademark. This fascinating garment gives power to every women who’s bold enough to take the leap … That’s the reason for the new name, Ellozze, which accurately reflects this young company’s attitude. We decided to continue, with audacity and determination, to dress women who dare to stand out via a style and attitude. It’s a way to pay homage to all the women that represent the irreverence of the Parisian without ever forgetting elegance. The name, absolutely suffused with energy, also symbolises our values. And finally, the HEC business school motto, “learn to dare”, inspired me. That expression is rooted in my life philosophy. I learned to take risks; I renamed this young house to give it a new momentum, elle ose [she dares], Ellozze.

About creation?

The creative part is now handled by a collective of designers from different backgrounds. I like the idea of different generations of creative people combining their ideas, inspirations, and cultures to produce a wardrobe built around the jumpsuit and its variations. Pants can be high-waisted or carrot-style, tops can be loose or fitted: the pantsuit is branching out, all of a sudden there are 1,001 possibilities for even more appeal.

There are also changes in the choice of fabrics and materials, with extended colour palettes and exclusive prints for each collection. This wardrobe goes with women through the day’s myriad roles and adapts to their lifestyle: working girl, artist, dentist, professor, lawyer, consultant, early bird, night owl …

We’re also going to give the brand new energy by inviting fashion celebrities to get creative through limited edition capsule collections. This fall we launched the first collection with Peggy Frey, a true  jumpsuit fan. Her capsule is inspired by Gordon Gekko; it’s a Wall Street / working girl look with a grey flannel jumpsuit, a coat, and a sleeveless jacket.

What are your ambitions?

I have numerous projects but I’m lucky to have outstanding support from a really great team and happy to see that the human story that made this young startup so strong continues. I’m surrounded by a team of loyal women with a strong entrepreneurial spirit; they organise our production, digital communication, and e-commerce – a priority venture to develop this new brand. It’s the same thing for outside help, with experts in different fields who completely believe in the potential of this adventure. For example, I can mention Lucas Mongiello with the Havas Media Agency who helped us create the visual identity, graphics, and logo; or the iconic duo Sofia and Mauro for Ellozze’s first photos.

The made-in-France concept remains a foundational pillar for our business model. It’s essential for us to be a long-term participant in eco-responsible practices. I’m currently working on an upcycling strategy and on reducing the production cycle, which will let us better meet the ever-increasing expectations of French and international customers.