My France Favourites: An Interview with The Podolls

A trip to France provides creative inspiration for Josh Podoll and Lauren Berdell Podoll, the San Francisco-based design team behind The Podolls. Established in 2003 as “Josh Podoll,” the brand was reborn in 2010 as The Podolls, and has since received lots of buzz for its eco-friendly fashion line made in the USA using sustainable materials. Garments like the draped AirMail wrap dress, the winged blouse, and vibrant Ankle Pant trousers are grown and sewn close to home in the San Francisco Bay Area. In October 2013, the brand opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Burlingame, California, where shoppers can also discover the new children’s line called Podots.

“France and fashion are practically synonymous,” explain The Podolls. “The spirit of luxury and refinement are pervasive in French culture and we aim to incorporate both of these qualities in our work.” France Today recently got the scoop on the designer duo’s favourite French addresses…

[France Today]: What is your favourite French region to travel? A particular hotel you recommend?

[The Podolls]: Provence is quite magical. There is so much natural beauty from the mountains to the vineyards to the sea. We love taking a relaxed approach and driving through various small villages, stopping for a bite, walking the cobblestone streets and tasting wine. The wine country north of where we live in San Francisco shares some characteristics with Provence—its also romantic and scenic—but the history in the south of France is just incredibly rich and hard to beat.

Hotel Crillon le Brave in Provence is perfection.

[FT]: What are your rituals in Paris? What do you always do when you arrive?

[TP]: We love checking in to the Relais Christine, enjoying afternoon tea service at Mariage Frères and then walking the streets of the 6th arrondissement. We make sure to visit Merci—we love their installations and cozy library café. Le Bon Marché is always inspirational as are the parks, gardens and museums of Paris. No trip is complete without a sentimental visit to Sacré-Cœur and hot chocolate at Angelina.

[FT]: Who are your favourite designers in France today?

[TP]: Alber Elbaz. Nicolas Ghesquiere. Isabel Marant. Vanessa Bruno. Sonia Rykiel.

[FT]: Do you have a favourite souvenir to bring home?

[TP]: Macarons and a new piece to add to our collection of Astier de Villatte.

[FT]: What’s in your carry-on when you travel?

[TP]: Necessities: noise-cancelling headphones, a good book, a BKR glass water bottle filled to the brim, and an iPad.

Luxuries: facial tonic spray, cashmere scarf, and a Smythson journal to record thoughts and ideas.

Bon voyage!