The French label Des Petits Hauts was founded in 2000 by sisters Katia and Vanessa Sanchez. The brand has now made a name for itself in Paris and is known for its playful, feminine aesthetic. What started as a handful of ‘little tops’ – a literal translation of the brand name – has grown into a global brand. She’s known for pastel knitwear, delicate prints and sparkling accessories. The motto is “la vie en plus jolie” (making life more beautiful) and captures the essence of the brand. The clothing feels light, cheerful and unmistakably French. Today, Des Petits Hauts combines its origins of softness and femininity with a modern approach to retail and digital storytelling. This means the brand attracts a loyal audience across Europe and beyond.
Brand history and development
The brand’s beginnings were humble. In 2000, the sisters launched a 20-piece collection of simple, lightweight tops. Each piece was decorated with a signature lucky star charm. By 2002 they opened their first boutique in Paris. Within a decade, Des Petits Hauts grew into a comprehensive lifestyle brand. The range has been expanded to include dresses, knitwear, outerwear and accessories.
E-commerce started in 2013 and enabled international sales. By its 20th anniversary in 2020, the company had 92 stores of its own in Europe. There was also a wholesale network of around 800 dealers worldwide. Although founder Katia retired in 2019, Vanessa continues to lead the creative vision. It ensures that the brand’s DNA is preserved. These include poetic prints, soft textures and cheerful color palettes.
Important success factors and social media presence
One of the most important success factors of Des Petits Hauts is its consistent, cross-generational presence. The brand appeals to style-conscious teenagers and adult women alike. They are all looking for comfortable, high-quality basics that still exude charm. Des Petits Hauts emphasizes a cheerful femininity. Exclusive in-house prints, subtle yet vibrant color palettes and ultra-soft yarns set the brand apart. This distinctive identity has created a loyal community. The company has cleverly cultivated this community through social media.
Des Petits Hauts was an early adopter of Instagram. The brand used the platform to share its “univers poétique et coloré” (poetic and colorful universe). She contacted customers directly using the hashtag #despetitsmoment. The official Instagram account today has over 260,000 followers. The brand regularly posts lookbook images and insights behind the scenes there. It also celebrates the small joys of everyday life. Des Petits Hauts has recently also been present on TikTok. The brand uses short videos to showcase outfit inspiration and playful styling tips.
Product range and pricing
Although the brand started with ‘little tops’, Des Petits Hauts now offers a complete wardrobe. This captures the playful Parisian spirit. The collection includes airy blouses and shirts priced between 60 and 120 euros. Printed dresses cost around 150 to 180 euros. The popular knitwear, such as cardigans and sweaters made from mohair blends, are usually between 180 and 250 euros.
Outerwear adds a more premium touch to the range. Tailored wool coats and trench coats cost between 250 and 300 euros. This tiered pricing structure allows the brand to appeal to customers on different levels. Offerings range from affordable everyday pieces to fashion investments. All products are connected by Des Petits Hauts’ signature soft colors, playful details and timeless feminine style.
Global presence
Although Des Petits Hauts is rooted in Paris, the brand has established a strong international presence. The company’s own boutiques are located in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Spain. The wholesale network and e-commerce presence bring the collections to dozens of countries worldwide. Around 60 percent of sales are generated outside France, which underlines the widespread interest in the brand.
The brand ships online to almost 30 European countries. This makes her playful Parisian style accessible to a wide range of customers. Partnerships with department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps in Paris further strengthen visibility. At the same time, independent concept stores worldwide present the collections.
Future prospects
For the future, Des Petits Hauts plans further international expansion, particularly within Europe. At the same time, growth should be promoted through selected partnerships abroad. The brand usually produces two main collections per year: spring/summer and fall/winter. These are complemented by pre-collections and capsule collections to ensure new offerings throughout the year.
Sustainability also plays a role. The company prefers natural fibers. In 2025, it became one of the first French brands to publish online environmental impact assessments for each garment. This was done in collaboration with impact company Fairly Made. This move reflects the growing regulatory requirements in France. But he also positions Des Petits Hauts as a brand that strives for change without setting unrealistic standards.
As it celebrates its 25th anniversary, Des Petits Hauts remains true to its founding values. These include the playful feminine style, quality craftsmanship and the idea that clothing can enhance life. With a loyal following, a solid digital presence and ambitious but thoughtful growth plans, the brand appears to be well positioned. It will continue to delight customers across generations in the future.
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