French fashion startup raises $1.5M to spread 'ineffable French touch' worldwide

Paris is known as one of the four fashion capitals of the world, and today a Paris-based startup received investment to accelerate expansion of its online fashion marketplace.

Carnet de Mode describes itself as a “Parisian temple of fashion.” The company connects up-and-coming fashion designers in Paris with stylish consumers around the world looking for that “ineffable French touch.”

The company has two parts. First, the E-Shop provides a curated selection of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories that consumers can browse through and buy. The ‘pre-collection’ part of the site is a crowdfunding platform where emerging designers can raise money for their next collection. Most of the selection is ‘avant-garde’ and fashion-forward, and will appeal to people dedicated to staying ahead of trends and finding unique garments.

Since its launch, Carnet de Mode has increased its sales and customers by more than 50% each month, according to a statement, and publishes about 30 new designers each month. The marketplace currently features 200 designers and 6,000 fashion items.

Elaia Partners led this first round of $1.5 million along with angel investors. Elaia Partners is a Paris-based firm that focuses its investments on early stage startups in the “digital economy.” It will expand Carnet de Mode’s designer marketplace, support the launch of its multi-brand boutique segment, grow the team, and invest in marketing and international business development.