A Legacy of Style and Rock Royalty:
In the world of fashion and rock ‘n’ roll, certain names are synonymous with style and staying power. Two such names that effortlessly embody this fusion of glamour and music are Ella Richards and Lucie de la Falaise. These multigenerational style icons have etched their names in the annals of fashion history, blending family, style, and enduring influence.
In a Parisian studio adorned with vibrant flowers, Lucie is a striking contrast in an all-black ensemble. Her daughter, Ella Richards, stands beside her, exuding elegance in a white bathrobe and house slippers, sharing a similar sleek blonde chignon with her mother. Their playful exchange sets the tone for a dynamic duo that’s always in cahoots, both in life and in fashion.
Photographer Brigitte Niedermair, inspired by the duo’s enchanting presence as they left Dior’s Mumbai show in March, envisioned a photoshoot adorned with blooms and featuring fall’s most extravagant and lush floral designs from renowned fashion houses like Bottega Veneta and Chanel.
Fashion, Family, and Creative Collaboration
Behind their playful facade lies a rich legacy in both fashion and rock ‘n’ roll. Lucie de la Falaise’s aunt, Loulou, was a muse to the legendary Yves Saint Laurent, and Lucie herself worked alongside the iconic designer. At the tender age of 21, she married Marlon Richards, the son of the Rolling Stones’ Keith Richards, and they are still together. This family connection brings with it an undeniable rock ‘n’ roll heritage, with Anita Pallenberg, the late rock goddess and infamous Barbarella actress, serving as Ella Richards’s grandmother.
However, Lucie and her long-time publicist and later business partner, Hélène Renaud, graciously point out that we don’t need to harp on their rock-royalty genes or their physical similarities. These powerful women encourage us to explore new facets of their story, just as Cat Power reimagined “Satisfaction” by leaving out the titular chorus. It’s about finding fresh perspectives on an old song.
Lucie de la Falaise, now based in West Sussex, feels liberated from the outdated notion that we must be defined by a single role. She believes that today, individuals can be both beautiful and have a voice, and pursue multiple passions simultaneously. It’s about embracing the capacity to bloom repeatedly, to evolve, and to surprise oneself.
Living on Their Own Terms: Embracing Multiple Passions
In 2017, Lucie and Hélène Renaud founded the Lucie de la Falaise Studio, a lifestyle and interior design firm. This venture allows them to pursue the types of creative collaborations they’ve cherished in the past. Notable examples include a picnic hamper designed by de la Falaise for Dior, featuring Dior plates, glasses, cutlery, and napkins. In 2018, de la Falaise’s imaginative designs graced Schiaparelli’s spring haute couture collection with bags made from raffia, wicker, driftwood, wooden beads, pearls, and upcycled plastic. While their upcoming projects remain shrouded in secrecy, there is no doubt that this partnership will continue to bring creativity to life.
Lucie de la Falaise became a mother at a young age, and her daughter Ella was often present on set during her modeling career. When Ella eventually entered the world of modeling, Lucie was her vigilant chaperone, guiding her every step of the way. Ella fondly recalls her mother’s advice to “figure out what you love and try a little bit of everything.” This empowering message was reinforced by her godmother, the legendary Kate Moss, who reminded her that “No” is a complete sentence.
A Treasure Hunt for Style: From Vintage Fashion to Antique Markets
Ella Richards, now 27 and based in London, might be a city girl, but she’s far from a wild child. She prefers intimate dinners with friends over the clubbing scene. Her closet, bookshelf, and apartment are adorned with heirlooms and hand-me-downs, including clothes belonging to her step-grandmother, Patti Hansen. Ella cherishes secondhand items and frequently shops for vintage clothing and peruses online antique auctions before bedtime. Her life is fueled by the excitement of finding treasures that carry history and character.
With a penchant for early morning antique hunting at Kempton Park Market, Ella has amassed unique decor items like a convex mirror framed with mother-of-pearl. Her approach to antique shopping doubles as life advice: make decisions swiftly, even when you don’t know the outcome, and have faith that when the sun rises, you’ll be pleased with your choices.
In the end, Ella and Lucie are more than just fashion and rock royalty; they are a testament to the enduring power of style, influence, and family bonds. Their story reminds us that embracing multiple passions, redefining our roles, and seeking inspiration in the past can lead to a future filled with endless blooming creativity. It’s a story of two women who continue to evolve, inspiring us to do the same.
