Suzon and Suzette showcased their vibrant bike sleeves at the Made in France fair in Paris, attracting attention with their colorful designs. Founded by Laëtitia Cros and Anne-Charlotte Peridon in 2021, the brand emphasizes creativity and sustainability by collaborating with French sewing workshops that support social causes. Their products, made from eco-friendly materials, include waterproof accessories and aim for a zero-waste philosophy. Within six weeks of launching, they secured partnerships with major retailers, expanding their reach across France and into Belgium and Switzerland.
Discovering Suzon and Suzette at the Made in France Fair
The Suzon and Suzette booth (H68) at the Made in France fair in Paris, held from November 8 to 11, is impossible to overlook. A lively crowd gathers, eager to explore the vibrant bike sleeves showcased on an electric Gaya bike. The eye-catching accessories bring a splash of color and excitement to the event.
A Journey of Creativity and Sustainability
Laëtitia Cros and Anne-Charlotte Peridon embarked on their entrepreneurial journey in 2021. “Like many, we took a pause during Covid and decided it was time for a change,” Laëtitia shares. “While biking for our daily commute, we noticed a lack of appealing sleeves on the market.”
With a passion for sewing, Anne-Charlotte crafted initial designs that caught the attention of passersby. “People would stop her on the street to ask where they could buy them!” Laëtitia recalls. Recognizing a market opportunity, they aimed to infuse their project with meaningful values, emphasizing solidarity in production.
Suzon and Suzette collaborates with three sewing workshops across France: one in Villeurbanne focused on professional reintegration, another in Lentilly near Lyon dedicated to people with disabilities, and a third in Vichy, a state-subsidized workshop.
The company prioritizes quality and sustainability, using coated cotton for complete waterproofing. “Inside, we use faux fur,” Laëtitia explains. “All fabrics are Oeko-Tex certified, ensuring they are free from harmful substances.” The cotton is sourced from Turkey, as local options are limited, which would significantly raise production costs.
Emphasizing a zero-waste philosophy, Suzon and Suzette creatively repurpose leftover materials. “We make waterproof saddle covers from sleeve remnants, and any extra fabric goes into creating summer skirt attachments. We strive to ensure nothing goes to waste,” they proudly state.
The brand offers a wide range of accessories, including specialized longtail child sleeves, baby sleeves, waterproof banana bags, ear warmers, and pant straps, with prices starting at €9.90 for reflective stickers and reaching €54.90 for adult bike sleeves.
In just a short time, the Suzon and Suzette initiative gained momentum. “Only six weeks post-launch, we partnered with Decathlon. Now, we’re featured in 150 stores across France, including Le Vieux Campeur and the Cyclable network, with plans to expand into Belgium and Switzerland,” Laëtitia expresses, noting the support of two partners and two interns in their growing venture.