FASHTALKS WITH ROMANDO

Tell us the story behind how your brand came to life. What inspired its creation?

ROMANDO was born from a desire to slow down and reconnect generations through a shared passion for high-end knitwear. It is a heart-driven project where every stitch tells a story of heritage and love. I was inspired by the "golden hands" of our elders and the poetic beauty of childhood.

How did you choose your brand name, and what does it represent?

The name ROMANDO was born from a beautiful and spontaneous misunderstanding. While I was having dinner at my friend Ida's house, I spent the evening trying to speak Danish with her son, Trym. The next day, Ida told me: "You have to come back, because Trym is convinced your name is ROMANDO. No matter how much I tell him it's Romane, he is so proud of your exchange that he won't hear otherwise!" I loved the name immediately. It represents the joy of connection, the bridge between cultures, and the playful spirit of childhood that lies at the heart of our brand.

"⁠What excites me most is the immense pride of seeing our collections travel and be worn all over the world. I love the idea that our pieces are more than just knitwear, they are conversation starters."

What core values guide your brand, and how do they show up in your designs?

Our brand is guided by three pillars: Transmission, Noble Materials, and Ethics. These values manifest through our use of 100% French Merino wool and our commitment to hand-knitting. In our designs, this shows up in joyful, iconic motifs—like the strawberry, the croissant, and the heart—which celebrate a world that is both sweet and authentic.

What inspired you to become a designer, and how has that influence evolved?

Design has always been a family affair for me. I grew up surrounded by creative women; my mother and grandmother passed down to me a deep love for beautiful things and noble materials. They taught me to appreciate the soul behind an object. This heritage has evolved into a professional mission: I wanted to create a brand that honors this family spirit. Today, my influence is "human-centric," where my role as a designer is to preserve and promote ancestral savoir-faire, turning these family values into a high-end, contemporary wardrobe.

Walk us through your creative process from concept to finished piece.

Everything starts with a story or an icon of childhood (the strawberry, the heart). Once the design is set, we select the finest wool from an EPV-labeled spinning mill & select colors. Then, our passionate knitters—Martine,Sandrine, Evelyne, Jocelyne & Marylène —hand-knit each piece. To complete the journey, every finished piece includes a portrait and the first name of its knitter, along with a personal note, creating a direct link between us and the customer.

What sets your brand apart in today’s fashion landscape?

ROMANDO stands out through its unique human model: "Artisanat-Luxe". We don’t just sell clothing,we share a piece of the French soul. Our intergenerational bridge, where women with "golden hands" knit for our precious customers, offers a depth of meaning.

What was your first experience in the fashion industry, and how did it shape you?

I spent seven years working as a fashion designer in Denmark for a children's wear brand. Those years were fundamental; they shaped my professional expertise and allowed me to fully unleash my creativity. However, I eventually felt the need to create my own brand—one that was more human-centric, taking care of both people and the environment. I wanted to build a project that preserved that professional rigor while maintaining a "pop," playful, and luminous DNA that celebrates our inner child.

What has been your biggest challenge so far, and what did it teach you?

My biggest challenge was gaining the credibility needed to prove that a traditional craft could be a modern luxury brand. The turning point was winning the "Coup de Cœur" prize awarded by the President of the French Republic at the Elysée Palace. This experience taught me to always believe in my dreams and never give up—because life and passion can truly take you all the way to the President's Palace!

What accomplishment are you most proud of to date?

I am incredibly proud of our team of knitters and the recognition we are receiving, from the Elysée Palace to our pieces being selected for upcoming French cinema projects. It is a beautiful tribute to their talent and our shared vision of high-end French craftsmanship.

"This heritage has evolved into a professional mission: I wanted to create a brand that honors this family spirit. Today, my influence is "human-centric," where my role as a designer is to preserve and promote ancestral savoir-faire, turning these family values into a high-end, contemporary wardrobe."

How do you connect with your customers and use their feedback?

We connect through the transparency and humanity of our process. Our customers aren't just buying knitwear, they are joining a community that values craftsmanship, sweetness & story of love ! Their feedback are precious, I personally answer all our customers to make sure each request is personalized.

Outside of your brand, what are you most passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about fashion, vintage markets ("brocante"), and the art of knitting. My creative vision has been profoundly shaped by the colorful universe of Jean-Charles de Castelbajac and the clean lines of Scandinavian design. I also find great inspiration in nature, visiting museums, and art exhibitions. I believe in the power of human connection to make our daily lives more poetic and authentic.

What excites you most about the future of your brand?

⁠What excites me most is the immense pride of seeing our collections travel and be worn all over the world. I love the idea that our pieces are more than just knitwear, they are conversation starters. I like to imagine that a specific motif—like our iconic croissant or strawberry—might spark a smile, trigger a conversation between strangers, or even lead to a beautiful romantic encounter! Knowing that ROMANDO can play a part in creating human connections and spreading joy globally is what truly drives me for the future.