Ever since she was young, Claire Chardon has been sewing her own trousers and knitting different articles of clothing. “It’s something I’ve been interested in for a long time and one of my dreams has always been to have my own line of clothing,” she said.
This spring, Chardon brought her dream to life locally when she opened the Cocli Collection at The Shoppes at Limestone in Fayetteville.
Chardon, a native of Paris, France, started her dream of creating her own line just a short while before her husband, who works for Carrier Corporation, announced they would be moving from France to the United States.
“I asked him for six months to get everything together, but I only got one,” added Chardon.
Chardon describes her clothing as refined and unique outfits that are versatile in the sense they can be worn as casual everyday wear, but can also be dressed up with accessories.
“The quality of the fabrics makes it almost like old couture. A lot of customers talk about how unique the dresses are,” Chardon said.
Chardon works with a team of five people stationed in France to create her line of clothes, starting with the design process and ending with the production of her line. Most of the women’s dresses are created with a child’s outfit that is made with a similar idea and pattern design to the adult dress.
The Cocli Collection can be found at The Shoppes at Limestone, which also features Neenee’s Boutique, home decor, furnishings and gift shop a la Maison and Le Petit Café.
“I really like that there’s a relaxed atmosphere here. Women can come and shop and get a cup of coffee,” said Chardon.
In her space in the Shoppes at Limestone, Chardon additionally offers other made-in-France products such as tea, home decor, jewelry, shoes and beauty products. Chardon said she is planning to create her own jewelry line to go along with the Cocli Collection.
Cocli’s fall collection will be released shortly, Chardon said. The Shoppes at Limestone is located at 204 W. Gennesee St. in Fayetteville and is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.
To learn more, visit the website at cocli-collection.com/ or like them on Facebook at facebook.com/Cocli.Collection.
