Paule Ka closes its website and all its shops

Paule Ka employees have been dealt a harsh blow. Placed in receivership in April 2024, the women’s fashion label is on the verge of winding down its operations ahead of a very likely receivership, due to a lack of strong bids for a potential takeover, FashionNetwork.com has learned. The brand’s online store, owned by Thierry Le Guénic, stopped taking orders on Thursday July 11, while the entire network is due to close on Saturday July 13.

On the brand’s e-shop, the following words could be read on Thursday: “PauleKa.com will close definitively on July 11 at 11.59pm. The entire PauleKa team would like to thank you for your loyalty over the years.” 

The brand’s network, which will cease selling Paule Ka products this weekend, comprises four brand boutiques (two in Paris, one in Lyon and one in Luxembourg) and four corners (Printemps, Bon Marché and Galeries Lafayette). The company, which was founded in 1988 by Serge Cajfinger, still employs 32 people. In its 2023 financial year, it estimated sales at 8.4 million euros, accompanied by a very substantial loss of 2.2 million euros.

Known for its elegant outfits and above all its evening dresses, the label underwent a failed change of hands in 2020, with Xavier Marie selling the brand to Swiss company Rodexia, which had already led to a period of receivership. Thierry Le Guénic, experienced in taking over assets in difficulty, then got his hands on the brand a year later to relaunch it. But, as with several of his fashion companies that had already been wound up (Habitat, Burton of London, Orcanta), he failed in his mission in a difficult market context.

If the company’s liquidation is confirmed in the coming days by the Paris Commercial Court, the label’s various assets will once again be on the lookout for buyers, on a piecemeal basis. The Paule Ka name could be of interest to brands and groups looking to break into or strengthen their position in the chic, accessible luxury segment.