When Marine Braquet and Paule Tenaillon first crossed paths at Chloé they were already seasoned insiders of the high-end fashion world. Braquet’s résumé included stints at Dior and Louis Vuitton while Tenaillon had honed her craft at Jil SanderJimmy Choo and Givenchy. The two discovered a shared fatigue with the relentless pace of luxury production – moving from two collections a year to ten after joining Chloé – and decided to channel that exhaustion into a new venture.
In 2019 they launched Nomasei a name that translates from Italian to *six hands*, hinting at the collaborative spirit behind each pair. Their goal was simple: create shoes that could transition from a morning commute to an evening dance floor without a change of footwear, while embedding sustainability and comfort at the core of every design.
From runway schedules to community dance floors
To test durability and ease of movement, the founders organized regular dance classes for their local community. These sessions quickly turned into a two-way street – customers got to move, and the founders observed how the shoes performed in real time. As Braquet puts it, “The shoe speaks for us.” The classes have become a ritual, sometimes featuring tango, and they serve as an informal showroom where feedback is collected on the spot.
Seven years after the brand’s debut, Nomasei’s footprint is expanding beyond pop-up workshops. An exclusive New York event is scheduled from Oct. 14 through Oct. 26 marking the brand’s first foray into the U.S. market. The duo also mentions long-term ambitions to open permanent boutiques in Paris, New York and London, with a fundraising round already in motion.
Leadership lessons for women in fashion
When asked about the secret to maintaining a friendship while running a business, Tenaillon answers with a single word: “Communication.” She likens their partnership to caring for a baby – both parties invest heavily in its wellbeing and trust each other’s intentions.
Negotiating a raise is another topic where their perspectives diverge from traditional expectations. Tenaillon advises women to first clarify the purpose behind the raise, stating that purpose fuels confidence. Braquet adds that emotional detachment can be a strategic advantage: “When I stopped caring emotionally, I got everything I wanted at Chloé.” She also notes that women should stop apologising in salary discussions and remind themselves of the physical and emotional resilience they bring to the table.
Both founders stress the importance of unlearning the myth that women must constantly compete with one another. Tenaillon observes, “When women are together, they are so much stronger,” while Braquet warns against the burnout trap that stems from trying to prove oneself endlessly. She cites studies suggesting women experience higher burnout rates and encourages setting clear boundaries.
Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Braquet recalls her mother’s blunt push: “You’re complaining every day. Either do something about it or stop complaining.” That moment crystallised her decision to act on gut instinct. Tenaillon adds that passion and a clear vision are non-negotiable ingredients for any start-up.
Nevertheless, they also recognise fear as a legitimate barrier. When a friend expressed doubt about losing status, travel, and a spacious apartment, Braquet’s immediate response was, “Don’t go for it.” She emphasises that bravery means confronting personal priorities head-on, not merely chasing an idea.
In day-to-day practice, the founders keep it simple. Tenaillon powers up before meetings with French electronic beats from Vitalic, while Braquet prefers a basic outfit – jeans, a white shirt and a pair of Nomasei loafers – to stay comfortable and authentic. Their philosophy extends to customers: a client once told them that wearing the brand’s boots on stage made her feel empowered, a moment that moved both founders to tears.
Beyond fashion, dance remains a personal outlet. Tenaillon practices modern jazz or contemporary dance three times a week and enjoys informal dancing at home with her boyfriend. Braquet admits she dances solo when down, finding it the easiest way to reset.
Looking forward, Braquet is steering the first fundraising round, hoping to secure a partner for a flagship Paris boutique and eventual expansions. Tenaillon is already mapping the logistics for a 2027 store opening in the French capital. Their combined vision blends design, community, and a relentless commitment to sustainable practices.
