The Story of Sandro: Perfecting the Art of French Style
Discover how Sandro rose from a family rooted vision to become a global symbol of accessible French luxury—now available in Manila.
The terms quiet luxury and Parisian style have become buzzwords on social media, often trending as micro-aesthetics embraced by a younger, style-savvy generation. With fashion gurus and celebrities striving to perfect the art of effortless dressing, looking put together without seeming like you tried—most of us have hopped in and offered different takes on the trend. (Let’s be honest, we’ve all saved a Jane Birkin photo or two on Pinterest. She is, after all, the embodiment of chic.)
But beyond the trend cycle and French girl Pinterest boards, this movement has reignited conversations on craftsmanship, quality, and thoughtful design—values that define truly timeless fashion. Luckily, one contemporary brand that has long embodied these principles is finally making waves in Manila: Sandro.
Below, we trace Sandro’s beginnings, its quiet domination of the fashion space, and the iconic pieces that have come to define the label.
The History of Sandro: A Family Story
(PHOTO/Sandro)
Sandro was founded in 1987 by Moroccan-born designer Evelyne Chétrite, who would go on to redefine contemporary Parisian fashion. And behind its success in capturing the essence of understated elegance is a story of passing on knowledge and passion.
Long before launching the brand, Evelyne was already immersed in the beauty of garment making. Growing up in Rabat, Morocco, she would accompany her mother and sister to markets, absorbing the colors, textures, and stories behind the textiles. With a seamstress aunt and a grandfather who owned a rabat (a shirtmaking atelier), the art of making clothes was in her blood.
When Evelyne moved to Paris in her adulthood, she initially pursued a law degree. But on weekends, she found herself drawn to vintage shops where her fascination with fashion reignited. And in the city where haute couture thrived, she noticed a void in the French market: clothing that sat between high fashion and mass-market retail. Thus, Sandro was born—filling that sweet spot of accessible luxury.
At the time, very few brands occupied this niche market. Today, Sandro is recognized as a pioneer in contemporary Parisian space.
Brand Evolution: From Paris to the World
For nearly two decades, Sandro operated through wholesale channels, until a turning point in 2004. With the help of her husband Didier, Evelyne opened the first Sandro boutique in Paris’ historic Marais district—a hub for fashion, galleries, and culture. This marked the beginning of the brand’s global retail expansion and a more direct relationship with its clientele.
(PHOTO/W Magazine) (PHOTO/Sandro Spring Summer Collection)
Sandro became even more of a family venture when Evelyne’s son, Ilan Chétrite, joined to launch Sandro Homme in 2008. His take on the Sandro man? “Non-conformist, but always chic.” The menswear line echoes the house’s DNA: a blend of sharp tailoring, vintage-inspired silhouettes, and ease. Ilan continues to serve as the Men’s Artistic Director, showing his collections during Paris Fashion Week.
Today, Sandro operates over 750 points of sale globally. The brand is part of the SMCP Group—alongside sister brands Maje and Claudie Pierlot.
Design Philosophy and Iconic Items
At the heart of Sandro is contrast. Evelyne has described the label’s philosophy as “casual but always chic,” and “sophisticated but cool.” Sandro pieces often strike a careful balance pairing masculine cuts with feminine finishes, or classics with unexpected twists.
Here are a few styles that have come to define the brand:
Tweed Jackets
Tweed is a standout staple in Sandro’s collections which are often boxy, collarless, and detailed with frayed hems or gold buttons.
Short-sleeved Tweed Jacket, P24,950, SANDRO
2. Blazers or Suit Sets
Sandro’s take on power dressing includes belted blazers and slim-fit suits that blur the line between sharp and soft.
Sequin Suit Trousers, P18,950; Sequinned Suit Jacket, P29,950; Sequin Cropped Jacket, P14,950, SANDRO
3. The Yza Bag
The brand’s answer to the elevated everyday bag: the Yza bag, a quilted flap bag with chain details and gold hardware.
Mock Croc Leather Yza Bag, P25,950, SANDRO
4. Printed Dresses
Sandro’s printed dresses are often light, fluid, and feminine featuring florals, geometric patterns, and asymmetrical silhouettes. The brand introduced the SANDRO X Louise Bourgeois Collection for Spring Summer 2025, inspired by the French-American artist noted for her frequent use of spirals in her sculptures, prints, and paintings.
Spiral-Motif Silk Midi Dress, P33,950, SANDRO
5. Denim Jackets with Embroidery or Patchwork
Sandro gives timeless denim a twist through embroidery, patchwork, or dual-material layering.
Oversized Dual-Material Coatigan, P22,950, SANDRO
Filipino Personalities in Sandro
Sandro’s understated elegance has found its way into the wardrobes of local personalities known for effortless style.
Max Collins
Janina Manipol
Michelle Dee
Stephanie Dods
Liz Uy
Richard Juan
LA Aguinaldo
Where to Shop Sandro in the Philippines
You can now shop Sandro at the following locations:
- Greenbelt 5, Makati
- Central Square, BGC (Soon to Open)
- Rustan’s Makati (Soon to Open)
Get a first glimpse of the new Sandro Greenbelt Store
Here’s a look at the standout style moments that graced the launch of Sandro’s first store in the Philippines—now open at Greenbelt 5.
#SandroPH #SSILife
Written by: Kate Oabel
Cover Image by: Wreece Ching
About SSI Group, Inc.:
The SSI Group is the Philippines’ largest specialty retailer, with an established brand portfolio that includes some of the world’s most recognized international brands. We lead the country’s specialty retail market through the size and breadth of our brand portfolio and store network, with 94 brands and 593 stores. With our growing e-commerce presence, we are also the Philippine specialty retailer with the most diverse and extensive e-commerce offering. Our unique brand portfolio covers a wide range of specialty and lifestyle concepts, spanning the luxury, casual, and fast fashion, beauty, footwear, home, and restaurant categories. Established in the 1980s, SSI has been at the forefront of the Philippine retail industry for more than 30 years. Throughout this time, we have sought to inspire and enhance the lifestyle values of our customers and to cater to the evolving tastes and aspirations of Filipino consumers. In response to the evolution of the retail industry, the company introduced "The Specialist," an At Home concierge service dedicated to serving its valued customers with their shopping needs. Customers may get in touch with SSI’s Customer Service team through any of the following channels to inquire about a particular brand or product:
SSI GROUP CUSTOMER SERVICE TEAM
Email: customerservice@ssigroup.com.ph
Telephone Number: 8-830-5000
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