THE BRAND
Creative, independent, and committed since its foundation in 2006, OLOW is much more than a French clothing brand.
OUR STORY
From its workshop-boutiques in Paris and Nantes, OLOW unites artists from all over the world and advocates for a high-quality, unisex wardrobe. The collections, inspired by vintage and workwear influences, are crafted in small family-run factories in Portugal or in France by local artisans.
THE BEGINNING
The story of OLOW begins with Mathieu Sorosina, Valentin Porcher, and their shared passion for art. At the age of 25, the duo launched their project with a clear vision: to build a clothing brand rooted in artistic collaborations.
It’s 2006, and the two friends have already been working together on creative projects during their studies, including starting a short film association. With only 4000 euros in hand, but a strong desire for independence and freedom, the adventure begins. Initially focused on t-shirts, with designs either created by themselves or by artists from their network, printed in a somewhat punk screen printing workshop in Les Lilas (a Parisian suburb), the collection gradually expanded over the years into a complete wardrobe.
From the very beginning, Valentin and Mathieu wanted to stay true to their values, so they turned to European manufacturing and organic cotton, which were uncommon at the time and came with their own set of challenges.
A PIVOTAL MOMENT
The brand’s first major milestone came in 2010, after an intense four-week road trip across France and Navarra, which led to the opening of their first 40 retail partnerships. Add to that a healthy cash flow and their very first paycheck in 2012 (a modest €500), the groundwork for OLOW was starting to solidify.
Throughout the founders' life adventures, the brand shifted homes several times, moving from Paris to Nantes, with those years defined by a vibrant rhythm of collaborations, travels, exhibitions, and countless concerts.
Fast-forward seventeen years, and Mathieu and Valentin remain at the helm of OLOW, navigating their ship with the poise of wise, experienced captains. Their friendship is still rock-solid, as is their original ambition: to create a brand that is sustainable, ethical, accessible, creative, human, independent, and free. Far removed from the humble beginnings of a dirt-floor basement in Paris (borrowed from a friend), OLOW has grown into a vibrant ecosystem: two boutiques that double as offices and creative studios, a strong network of over 200 retailers, and a tight-knit team spread between Paris, Nantes, and Bordeaux.
"Our friendship is still intact, just like our original vision: to create a brand that’s sustainable, committed, accessible, creative, human, independent, and free."
Mathieu Sorosina
Co-foundeur
THE FOUNDERS
Mathieu Sorosina
Co-founder
Direction artistique et Chargé de production
Mathieu is the go-getter, the guy with the gift of gab and a reputation for speaking his mind. Growing up in the Maladrerie neighborhood of Aubervilliers, he spent much of his youth hanging around artist studios. With an insatiable curiosity and a deep love for all things creative, he decided to get hands-on himself, diving into ceramics in 2022.
When he’s not out painting the town, pint in hand at a bar in Paris or soaking up the latest exhibit, you’ll find him at the office on Rue de Montmorency in Paris. He’s the linchpin of the team, knowing every project inside and out. A true jack-of-all-trades, he oversees production in Portugal, secures collaborations, manages collections, and shares the artistic direction with Valentin. It’s a fast-paced, thrilling role, just right for someone as endlessly energetic as Mathieu.
Valentin Porcher
Co-founder
Artistic Direction and Communication
As a child, in the living room of his family’s social housing apartment in Blanc-Mesnil, Valentin would tape together countless sheets of paper to create sprawling pencil murals filled with hundreds of characters. A few years later, he dreamed of becoming a “Font Illustrator” (yes, that was the dream). On weekends and holidays, he’d pile into his parents’ Toyota van to travel across France, imagining far-off places. After finishing high school, Valentin met Mathieu during their communication studies in Montreuil. Over the years, he refined his writing, sharpened his artistic eye, and deepened his passion for adventure, all culminating in his 2017 journey around the world: eleven months spent exploring, learning from people, connecting with nature, and soaking up life’s experiences.
Now based in Nantes with part of the OLOW team, Valentin leads artistic direction and communication, infusing his creativity and wanderlust into every project.
OUR SHOPS
Alongside our e-shop, OLOW also has two creative boutiques/studios and a network of passionate retailers scattered across the globe, from La Baule to Seoul, passing through New York and Brussels.
PARIS
Boutique Haut Marais
48 rue de Montmorency - 75003 Paris
Drawn by the city’s vibrant cultural, social, and environmental energy, and its lifestyle that brings you closer to nature, part of the OLOW team made the move to Nantes several years ago. After the Bungolow across from the famous Elephant and the Ateliers de la Ville en Bois, we opened our second headquarters in April 2023, just a few steps from the cathedral.
The space consists of an OLOW shop on the ground floor and an artistic studio upstairs. Designed as a “workshop,” it invites artistic exploration, wandering, disconnection, and escape.
This project came to life thanks to the amazing work of local artisans committed to responsible practices, particularly when it comes to materials.
Nantes
Boutique Nantes
1 rue Saint-Denis - 44000 Nantes
Drawn by the city’s vibrant cultural, social, and environmental energy, and its lifestyle that brings you closer to nature, part of the OLOW team made the move to Nantes several years ago. After the Bungolow across from the famous Elephant and the Ateliers de la Ville en Bois, we opened our second headquarters in April 2023, just a few steps from the cathedral.
The space consists of an OLOW shop on the ground floor and an artistic studio upstairs. Designed as a “workshop,” it invites artistic exploration, wandering, disconnection, and escape.
This project came to life thanks to the amazing work of local artisans committed to responsible practices, particularly when it comes to materials.
