“Many of her original designs are still part of her collection today: cardigans with pearl snaps, striped shirts made from the same hard-wearing cotton that rugby teams use and a leather jacket inspired by a Manet portrait…. Unlike many designers, Agnes b puts beliefs before profits. The company does not advertise because she thinks advertising is immoral. Her clothes are all made in France to avoid using exploited labour. And each shop, from Tokyo to Notting Hill, has a basket of free condoms on the counter.”

“It's that agnès b. look, as understated as its brand name: old-fashioned yet timeless, restrained but effortlessly stylish. It is a look that has become international while remaining quintessentially French: simple tailored suits in grey and black; stripy, long-sleeved T-shirts; black pumps; cheeky hats. And this year it is 30 years old.”