In Conversation With: Delia Wade, Fashion Designer
Step Into the World of Delia Wade: A Rising Fashion Visionary Blending Heritage, Haute Couture, and Global Glamour
In this exclusive Fluxx interview, we step inside Delia Wade’s intimate Parisian studio to explore her inspirations, her process, and how she’s redefining modern glamour with a sustainable soul. Whether you're a fashion insider or simply someone who appreciates craftsmanship with a story, Wade is a talent you’ll want to remember — and a world you’ll want to get lost in.
Delia Wade has an undeniable allure. Based in Paris but rooted in Southern charm, this Little Rock-born designer is quickly carving out her space in the industry with a design language that fuses European elegance, vintage textures including tweed, and modern femininity.
From her early fascination with antique objects and festive aesthetics — inherited from her mother and grandmother, Delia has carved out a personal design education and creative lineage, spanning SCAD, Central Saint Martins, and the Institut Français de la Mode.
As a result, Wade brings a richly textured perspective to everything she creates.
Her resume includes work with fashion powerhouses like Chanel, Rabanne, Chloé, and Lanvin, yet her own line is distinctly personal: think British tweeds, upcycled French deadstock, and silhouettes that whisper both tradition and rebellion.
Please briefly introduce yourself, your work and design philosophy and approach
I’m originally from Little Rock, Arkansas. I went to high school for a year in Normandy and fell in love with French culture. I studied in Savannah, Hong Kong, London and Paris. Then interned at many brands like Chanel, Rabanne, Chloe and Lanvin. I started working on my own project while I was at Lanvin, and when I didn't get hired, I took it as a sign to pursue my brand full time. Throughout my 8 years of school, my work was a lot more Avant-garde than what I am doing now.
Being surrounded by luxury and excess in Fashion, I really felt a need to simplify my wardrobe. I became increasingly inspired by truly wearable clothing. Within my own work, I hope to make special pieces that one wears too oblivion. Working with tweed came naturally. It's a fabulous, intricate, and artisanal material that I had started using during my graduate collection.
Besides Chanel, which outprices most of the world, and fast fashion, we don't see much tweed. It's casual and fancy at the same time. I love the versatility. I produce small collections, the linings are deadstock from luxury French fashion houses, and it's all made in a family run atelier in Paris.
What new projects or business news do you have for 2025?
I am excited to participate in my first Paris Market Week this month and to start selling to stores. I’m also doing a capsule collection for a super fun store opening in NYC.
What has been a continual inspiration in your creative career?
I am obsessed with the 20th century, the Americans in Paris period, 60's glamour, and bringing the past into a more modern context. I love interiors, like Bunny Mellon. And the idea of many famous eccentric women. My current obsession is Zsa Zsa Gabor. She lived life very un-seriously.
What travel recommendations can you share with our readers for 2025?
I love La Colombe d'Or in St. Paul de Vence. I will be going for my third summer this August.
Can you tell us about a life-changing travel experience?
When I was 18, I went on an African safari in Kenya and Tanzania. Being with nature, animals, and isolated with many personalities was fascinating. I loved the tents and big dinners. Not to mention the crazy guides with wild stories of tiger attacks or passionate romances. It was out of an Agatha Christie book.
Where are your favourite restaurants?
Currently in Paris, La Petite Chaise for classic French, Localino for Italian, and Ojii for the wagyu and wasabi margaritas.
La Petite Chaise, Paris
What's your go-to comfort food for snacking in your apartment studio?
A friend recently showed me this fabulous candy shop in the 7th arrondissement called Boissier. It's hard candy in small tins (I’m a sucker for packaging). I have a few at my desk for a little pick me up.
When in Paris, what cocktail or drinks bars would you recommend?
You can usually find me at Le Saint Gervais or La Palette. I love running into people, so I prefer to keep it simple.
Le Saint Gervais, Paris
What would you love to see more of in the design/fashion world?
Craft, humour, humility, connection, women.
What would you like to see less of in the design/fashion world?
Ego, clout chasing, overconsumption and luxury price increases.
Fashion Images: Pauline Chatelan