Originally founded in the late 19th century by Parisian corsetier Ernest Leoty, the brand was known for combining freedom of movement with elegance - a revolutionary idea at the time. Today, that spirit lives on in a modern context: Ernest Leoty is a luxury fashion label for movement, offering refined, technically-crafted collections designed for everyday life and travel. Following a successful run as a premium yoga brand, Leoty has been relaunched under the leadership of the Previous Management and Creative team that revived Balmain. The new positioning blends French craftsmanship with modern versatility, presenting Men and Women collections grounded in comfort, structure, and sophistication.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Eléonore Bonneau about the brand’s recent rebranding to learn more about where Ernest Leoty is headed next.
Read the full article and interview now on the Modem Mag to discover how heritage, design, and movement come together in Ernest Leoty’s bold new era.
Ernest Leoty: A Legacy in Motion
From Parisian corsetry to luxury contemporary movementwear, Ernest Leoty has always lived at the intersection of precision and grace. Originally founded by corset maker Ernest Leoty in the 19th century, the brand’s DNA remains rooted in French craftsmanship, elegance, and technical excellence - now reinterpreted for a new era of fashion. Today, under the direction of Eléonore Bonneau and the management team (noted for reviving Balmain), Ernest Leoty is undergoing a bold transformation. What began as a luxury yoga brand has evolved into a gender-inclusive label for elegant movement, balancing its Parisian heritage with modern versatility and comfort.
“We honor our heritage through our seams and our shapes,” says Bonneau. “Our signature stitching echoes the original corsetry, offering form-enhancing silhouettes with comfort and performance.”
The brand continues to manufacture in France and Portugal using high-end Italian fabrics. This commitment to craftsmanship comes at a cost, but for Leoty, quality is non-negotiable. Leoty’s new direction expands beyond activewear. Designed for movement - whether that’s yoga, swimwear, travel, or urban life - the collections are unisex, understated, and sartorial. Trousers, technical suits, and knitwear sit comfortably between performance and design.
“We don’t want to be in sports shops,” explains Bonneau. “Our vision is fashion-led, not function-first. We’re targeting luxury department stores, curated boutiques, and even hotels and sophisticated wellness sport clubs with retail corners.” This slow and conscious growth model aims to avoid previous missteps - such as overproduction or misaligned distribution - and instead builds a more curated, exclusive and lasting brand presence.
At its core, Ernest Leoty is about movement, comfort, fit, and sophistication. These four pillars guide the brand’s identity and resonate with a loyal client base, many of whom have followed the brand since its yoga-focused years. Rather than runway shows, the current marketing strategy emphasizes authentic, content-driven storytelling.
“Real people, real movement - that’s what we want to show,” Bonneau concludes.
With one foot in the archives and the other on the move, Ernest Leoty is stitching together a new chapter in fashion - one defined by timeless beauty and modern purpose.
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Q&A - An Interview with Eleonore Bonneau - Sales Director, Ernest Leoty
Modem: Leoty has a deep history in French fashion. How do you reinterpret this heritage in your current collections?
Eléonore Bonneau: We retain the signature seams and shaping techniques from our corsetry roots. These are echoed in our leggings, t-shirts, and technical suits, bringing both fit and comfort.
Modem: Are there archival elements that still inspire you today?
Eléonore Bonneau: Absolutely. The form-enhancing cuts and structured seam placements directly reference our founder Ernest Leoty’s corsetry philosophy.
Modem: How important is craftsmanship to the brand?
Eléonore Bonneau: It’s central. We manufacture in France and Portugal, using mainly Italian fabrics, ensuring that every detail - from fabric selection to final detail - is of the highest quality.
Modem: What are your expansion plans?
Eléonore Bonneau: I just came back from a business trip to New York. We're targeting international luxury department stores, high-end boutiques, hotels and high end sport clubs with retail spaces. Controlled growth is key - we’re not looking to scale rapidly but to grow strategically. That philosophy also informs our collections: we intentionally keep them edited and focused, never exceeding 100styles per season and we show twice per year in Paris.
Modem: How do you strike a balance between tradition and innovation?
Eléonore Bonneau: Our goal is to maintain our French identity while designing for a worldwide customer - who values perfect fit, comfort and refinement. That’s why we’ve moved from a purely women’s yoga label to a luxury movementwear brand for all genders.
Modem: Do you have plans for collaborations or new product lines?
Eléonore Bonneau: Yes - we’re working on unisex capsules and looking into partnerships with luxury hospitality spaces.
Modem: What makes Leoty truly unique in today’s market?
Eléonore Bonneau: The blend of technical wear and luxury fashion. Our clothes offer freedom and elegance - not just functionality. The goal is to go through your day by adding on layers or taking some off according to your activities.
Modem: How do you maintain a distinctive voice in such a saturated market?
Eléonore Bonneau: Through storytelling, through strong DNA, and through quality consistency. Our stitching and silhouettes will become recognizable. Plus, we’re careful with where and how we’re seen.
Modem: How has your audience shaped the brand’s evolution?
Eléonore Bonneau: Our yoga-era followers are still with us. We’re growing via social content rather than runway shows, with real people wearing real clothes.
Modem: What values should customers associate with Ernest Leoty?
Eléonore Bonneau: Movement, comfort, fit, and sophistication. These define both our collections and our customers.
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