Celebrating the Legacy of French Designer Sonia Rykiel

And the Parisian beauty collection that she left behind

Sonia Rykiel, the iconic French fashion designer and founder of the namesake Parisian fashion house, has passed away at 86 years old of complications with Parkinson's disease.

Rykiel, who defined the term "comfy-chic" far before it landed on the pages of fashion's unofficial glossary, revolutionized the way women wear clothing. She took basics like sweaters and turtlenecks and transformed them into statement pieces deserving of placements on the covers of Vogue and Elle. Though the designer was known for black monotone ensembles for her own wardrobe (a head full of fiery red hair was her brightest accessory), her bold-colored garments and signature striped knitwear can be seen on Hollywood sirens like Catherine Deneuve and Brigitte Bardot.

Rykiel’s fashion philosophy was rooted in creating clothes that worked for the everyday woman and embodied the elegant Parisian spirit. In a 1987 New York Times interview, Rykiel explained how she designed for the working woman and aimed to create everyday pieces. “We are working women," she said. "Also, we have the problem of children, of men, to take care of our houses, so many things. I try to explain that in my clothes. They are clothes for everyday life.”

Nathalie Rykiel, has since taken over as President of Sonia Rykiel Company, which her mother founded in 1968. And though the matriarch who ushered in a wave of attainable Parisian elegance is no longer with us, she's left another means of channeling our inner French girl. Recently, Rykiel partnered with Lancôme to create a limited edition fall makeup collection inspired by her first storefront in Saint-Germain-des-Pres. The collection captures much of Rykiel's effortless yet vibrant flair. Merci beaucoup, mon ami!

Blush Subtil Cushion in Sorbet Rose [left] and Splash Coral [right] ($39, each)

These new shades of Lancôme's Blush Subtil Cushions are encased in fun, bold packaging inspired by Rykiel's fashion designs. Sorbet Rose is a peachy-pink perfect for those with medium to dark skin tones, while Splash Coral offers a bright pink pop of color for women with fair complexions. (Both, however, are perfect for a fresh, Parisian glow.)

Parisian Lip Crayons in [from left] French Baiser, Spirit, French Sourir, and Audace ($29, each)

The Parisian Lip Crayons feature four fall shades from dusty rose to burnt red. At one end of the crayon you'll find a sheer glossy formula while at the other end is the same shade in a matte finish.

Maxi Palette in Saint-Germain [top] and Parisian Fresh Spirit [bottom] ($60, each)

The feature item within the collection are the Maxi Palettes. Each compact includes six shadows, two liners, and a base shade. The Saint-Germain palette features earthy green, blue, and gray shadows inspired by Paris's city streets while Parisian Fresh Spirit is packed with soft pink and purple hues for creating a flirty, romantic look perfect for date night in the city of love.

Vernis In Love in [from left] Café Blanc, Café Philo, Rive Gauche, and Joie de Vivre ($15.50, each)

The last piece of the collection includes four of Lancôme's nail polishes that compliment Rykiel's bright, bold style. Cafe Philo is an army green, Café Blanc, a milky white, Rive Gauche, an inky navy, and Joie De Vivre, a bright poppy orange. Extra credit: Go for all four and create a striped mani in memory of the late, great designer's signature style.