In 1962, while pregnant with her first child, Nathalie, Sonia Rykiel drew up a sweater she wanted to wear and asked a Venice supplier to produce it. Despite her lack of formal design training, Rykiel forged ahead — designing maternity wear and women’s separates that featured quirky details such as inverted seams. By the mid-1960s Rykiel became known to her American fans as “Queen of Knits.” These days Rykiel's Paris-based empire includes the diffusion line Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Rykiel Woman, Rykiel Enfant for kids, a popular line of men’s clothing and accessories, and even an underwear collection for H&M. From leather shoes and handbags to color-block velour dresses to perfume and cosmetics, every design reflects Rykiel’s unconventional style.