Seven Brands Join the Incubator’s Lineup of Rising Accessories-Industry Talent
ADC, the talent incubator focused on the accessories industry, has unveiled its latest cohort of seven Laureates for 2025, joining the 12 brands already part of the program. With incubation lasting up to three years, the new class includes three shoe brands, three leather goods brands, and one innovative startup. These brands were chosen for their ambition to push the boundaries of creativity and entrepreneurship. Leveraging ADC’s expertise and tailored support, the selected creators will have the resources and guidance to grow their brands and ensure long-term sustainability.
Among the new entrants is 13 09 SR, a shoe and accessories brand founded in 2021 by designer Serge Ruffieux and editor Émilie Faure. Caulaincourt, established by Alexis Lafont, is a men’s shoe brand renowned for artisanal craftsmanship and patina expertise, with four stores in Paris and the Middle East. Leo et Violette, a leather goods brand by Léo Dominguez and Violette Polchi, offers timeless, high-quality pieces produced in Ubrique, Spain.
Other additions include Larfeuille, a Paris-based atelier founded in 2020 by Jérôme Auriac, known for functional minimalism. Malfroid, a men’s footwear brand launched by Victor Bastié in 2018, combines expert shoemaking with its management of Bon Marché’s cobbler services. Vent de Voyage, a Brittany-based brand, has been recycling sailcloth into leather goods and lifestyle products for over two decades under Pierre Rousseaux’s leadership. Finally, Alterskin, an innovative startup founded by Pauline Weinmann, offers bio-based resin solutions addressing sustainability challenges in the fashion industry. Alterskin also won the 2024 ANDAM Innovation Prize.
The 2025 Laureates were selected by a distinguished jury that included key figures such as Jean-Pierre Blanc, founder of the Festival d’Hyères; Clémentine Colin Richard, President of the French Shoe Federation; Virginie Trento, General Director of ADC; and other notable industry leaders.
Over its 12-year history, ADC has achieved an impressive 83% success rate for its incubated businesses. Additionally, 15% of incubated brands now generate annual revenues exceeding €1 million, with many expanding internationally. Between 2022 and 2024, revenue for ADC-supported businesses grew by 80%, underscoring the effectiveness of the incubator’s tailored approach.
Several ADC-supported brands have achieved remarkable milestones. For instance, Belledonne successfully raised €50,000 in funding and solidified its brand positioning. Michino grew its revenue 15-fold in one year, from €300,000 in 2022 to nearly €5 million by the end of 2024, thanks to comprehensive brand strategy support. Soque transitioned into a professional distribution network with a well-structured B2B strategy. ADC also supports emerging businesses through its dedicated loan and guarantee funds in collaboration with IFCIC.
Since 2021, ADC has partnered with the Grand Prix Accessoire in collaboration with the Grands Prix de la Création de la Ville de Paris. In 2024, the Accessories Prize was awarded to Philéo, an ADC 2022 Laureate, by an esteemed jury. ADC also partnered with the Festival d’Hyères this year, offering mentorship and showcasing the laureates in its Paris showroom. Chinese designer Chiyang Duan, known for his statement bags and exaggerated sunglasses, will benefit from this collaboration.