The first SONIA RYKIEL boutique opened on 19 May 1968 on the Left Bank in Saint Germain-des-Pres and closed the next day due to the student riots. Known as the queen of sexy knitwear for her brazen stripes and for putting humour into her designs, Rykiel is inextricably linked with a spirit of rebellion, evident in her 2011 home collection encompassing throws, cushions, rugs and wall motifs and now new luxurious Bed Linen, Towels and Bathrobes.