When Over Yonder was still just a fledgling idea, there was one thing we knew for certain: we'd always make room on our shelves for Herbert Frère Soeur.
Alexis, the owner, had discovered the Paris-based brand years earlier and quickly fell in love with their pieces - the kind of bags and belts that earn a permanent place in your wardrobe by working effortlessly across time and trends. What set them apart for her wasn't just the quality of the leather or their superb construction, but the personality of the pieces. There was a warmth to Herbert Frère Soeur that's often missing from luxury labels and was evident in the depth and character woven into every thoughtful detail.
Surely in large part because of this intangible yet distinct je ne sais quoi appeal, Herbert Frère Soeur has quietly become one of those "if you know, you know" brands with a devoted following worldwide. So when it came time to map out which lines to carry at Over Yonder, they were naturally at the top of the list. Texan women, Alexis sensed, would be particularly drawn to the brand's spirited designs and soon become devotees, just like her.
Turns out, she was right. Customers have fallen in love with the Herbert Frère Soeur pieces (belts quickly sold out - more coming soon!) and report getting compliments with every wear.
For those of you just now discovering Herbert Frère Soeur, or who are already fans eager to learn more, we're thrilled to share a bit of their story. Camille Herbert - the soeur (sister) of the frère-soeur (brother-sister) duo behind the brand - was generous enough to give us a glimpse of the brand's origins, process, and inspiration. Just like their collections, the story is full of heart and absolutely worth a look.
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OY: Your brand has a distinct sense of French refinement, yet there’s also some Western flair to your designs that feels quite at home here in Texas. To us, this combination is brilliant and a quality that sets your pieces apart. In your view, what is it about French and Texan style that makes them so naturally compatible? And what inspired you to take this direction with the Herbert Frère Soeur style?
CH: For us, French refinement and Texan style meet through a shared sense of authenticity and ease. At Herbert Frère Soeur, French style is about attention to detail, understated elegance, and the sophistication of materials. Like our full-grain leather, chosen for its quality, durability, and natural beauty. Texan style, on the other hand, is defined by comfort, freedom in shapes and proportions, and a bold yet generous spirit: pieces that are easy to wear, built to last, and inspire confidence.
Our creations sit at this crossroads: refined and carefully crafted, yet practical, lively, and accessible. Just the kind of pieces you could wear there in Texas, or here in France. I also believe our family story adds an extra charm: each piece carries a bit of our heritage, our values, and the passion passed down through generations.
Our inspiration comes first from everyday life, travels, and encounters. We love creating pieces that tell a story, reflecting the combination of different worlds: French chic, the open spirit of Texas, the nobility of full-grain leather, and the authenticity of a family journey.
OY: Your pieces are known for their craftsmanship - rich leathers, clean lines, and subtle yet fun detailing. Can you share a bit about your design process and how you balance tradition with a modern sensibility?
CH: My creative process is actually quite chaotic 😂
I have flashes of inspiration, I dream, and I sketch in the early morning. If I spend too much time on a design, it means I’m on the wrong track. It has to feel right. That’s how I can then convince everyone: my team, my workshop, my suppliers, and my customers. I’m the best salesperson in the world when I’m convinced! I draw a lot of inspiration from the bags my mother and grandmother used to carry. Simple, practical shapes that follow trends but with a slightly old-fashioned, vintage feel. I choose my leathers and hardware with care; I would never compromise on that.
I love elegance and subtlety, which is why I only use a small pyramid stud and don’t put the brand name on the outside of the bags.
OY: Every brand has a beginning, and often a story behind the name. What inspired you to start Herbert Frère Soeur, and what does the name represent to you, personally?
CH: I’m a music producer in the pop music industry, and my brother works in pharmaceutical marketing. Our father had been asking us for so long to join him in the workshop he’d founded 35 years earlier that, in desperation, he decided to sell it. At the last minute, my brother called him and said, “Don’t sell it, I’m on my way!” And then, five years later, he asked me to design our own brand. We had the workshop, the workers, and the materials. All we had to do was get started! I can’t draw, but I have imagination. I just need someone across from me who knows how to interpret my dreams 🤗 It changed everything for my father, who is still deeply moved to see us all together. The workshop continues to produce for other brands, as well as for our own brand.
OY: Fashion often tells a story. What story are people telling when they carry one of your handbags or wear one of your belts?
CH: People wear my imagination, it’s amazing to me! I’m so lucky. Each bag is named after people my brother and I love (Le Sab is our mom, Benson is a combination of Benoît and Sonia, two friends who got married, Enzo is one of my French agents...) and the belts are named after places where we’ve spent time in our lives. That’s just to show you how much meaning goes into every creation! But always in a positive way.
OY: The Western trend in fashion has been going strong for quite some time now. Here in Texas, we feel that’s because it’s a timeless look that’s both rugged and romantic. Do you see the Western flair in your pieces as a signature part of the Herbert Frère Soeur look, or might it transition to other stylistic influences?
CH: I love this blend of rugged and romantic, it suits me perfectly. Strength and poetry! I love leather, beautiful belt buckles, denim, fringes, the mix of camel, turquoise, and red, weathered leather, wide-open spaces, and the earth. I’ll never get tired of it, and no matter what the trends are, there will always be a little touch of all that in my designs.
I can't wait to come see you all!!!!
A huge thank you to OVER YONDER for your trust, and to all of you who will be taking home a model. Send us your photos!!
Camille & Flavien
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Excited to add an Herbert Frère Soeur bag to your wardrobe? Browse the full collection at Over Yonder. Here's a sneak peek of a few of our favorites for Spring...
