So Stephan, how did you get into this fashion industry? Was fashion designer your dream job when you were small?
It wasn't really until the age of 14 that I became interested in fashion. I was born on a small island in the north of France called Ouessant -- I guess it wasn' t the most inspiring place for a career in fashion and most of the men in my family worked in the French Army. It's funny now to imagine the surprise of my family seeing me play with stolen 'borrowed' dolls from my girl friends. I remember like it was yesterday cutting pieces of fabric from the curtains in my sisters room to make a wedding dress and playing with Grandmothers black silk scarves.. wrapping the scarves around plastic bottles -- certainly was a world far from fashion and design.
Believe it or not, I used to wrap napkins around my head back in the days. I guess we are those people that cannot let our brain stop thinking about creativity. I know that you have worked for John Galliano, Thierry Mugler and Dior Couture before. How was the experience for working in these 3 design houses?
All three were very different experiences -- three very different styles and characters. Thierry mugler studio certainly was an eye opener to the fashion world being the first studio I worked for. I had the pleasure of meeting the amazing artist 'Mr Pearl' who still works as the corset maker -- the experience and excitement of creating for days and day and completing the smallest details all for a 20 minute show! At the time I began working for John Galliano everyone in Paris was talking about him as the 'genius new comer' to fashion. It was incredible to discover his world of delicacy and extremism. Then at last I had the privilege to enter the mythical/legendary house of Christian Dior...avenue montaigne,the atelier flou and tailleur was the place I loved to go every day to say 'bonjour' and watch with respect as people created the magic! the dream*..
Yes, that 20 minutes fashion show is the soul of the designer and I am always amazed by how creativity those fashion designers are. Also, if I could get a chance to visit Dior, I would love to just sit there for a day and see the people working there. So, you started your brand in Japan. Is there any Japanese element (such as cutting, style) blended into your collections?
The idea to travel to Japan came very naturally... I always loved the French art movement 'Japonisme' which began in the end of 1800. In 1998 I went to see an exhibition on Shiseido and discovered Monsieur Serge Lutens who was the artistic director for this famous cosmetic firm. This exhibition touched my heart.. so much beauty. I remember the various black lacquer packages in particular a perfume bottle 'Magie noire' caught my eye -- its black art deco-geometrique form.. and I felt I should go to Japan! I guess there is a sense of minimalism in my style which relates to the Japanese aesthetics and life style... Living here obviously greatly influences may way of thinking and designing.
I love Japan and the culture there is inspiring. I am hoping one day I can visit Japan again and absorb some new inspiration for my photography and graphic design. When did you start your men's collection? Is there a specific style or image you want to create for the men whom wear your collections?
Since my first collection I have always created a very androgynous character -- I have always utilised male and female costumers. The last collection for summer 2010 was suppose to be mens collection but still a lot of females purchased garments -- I like this idea of creating a uniform collection with sizing for both men and women.
Uniform collection is always cool to me because you can see how men and women wear the same shirt in different style. What is the inspiration for your up coming fall/winter collection for both men and women? What will we expect to see in this fall/winter collection?
When I look back at my past collections I can see that they are all distinct chapters but still are from the same book-- the same viewpoint but from different angles. In the next collection every piece will be washed.. its gives a vintage feel to the garment.
Vintage feel is great! I am looking forward to see this collection! Are you planning to bring your brand to North America in the future? If so, when will we expect to see your collection in the US and Canada?
For the moment we are focusing on the Japanese market. We have started to work with some overseas buyers for example Black Bird in Seattle. Hopefully there will be more in the near future. That would be a good excuse to come visit your beautiful country!
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I like the fun fact part a lot not only I can know the person more but sometimes I am curious if he/she will have the same answers as mine. Funny enough, Patrick actually has some similar choices as mine (is not even 1 of the 2 options I provide here). Now, lets take a look at his choices.Sushi or Crêpe?
Sundays I love baking crepes with some 'Japanese kuro-goma' (it's a sweet black sesame cream)
Tokyo or Osaka?
Osaka is so near to Kyoto and Nara..very inspirational!
Kylie Minoguet or Amuro Namie?
Next Monday night i will go to 'The Gossip Live'..i can not wait to hear BETH!
i also have a great respect for ANNIE LENNOX..she is amazing! Watch her humanitarian campaign 'SING'!
PC or Mac?
Mac my friend..everywhere and every time*
Black or White?
Charcoal black with off white
Cotton or Nylon?
Especially for bed linen i prefer cotton!
Jeans or Khaki ?
As worn by the late French artist Serge GAINSBOURG,a vintage jeans levis '501' with a yves saint laurent jacket and white leather repetto named 'zizi'
UCC or illy?
As long as it has milk and sugar!
Bacon or Sausage?
Sausage* in French we call it 'saucisse',so i love saucisse de strasbourg, saucisse de toulouse,merguez,chorizzo,boudin noir,saucissons with dry nuts...i stop here.
Orange Juice or Milk?
My grandmother used to give me a glass of hot milk with honey before I went to bed.
Thank you so much to Patrick for doing this mini interview and I am so looking forward to see the new F/W collection. At this moment, if you want to see his old collections, you can see them at his official site. I will also keep you up to date when he has more information for his new collection.
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