Little tour of inspirations
What a pleasure to make with you a small tour of the inspirations for this small collection of clothes in black & white, entirely artisanal. How can I connect my passion for photography and fashion? The idea came up: Black & White. As a photographer and fashion designer, the loop comes full circle. This idea of black & white also makes things possible. It gives me the way forward and allows me to create a small, very personal collection, the result of my obsession for photography and my work as a seamstress who is slowly learning the trade of milliner. The choice of black & white also limits the number of colors to keep in stock when making clothes. Linen is stacked in my studio, which is both the sewing studio and the product photography studio. Although the room is large, it has nothing to do with a factory.
The approach
The black & white collection is the meeting of fine arts and artistic creativity with linen and clothing. The idea of creating a sustainable fashion, respectful of the environment also concerns me. Linen is the least polluting plant in the textile industry. It requires no herbicides and insecticides, or in acceptable quantities, nor watering. Artisanal and local small-scale garments are also elements that contribute to a healthier use of our resources. Here I make a parenthesis, please, support your artists and artisans. We need you, to continue to create and also, to keep the flame alive.
When I was thinking about what I wanted to create as clothing, white linen came to mind. I remembered the singer Sting during a show on the Plains of Abraham in Quebec City in 2007 or 2008. The artist was dressed in white linen from head to toe, white guitar. Linen has an almost mythical character that comes from both the white color and the linen material. Really, who doesn’t own at least one white linen top? As for black, I was inspired by Coco Chanel and her little black dress invented in 1926. It’s a garment that always charms us, that is constantly reinvented and can be found in the collections of all the world’s fashion designers and worn by the most prestigious models. The story of the little black dress, which represents the French chic, is also linked to the destiny of Édith Piaf who made it her favourite garment. So, white and black will be my signature.
The idea
The idea of a photographer? To create photogenic clothes, with a perfect elegance, which combine style and beauty. The shapes? Graphic, simple, minimalist, but still very feminine. A bohemian effect, yes it is a natural choice. Modern cuts, but a little vintage too, like an ode to the beginnings of photography. Clothes that speak to us, that are not only comfortable, but that are also a feast for the senses. The idea is also to create an experience that immerses us in a world of art and beauty. A parenthesis to escape from the daily life.
Our finishings
Where does our inspiration come from for our beautiful zigzag embroidery finishes on frayed edges and hems? From the extraordinary magazine VOW – Hochzeitsguide, Fine Art Wedding Inspirations. In No. 4, a black-skinned bride poses in a simple white dress with a frayed neckline and bottom sleeves. I fell in love. I’ve been trying for over two years now to reproduce this finish in a way that is beautiful, suitable for linen and also resistant. I finally found what I really like in early January 2021, after many tries. The beautiful Top No.3 is entirely made with frayed edges as well as the jumper dress and the Peter Pan collar. It is sublime and the bohemian-chic effect is perfect. I love making these finishes. Each time, I am delighted with the result.
