Designer Bio:
I grew up between France and sunny Tunisia, by the beach, in a house full of plants, paintings and beautiful fabrics, spending my childhood drawing, reading, or dressing up in my mum’s clothes with my sister…
I studied Fashion and Textile design at Duperre College of Art in Paris and at Central St Martins in London where I specialized in Tailoring.
A stint at Alexander McQueen influenced me to start incorporating texture to shape.
After working as a freelance pattern cutter for about two years, I felt ready to create my own line: probably the result of my different experiences.
I studied Fashion and Textile design at Duperre College of Art in Paris and at Central St Martins in London where I specialized in Tailoring.
A stint at Alexander McQueen influenced me to start incorporating texture to shape.
After working as a freelance pattern cutter for about two years, I felt ready to create my own line: probably the result of my different experiences.
1. What inspired you to get into accessories design?
bagatelles&co started in spring 2009 when I was desperately looking for a nice evening bag for a wedding I was attending. I couldn’t find anything beautiful yet affordable so I ended up making my own… I haven’t stopped making bags since then!
2. Where did you go to school and what was your major?
I studied Fashion and Textile design at Duperre College of Art in Paris and at Central St Martins in London where I specialised in Tailoring and Pattern Cutting.
3. Describe your philosophy about fashion?
Comfortable, practical with beautiful details and gorgeous fabrics, with this little “je ne sais quoi”…
4. What words of wisdom can you give to aspiring designers?
I’d advised to be patient and try to stay organised since the beginning.
Don’t be afraid to try new things and to get out from your comfort zone. Be perseverant and believe in yourself.
5. Where do you get your inspiration for your designs?
Movies from the 20’s and 30’s, browsing vintage markets, art exhibitions and books, beautiful flowers, walking in the streets, enjoying the little things of life…
6. What is a typical day for an accessories designer like yourself?
I get up around 7 am and after a nice breakfast with my boyfriend, I sit at my desk with a cup of tea and check my emails, reply to any urgent message and print any new orders. Around 9 am, I start sewing until lunch time: it could be orders, custom bags or new ideas I want to try out.
Lunch time is spent catching up with my favourite blogs as well as more emailing. In the afternoon, it’s packaging time before catching the last post at 5pm. After that, I try to go for at least one hour walk in the park. It’s a great way for me to relax, re-energize and brainstorm new ideas.
If it’s a busy period, then I’ll be working in the evening too with more making, emailing, etc… What is great about this job is that my days can be very varied. For example, I may spend a full day sketching new design ideas, fabric hunting or planning my next photoshoot.
7. Which accessories designers have been important points of reference for you?
Jamin Puech, Angel Jackson, Lauren Merkin
8. If you had the opportunity to design an accessory for one person who would it be?
Zooey Deschanel
9. Can you tell me about your collection?
Retro inspired details associated to fine craftsmanship are special characteristics of my work.My designs are created for a quirky, playful and feminine woman who enjoys life, daydreaming, and breathes a kind of sweet elegance. The names I give to my lines reflect the different styles of women I design for. Gigi is the junior one, quirky and a little cheeky, Lili is easygoing and a dreamer, Mimi is voluptuous and has a sweet tooth; whereas Ambrosia, the eldest, is poised and elegant.
10. Where can we find your collection?
