I asked her a few questions for the blog and I’m thrilled that she agreed to answer them!
All pictures courtesy of Olympia Le-Tan, collage July Stars
Where did you grow up and which art school in Paris did you attend?
I grew up in Paris in the 2nd arrondissement. I went to an art school called L’Atelier Clouet. The teachers were mean and awful and I think it closed down. I got a job after a year there so I stopped studying quite soon.
Do you feel that your father helped you develop your creative spirit?
Definitely, yes. Growing up surrounded by beautiful things was very inspiring.
Is your mum also an artist?
No, a housewife, an ex-housewife now.
I’ve read somewhere that you are half French and half English, is that true?
My mother is English and my father is French and Vietnamese.
Who are your favourite artists?
My father, my grand-father was a great Vietnamese painter too. I love Man Ray, De Chirico, the Surrealists in general. I also love Ed Ruscha’s drawings, Edward Gorey and Robert Crumb.
Do you have a favourite author?
Roald Dahl
Favourite music?
Anything produced by Phil Spector, The Smiths, Kate Bush and The Kinks.
Your vision and medium is a combination of art and fashion. In your opinion, which deserves a wider appreciation?
I like the fact that fashion people, art people and literary people can appreciate my work. It was just meant to be fashion at first but I am really happy about the way it has evolved into these other worlds too.
Your bags are beautiful and fascinating celebrations of books and more particularly the art of book covers. Did you ever think that such an unexpected and beguiling fusion of fashion and literature would be so hugely successful?
Not at all. It was supposed to be a “one off” thing!
Do you see yourself as a fashion girl or an artist?
I think I am a fashion girl but would be extremely flattered if people see me as an artist.
You seem to maintain a close relationship with techniques that cannot be mass-produced. Are you taking refuge from the modern world?
I’ve always taken refuge from the modern world. I am very old fashioned and quite a nostalgic person. I think I was meant to live in the 50s.
How many people work in your studio and what is your approach to fabrication and finishing? Do you oversee every single creation yourself?
I have 2 people working here full time and sometimes up to 5 people. I am a bit of a control freak, so yes, I oversee EVERY SINGLE creation myself.
What do you see yourself doing in ten years time and what do you hope for the future?
I hope to have a family with lots of children! I’ll make little clothes for them and embroider their initials on all their possessions.

2 comments:
this is amazing! I love her work- the book-clutches, the little round bags, all sorts of trinkets and collaborations, the jean jackets (I'd kill for one! - how cool is this one?! http://www.flickr.com/photos/karl_hab/5867504349/in/photostream )... I still have to watch the Spike Jonze movie but I'm sure it'll be as amazing as all the other things she does :) Great Q&A!
Very Good and awesome post.
i love the effort which she have done in life.
In the photo i love the cap which is so beautiful.
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