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Family Concept Store


HOW DID LAB. GET ITS START?

I created the brand in 2010 while I was still working at A.P.C. I was setting up my first home, an apartment in Paris, and I was having trouble finding bedding that was pretty and with subtle patterns. That’s when I thought to myself, “There’s so much to do and create in this sector.” So, I started creating collections, using surplus fabric I bought from A.P.C. It was really important for me that the products were made in France. During my studies, I did an internship in a textiles factory in my hometown, and just as I was wanting to start working in the fashion sector they’re closed down. I knew I wanted to try save them, their manufacturing centre, their know-how and luckily, I was successful in doing so. My goal was to offer products that were made in France, while remaining reasonable from a price/quality standpoint.

HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE THE SPIRIT OF THE TWO BRANDS?
 
Lab. started out with a style that was very minimalist and Scandinavian inspired, but that’s since evolved and we’ve gone back to our roots. Today, the brand is inspired by the past and all that is essential. With La Petite Collection, our inspiration and themes change depending on the season. The next collection was inspired by the 19th century. There’s a lot of embroidery. Both brands have a largely practical side. They’re brands that are realistic, without being extravagant. I find it increasingly difficult to create products that risk being thrown away. I like creating products that are unisex and can be re-used over time.

WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?

I find inspiration everywhere and in everything. It could be in the metro, the lighting in a street, or in a print that I see someone wearing. Also, strangely enough, I am more creative when I have to work within limitations, than with a blank canvas. I like having constraints and finding solutions to problems.


AT SMALLABLE, WE’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND DESIGN. WHAT ARE YOU DOING AT LAB. AND LA PETITE COLLECTION TO BE MORE SUSTAINABLE?

All Lab. products are made in France with no minimum production requirements. We’re also about to launch a range of zero-waste kitchen products. I’m a fan of the notions of quality over quantity; consuming less but better. With La Petite Collection, we recently launched a pre-order option, which gives us a more precise idea of how many items we need to produce. I am also thinking about launching a project to help mums who are looking to resell their children’s La Petite Collection clothes to encourage a longer life for the products and boost the second-hand market. We could provide them with images of our products that we’ve already taken as well as descriptions etc.


IF LAB. AND LA PETITE COLLECTION WERE A SAYING, WHAT WOULD IT BE?

Less is more!

WHAT’S NEXT FOR LAB. AND LA PETITE COLLECTION?

I would like for each brand to evolve in their sectors. I’m also looking for an associate to help me further develop the commercial and communication aspects of our businesses.


HOW DO YOU BALANCE YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE WITH YOUR PERSONAL ONE?

It’s all a matter of there only being a certain number of hours in a day. There are times for work and there’s time for the kids. But you have to be organised! My life is very compartmentalised. With three children and two brands, I don’t have hobbies, but I adore what I do so I don’t really feel like it’s work either.


WHAT’S A PLACE THAT TAKES YOU BACK TO YOUR CHILDHOOD?

My neighbour’s house in Normandy, I spent a lot of time there. They were often renovating or redecorating the place. They always had a woodfire burning, which is a habit I still do today. It’s so cosy!

DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT FAMILY WEEKEND IN LYON FOR US.

On Saturday morning, my kids have their extra-curricular activities. Then we head to the library. We come home with a big pile of books and all jump into bed for a big story telling session. It’s fun! We also regularly organise home cinema nights. Our kids are starting to get to an age where they can appreciate cinema, so for us it’s a real pleasure to share that with them and watch how they appreciate the films and forge their own cultural identities. We also love spending time with friends. We often have a load of people at our place, it’s great. I love cooking for everyone.
 

DISCOVER THE LATEST ARRIVALS FROM LAB. AND LA PETITE COLLECTION ON SMALLABLE.

Interview & Photos by Yasmina Perez

 
 

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