Why choose French and artisanal manufacturing?
I chose to stick with artisanal manufacturing because our pieces are produced in small batches. For each collection, we release about a dozen models with 20 copies each, which may or may not remain in the collection depending on their success. This means that with each launch, we have around 200 pieces.
I wanted to keep this artisanal aspect. Furthermore, we have a very fine manufacturing facility in France; everything is hand-sewn on all pieces. I wanted to maintain this "handmade" aspect of the product to be able to control quality and ensure that all stitches are perfectly done, without it being too costly by sending it abroad.
How do you select your materials?
I am lucky to be able to genuinely choose my fabrics because these pieces don't require much yardage. This allows me to optimize the fabric. We use silk, satin, but also much more expensive materials because we use small quantities for each piece. This aspect doesn't hold me back.
I work a lot with embroidery, like on this headband, for example. It's an embroidery done in a partner Indian workshop with which we collaborate. We also work on cotton satins on the reverse side. Here is a piece launched for spring that is 100% silk, bought from a French supplier, with a very beautiful finish and a touch of shine. It's discreet and can be worn daily. It's lined with satin, which helps the headband stay in the hair, unlike silk alone which can slip.
I also really love slightly more complex embroideries. Here, you have a model with zardosi thread, and there, an embroidery with crystals and sequins, much more festive.
Why the name: L'Otarie Club?
I chose this name at the beginning when I launched the company. It wasn't a very serious project initially. I wanted a pun and an animal, because that's something that makes a brand memorable. I also wanted a direct positioning because I knew I wanted to work with high-end materials. The reference is therefore to the Rotary Club. Then, the brand started to do well and became a recognizable brand with this enduring positioning, but with much more seriousness than at the beginning.
Why did you choose the Parisian style of the 1950s as inspiration?
I had two very elegant grandmothers who always dressed with a brooch or a scarf daily. One of them always said: "You're not going out 'en cheveux'" (bareheaded). This phrase influenced me. I find that this style suits me well, firstly for the family identity, and secondly because it's a style I like to see on women every day. I find it very elegant, a simplicity that is self-sufficient with beautiful fabrics and well-executed pieces.
Does L'Otarie Club have a secret dream?
Yes, indeed... it's no longer a secret since I tell everyone, but I would love to see one of my headbands worn by Kate Middleton someday.
What was your biggest challenge when creating the brand?
Like any entrepreneur, I would say it's balancing personal and professional life. I chose to create my company for this reason. The company grew, and it was necessary to combine the two schedules, which was quite complex. Today, the company is starting to be well established. We moved last summer to Paris, and the brand is re-establishing itself here with more help, support, and new people coming to assist with production. But it's true that reconciling the two is not easy, as all entrepreneurs know.