Style Counsel: An Under-the-Radar Parisian Designer - Remodelista
Before introducing his eponymous label in 1991, the French designer spent his formative years working alongside Yves Saint Laurent and Thierry Mugler and as an assistant to Christian Lacroix. He accepted the role of director at Lacoste in 2000, and in 2010 he became the artistic director at Hermés, where he continues to design the women’s collection. The Christophe Lemaire 2014 women’s spring collection was presented at a French Protestant temple converted into a home. Sarah-Linh Tran and Christophe Lemaire at home in Paris. RM: How would you describe your personal style?Christophe Lemaire: I like the concept of a personal uniform, it is what I am looking for myself. RM: What are your wardrobe essentials?Christophe: My uniform is made-to-measure leather boots, tapered chinos... ...a fishermen’s rib yak sweater (both from Christophe Lemaire), and a vintage wool and alpaca single-breasted three-quarter coat.Sarah-Linh: I always wear second-skins sweaters in silk and cashmere under my shirts or pullovers. RM: Wardrobe maintenance tips?Christophe: Leather shoe shine is necessary; like John Lobb’s Shoe Cream.Sarah-Linh: I don’t have any legitimate advice, I’m afraid. RM: What are the key essentials that you always carry with you?Christophe: My iPhone and Ricola sweets.Sarah-Linh: A notebook and a hand sanitizer. Photograph of Aesop’s Shine oil on Danish site Nouvelle. RM: Do you have a scent that you are loyal to?Christophe: Natural amber.Sarah-Linh: Agrumes [citrus], basil, olive oil, and the scent of very basic moisturizers like Nivea. RM: Are there any styling principles you rely on when preparing the show of each collection?Christophe: Never trying hard, and never too obvious.Sarah-Linh: I picture a better version of myself. RM: What is the best complement to a minimalist wardrobe?Sarah-Linh and Christophe: Beautiful skin and healthy hair! RM: What is the last thing you purchased for your home?Christophe: A Korg keyboard.Sarah-Linh: A pasta machine to make homemade pastas. Adolf Loos’ Villa Müller in Prague, Czech Republic designed in 1930. RM: Favorite art piece or architectural work of the moment?Christophe: The work of architect Adolf Loos and painter Odilon Redon.Sarah-Linh: Giacometti’s Disagreeable Object to be Thrown away.