The blogger Margaux Carel interview Laure Pariente, artistic director of American Retro & Zoe tee’s
You created American Retro in 2002, tell us about this adventure.
Just after school David, my husband, and I had the opportunity to distribute Joe’s Jeans from Los Angeles, so we decided to drop our jobs and start our own business with Gregory, my brother in law. Over the summer, we went to India to meet a supplier and from there we started AMERICAN RETRO. It was a line of cotton voile dresses, blouses, and cargo pants. It was a huge success at the first “Who’s Next” show.
What about Zoetee’s?
The idea for Zoetee’s came to us in 2005. We realized that the t-shirt was something really different from any other garments and that it deserved to have an unique label … And I’m a big t-shirt lover!
Who is the typical American Retro girl?
The American Retro girl is a young independent woman. She likes clothes, she likes to play and to mix & match. She is a woman who enjoys herself and wants to have fun in life!
What was your inspiration for the FW 11 collection?
This collection was inspired by exotic animals such as panthers and leopards and by the Eighties gothic icon Elvira, handcrafted knits, different mixes of lace and velvet.
The overall look of this season lies between an urban metropolitan style with gothic elements and a luxurious, winterish party look!
According to you, who is the ultimate Parisian girl?
The ultimate Parisian is stylish, but doesn’t take any risks. She likes vintage and she likes to be unique.
If you had to design a line for another famous brand, which one would it ideally be?
CHANEL
Which celebrities would you be flattered to see wear your designs?
Kate Moss or Kate Middleton
You are based in Paris; what is your favorite place in the city?
Le Marais, la Place des Vosges and le Palais Royal.
Your favorite restaurant?
Pizza Chic, best pizza in Paris.
Your favorite bar / club?
Le Montana in St. Germain
Your favorite shop?
I love to have lunch at Rose Bakery.
For deco, Atelier 154 and Merci.
For the kids, Serendipity and Bonton.
For vintage: Kiliwatch and Hippie Market.
Any secret places you love?
There is this antique shop, D’Eva Pritsky, in the 20e district- during the day it is a shop and during the night it becomes a very cool bar where you can have a drink with artists friends…
If you could live anywhere else, where would it be?
New York City or Sao Paolo.
Why?
Because I love the energy of New York and I would love to have the experience of living there for few years.
I would live in Sao Paulo because I am simply in love with Brazil and I see my family and myself there later on in life.
What’s next? Any projects?
There are some new collaborations with artists, musicians, designers which I’m working on… but those I’m keeping secret for the moment!
Visit the blog Gilded Butterfly, by Margaux Carel
http://gildedbutterflybymc.wordpress.com/2011/09/19/laure-pariente-artistic-director-of-american-retro-and-zoetees/
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