Cara Cara

Morning routine — how do you start your day?

Wake-up call is early. I have a toddler so the day generally starts by 6am. I have hot water with cumin and fennel seeds while she has her milk, then off to my Barre class if it’s a weekday, or for a cold swim in the Ladies Pond in Hampstead Heath–the best! 

Go-to breakfast or coffee order? 

Large Matcha latte with almond milk! Always! 

Workday uniform — what are you wearing when you feel most yourself? 

My favorite vintage 501 with a men’s shirt and a cute knit–it’s cold already in London so I am all about layers. And of course, some ballerinas from my very large collection! 

On your desk right now: 

A vintage linen to hide my husband's computer screen! We hot desk at home, but I can’t bear the sight of a computer! My sketching folder- the same since I was a fashion student, my precious pencil case made of vintage Kimono cut-offs I got in Japan and a huge cup of ginger tea. 

Your design or creative philosophy in a few words: 

Play, not considered, spontaneous and full of colours.

The piece from your own collection you use most often: 

My JOSEPHINE centerpiece—it’s such a versatile piece I can use as a fruit bowl, a planter (I plant geraniums in it for the Summer) or by itself as a centerpiece on my kitchen table, a lovely finishing touch for any room! 

Most treasured vintage or flea market find:

Antique fabrics! My father was a fabric dealer and I am obsessed with antique linens or curtains. They are an endless source of inspiration: the details of the embroideries and laces, the vintage florals and unexpected colorations. It’s such a joy when I find a good one in a flea market. 

On the fashion side, my Yves Saint Laurent vintage blazer in multicolored check is by far my most precious find thus far! 

Signature scent (or candle burning at home):

Scent: Big Sur Eucalyptus by DS. Durga and their Holy Ficus candle for my home. Their scents are so unique and the storytelling behind each of them gets me every time. 

What’s always on your table when entertaining?

CHEESE!! I am so French for that! Ahaha! 

At least 3 types: a soft like Brie, a hard like Comté and a blue Fourme d’Ambert with some baguette and red wine. 

Your go-to dinner party dish or drink: 

The above! I am a terrible cook so everytime I have guests I will have a huge cheese platter- no need to cook, just cut! That’s also why I created Vaisselle/my food looks terrible but at least it’s served on very cute plates.

Your entertaining mantra: 

Santé!!! (cheers in French) and just to have fun, listen to happy music and be silly. 

Most inspiring destination you’ve visited: 

Capri. Everything is just so magical: the color of the sea, the brightness of the sky, the incredible ceramic tiles hidden all around the islands and the abundance of flowers. Even checking out local gardens, with their tablecloths drying in the sun, is so inspiring. 

What do you bring back from your travels? 

Everything I can! The “weirdest” thing I brought back was an antique mirror from a glass factory in a Jaipur suburb. It’s actually very big (the size of a suitcase) and I brought it back as my hand luggage- I really thought we wouldn’t pass security, but we did!! 

A color or motif you’re currently drawn to: 

A color combo: Lilac and chocolate color. The best of both worlds: the freshness of lilac with the cozy choco, love! 

The last thing you listened to, watched, or read that inspired you: 

Victoria Beckam on Netflix- it shows the challenges of being a self-funded business- no matter how big or small the financial investment is!

Your favorite way to unwind: 

Cold Swimming at the pond 

And finally — how would you describe the Vaisselle client (or host)? 

I feel that the Vaisselle client is someone who loves bold design without being too eccentric, they’re very refined and elegant. They care about craftsmanship and the story behind the piece. It's also someone who is loyal to their choices-many of my clients are actually building a Vaisselle collection. It’s so interesting to see and this really means the world!