#Interview: our designer Joanna

It is with great pleasure that we introduce Joanna, our designer who created our entire collection.

1. Can you briefly tell us about your background?

As a child, I used to draw a lot of dresses in the form of collections. One day, my mother asked me if I wanted to be a fashion designer. That’s when I realized it was a real profession, and from then on, I did everything I could to achieve this dream.

I completed a BAC in Applied Arts, which prepares students for various design careers, and then I joined the Studio Berçot fashion school in Paris. I then worked for various Parisian brands as an intern, and it was during this time that accessories naturally became my passion. For almost 15 years, I’ve had the opportunity to create and lead accessory collections for some lovely brands, all very different and inspiring.

2. How do you find inspiration for your creations?

Inspiration is everywhere. Often, the eye finds what the instinct is searching for. I like observing people as they move around in the street; they give a kind of “tempo” that sets the rhythm for the collections.

For example, when it comes to bag volumes, trends emerge naturally every season. I also work with vintage pieces for details and metallic components. After that, everything can be a source of inspiration: a painting, a lamp, a piece of jewelry, a landscape… I devour literally tons of images, which are then digested and adapted to suit the brand and its universe.

 

3. Why did you choose to specialize in leather goods and shoes?

For several reasons. First of all, I love leather. It's a living material that has multiple lives and stands the test of time. Also, whether it’s a bag or a pair of shoes, these are objects with real utility. They must be both practical, well-constructed, and attractive. I enjoy working on volume and finishes. I also love that accessories don’t have to adapt to a certain body shape. I don’t have a body that fits current standards, but with a pair of jeans, a t-shirt, a nice pair of shoes, and an elegant bag, you’re good to go! You feel beautiful!

4. What attracted you to the Rive Claire project?

It started with my meeting Audrey, the founder. A shared connection and common values won me over, not to mention our Alsatian roots.

Then there was the project itself: a beautiful, elegant brand, timeless yet contemporary, and above all, eco-friendly. We can no longer consume the way we did a few years ago, and Audrey understood that very well. As for me, I’m also eager to be part of projects that support this new dynamic of change, which is more important than ever!

5. What are your tips for staying open-minded and creative?

My mantra: “Feet on the ground, head in the stars.”

We must dream like children and set no limits on our imagination. Travel is also an endless source of inspiration… craftsmanship, colors, materials… Then, “feet on the ground” is the part that allows you to translate that imagination into a product in tune with the times, aligned with a brand’s universe, with manufacturing realities and a production brief.

Whether in decor, professional projects, my personal life, or accessory design, I’m a hyperactive person with a thousand questions and a thousand desires. In the end, my job is like my pressure valve!