AT WORK

You get up…

7:30 and unfortunately I start with my phone; then it’s the baby bottle.

Your pro pedigree

Studio Bercot that I dropped after a year because I wanted to work: I was dreaming of being independent, doing things by myself. At that time I found school too boring whereas now I would love to go back!

I started my career in the press: Marie Claire and Elle as a stylist. But this “mono-tasking” system was annoying and it’s probably why I started my business.

Then I started to work at Jalouse. Two great years spent with Daphné Hézard: so much fun! I made some iconographies, styling, journalism. Then I passed one year in the communication sector of Fooding.

And then Yvonne Yvonne was launched.

How did you create Yvonne Yvonne?

It was in 2010. In a very natural way. Because I loved fashion and had never found the bag of my dreams. I really liked the idea of working with accessories because they can be kept for a long time and inherited.

Besides, Yvonne is my second name and also my grandmother’s name. So it was all about the intergenerational inheritance that I wanted to emphasize for my brand.

The brand, just like me, has evolved over the years. There are much less season elements, I work on timeless models that can stay longer.

Who is the one who has your bags?

The girl that loves my bags is a girl who likes beautiful objects, who pays a closer attention to detail without being necessarily a fashionista.

I create my bags for today’s women, those who combine work, family, friends, children, passions, routine and adventure, those who don’t spend necessarily their time on travelling but especially those who have dreams!

How does you creative process work?

In the beginning there is the idea of reinterpreting traditional leather goods, especially with a choice to make them even more functional: my bags are designed to serve and to be kept.

Each model has a name. Those are the names of women who embody for me the notion of freedom.

The next model’s name will probably be Lou.

I draw my bags. Then I go to a Parisian studio to create prototypes. Then I send them to a producing workshop. Then I look for the leather, for jewelry.

Partnerships

I love to work with artists – giving them the whole space so that they can reinterpret my canvas in their own styles. The last one was with talented Leslie David.

My bags

Some of them are made with a smooth and soft leather. I propose my idea of the Parisian elegance.

And some of them are made to accompany me on my imaginary trips. A dreamy vision of cities where I haven’t been yet. Montauk, Verona, Rio. It’s my interpretation of the travels.

Where to find them

I decided to no longer multiply the sale points. So you can buy my bags either on my Internet website or in the store at rue Milton (9e).

My projects

To develop two new models: a bucket bag and a wallet in September. And to continue having this rhythm that helps me to keep the balance between my professional and personal lives. Having no longer a pressure due to the seasonality and collections has changed everything.

Everyone dreams of having this second professional life but not everyone decides to do it: how did you do?

I was spontaneous and very naïve in the beginning! I was young and had few constraints.

My advice to start a business

Surround yourself by right people, look around you before starting in order to avoid the mistakes of others. Have good ambitions, it is important.

And don’t be afraid to get some help: there are plenty of organizations today, they can help whether in terms of advice or funding. Because the life of a young entrepreneur can be difficult and we can feel very alone.

And the last tip: don’t be afraid to talk about your project just because you think someone would steel your ideas. The most important thing is to act!

A typical day

In the morning I take my son to the nursery, then I work at the office or have an appointement and I work non-stop until 5p.m. Then I take my son and spend some time with him until 8pm. Then it’s “our” time with my man. We talk about our day and take a glass of wine.

And later in the evening – it depends on the time – I go back to work.

My mantra

Trusting myself and persevering!

My worst memories

That’s what made me take a break for a year. I wanted to change the factory and had a lot of problems with the production before the Cannes Film Festival for a big client.

My greatest moments

Relaunching Yvonne Yvonne in May 2015. And every time I see a girl with one of my bags!

A time off

On holidays and weekends: it’s a necessity for me.

Next challenge

I’m totally in it right now, relaunching my brand. And continuing to stay independent and to do what I love.

Discover the rest of my universe HERE