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| Photography by Araki |
Olympia Le-Tan is a true Parisian it-girl—trendy, fun and smart. She only feels home on the left bank of the Seine, where she used to infuse the nights at Le Baron with her playlists, and her dad is the highly respected illustrator Pierre Le-Tan. Last October during Paris fashion week, she presented a new body of work entitled You Can Judge a Book by Its Cover—a collection of handbags and minaudières, made by hand in France, with Love. The result is as distinguished as the attention she has received from the international press, and from some of the best buyers of planet mode (colette, Paris; Browns, London; The Webster, Miami…).
I meet with her one early morning to learn more about her inspirations, the collection, and her thoughts about LA. And believe it or not, Olympia was perfectly on time, and very serious about her new role as a designer. Between us, it’s a position that fits her as well as the big smile that accompanies her pretty face.
The Inspiration:
Since always my dad collects antique books. I grew up in that environment. So I naturally started as well collecting original editions. Then I had the idea to present the collection in an antique store based in Galerie Verot-Dodat in the first arrondissment of Paris. I wanted to recreate the feeling of an old bookstore, by mixing real antique books with the collection, which itself recreates the covers of old editions.
The Choice of Covers:
Most of the covers come from books I knew and I really liked, either as a story or as a visual image. The selection is exclusively based on original editions of antique books. Then during the research process I found further editions that I never heard of, so it naturally builds on the ones I already knew.
Made by Hand with Love:
I did all the prototypes by hand myself– it’s a total of 21 minaudières. The materials that are used are felt appliqué for the design, silk thread for the embroideries, and Liberty print for the lining. Then on the production side, I let some of the best factories—that already work with houses like Lanvin, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent— handle the work.
It’s a true success!
I feel quite happy, the press and buyers gave a good response. The collection is sold in Paris, London, Berlin, Madrid, Lisbon, Vienna, and Miami. I’m also going to collaborate with APC, to customize some of their vintage jean jackets. And I’m now starting to think about the next collection that will of course continue to feature the minaudières, but will also propose some new stuff. I will again do a presentation during women’s fashion week in Paris, next year.
What’s your relation to LA?
I love LA, and specially Venice Beach. I was there last year with my friend Jen (Jennifer Eymere, Editor in Chief of Jalouse). I stayed at the Sunset Marquis, while my other good friend André (the owner of Le Baron) was at Chateau Marmont. It was easy, it was a walk-able distance, since I don’t drive. I was also a bit surprised to see that the nightlife was ending so early at night. Actually I might go back next January, as I need to do a research trip for the collection!
