Artist: two perspectives, two voices

Brigitte and François take part in a joint interview to share their inspirations, their favorite discoveries, and the secrets behind a creative partnership that has lasted since 1998.

1. Where do you find the joy and drive to keep creating?

Brigitte : I simply love creating. It’s in my nature. I love my work and the people I share my daily life with. I draw energy from materials, new techniques, and exchanges. Music, sports, travel, exhibitions, encounters… It all feeds my imagination.

François : I grew up surrounded by joy and creativity. It became second nature. I love every form of artistic expression and hope I’ll feel that way until my last breath.

2. What have you discovered thanks to Artist?

Brigitte : Artists I would never have met otherwise, but also life at a small business: getting involved in everything, understanding every role. And above all, the invaluable connection with our customers, their reactions, their comments, their enthusiasm.

François : All my passions could come together: art, music, meeting people, images… Once one collection is finished, we’re propelled toward the next. My life and work intertwine: searching, trying things out, sometimes failing, starting again. Feeling alive!

3. What makes you want to work with artists whose sensibilities are so different?

Brigitte : Every artist takes us somewhere new. It’s a discovery, a challenge that pushes us out of our routines and makes us see things differently. I also love surprising them with our interpretation of their work.

François : Their unique perspective sparks a desire, an image, the beginning of a story. As in theater or music, different sensibilities come together. When it works, it’s exhilarating! Something emerges that neither of us could have created alone.

4. Which artist, living or deceased, would you have dreamed of collaborating with for Artist?

Brigitte : Monet for the softness of his palette, Gauguin for his warm tones, Matisse for his cut-outs. Three artistic worlds I would have loved to imagine a collection with.

François : Oh… So many! And beyond painting: choreographer Mourad Merzouki, musicians Chassol, Nick Cave or Bowie; James Thierrée for live performance, James Turrell for his installations… We’re allowed to dream! François, 

5. S’if we had to keep just one color?

Brigitte : Blue, without hesitation. Its shades soothe me and evoke freedom and depth. It reminds me of my father’s paintings, inspired by the ever-changing Breton skies.

François : S’if we had to keep just one color, the world would be very, very sad. I love them all, and nothing is more beautiful than a palette of colors that blend and respond to one another. A colorist designer once described a constraint imposed by a client: “You have carte blanche for my apartment, but I don’t like green.” He replied ironically: “I understand. As for music, I don’t like the note E!” That’s the whole point: a color only takes on meaning alongside the others. Together, they make their music.

6. What music could be Artist’s soundtrack?

Brigitte : Samba! Its joyfulness, its rhythm, the carnivals of Rio or São Paulo and their swirling colors all suit Artist.

François : Pieces that open up space and amplify emotions: Michael Kiwanuka, Snarky Puppy with the Metropole Orkest, Archive, Beth Gibbons, PJ Harvey… And, for collections that really deliver, the Roots!

7. Which film’s visual world still stays with you?

Brigitte : “Emilia Pérez” for its boldness, energy, and the role of music.

François : “The Brutalist” or “Babylon” among recent films.

8. Which Artist collection is most like each of you?

Brigitte : For François, “Nymphea”: chic, modern, feminine, with style. For myself, “Great North”: its blues, its comfortable sportswear, and its invitation to travel! 

François : For Brigitte, “Bahia”: cheerful, sparkling, energetic, confident, even if she wouldn’t necessarily wear it. For me, “I Make a Wish,” elegant and sporty, rich in beautiful fabrics and little surprises. Or “Nymphea”! 

9. Your best photoshoot memory?

Brigitte: “Lose Yourself in Blue” in Santorini. I was discovering the Greek islands off-season: snow and freezing wind for a summer collection! Romaine, our model, still remembers it!

François: “Of Ice and Colors”: a crazy challenge at 3,300 meters in the Mont Blanc massif! Roped together, with crampons, a guide, and Romaine, our model for extreme situations. Windy and cold, but with a magnificent blue sky. A wonderful moment!

10. When you disagree, who has the last word?

Brigitte: We talk things over, listen to each other, and try to understand one another. Sometimes it takes a while, but we come to an agreement. The last word? François! Even if he says otherwise!

François: Not a disagreement! She’s more down-to-earth; I sometimes get carried away with my wild ideas. She brings me back to reality. We complement each other and still admire each other’s creativity.