Today, he’s the designer of choice for all the elegant ladies out there, but when French designer Roland Mouret was just beginning his now successful career, he was armed with nothing but passion and bravery. As soon as he shifted to London, he began his journey by working for a small label, until he decided to take the step that would change everything. Since then, he’s had us completely love-struck!
We sat down with the talented designer as he reflected on his past, his collaborations and his very own style tips!
How did you discover your passion?
It was actually there the whole time! And then one day, I realized that fabrics allowed people to escape and I really loved the idea that with fabric you could work with yourself and shape who you want to be.
How and where exactly did this passion bloom?
It all started in the butcher shop where I was working with my father, because he wanted me to become a butcher. Naturally, I started wearing the apron, and it’s then that I realized I hated the person I was becoming, yet I really loved this piece of fabric on me. So when I started folding it on me, I saw what a beautiful creation it could be! Years later, when I decided to become a designer, I actually went back to the memory of that apron, and the first thing I did was to take a square and fold it again and again just like I did years ago at the butcher shop!
Tell us more about your first collection. Did you find it hard moving from primary steps into a whole new process?
Yes, because at this point, you’re questioning everything: what you’re going to talk about, your name inside the garments, what is the exact reason behind what you’re doing, and so on. You’re even questioning if you’re ready to carry on with the whole process, which is why I decided to take a gentle approach by presenting a 15-piece collection for myself. At first, I didn’t even want to sell, as I just wanted to learn more. I wanted to actually enjoy it by being extremely creative, because I knew that the moment the selling process began, it would no longer be for me, but for the people. So for two years I indulged in my guilty pleasure of being creative just for myself without selling my collections, even though at some point I was close to bankruptcy. And then one day, I decided that it was fine time to share my designs with those who want to wear them, and that was that.
And when did that happen?
It was around the time when I learned just enough about working with a team and channeling the support of my friends. Granted, it was moving at a slow rate, but that’s why it’s great to have people involved in your life because they are there to help you through it all.
So who is the Roland Mouret woman? What does she stand for?
The Roland Mouret woman is someone who enjoys being a woman, someone who perfectly understands her body, accepts the good and the bad equally, all the while acknowledging the transformations of her body. She’s someone whose identity is very close to mine, a self-made woman who doesn’t take anything for granted.
You've had many collaborations within the fashion scene. Which one would you say marked you the most?
It would undoubtedly be the Gap collection, I just love it! It was the moment I realized that my purpose as a designer is to deliver my service to the people. It’s all about finding the little tricks that would work in their business, which is not the same business I’m in. But that’s why it was such an accomplishment for me! I didn’t have to copy my style on the “Gap” collection, I just simply had to change hats! It’s all about becoming creative for another brand without being “Roland Mouret”. As far as I’m concerned, the simple fact of moving your creativity and working with someone different is just great! In fact, I’m now working with Robert Clergerie on a shoe collection and it’s actually the same process; I love being a chameleon and transforming myself!
What is the one clothing item that no woman should ever live without?
Definitely a dress! A dress that you can rely on, that can define your personality and make of you what a man can never be!
You are French, so why did you choose London for your atelier?
I simply needed to own a double-culture. I was not feeling complete as just a “French guy” in France and I honestly think that our culture mixes really well with other cultures.
Any style tips for fall 2016 you would like to share with our readers?
Cold shoulders! Because that’s where you can spot a lot of creativity within the different designs, especially since you can ever layer other garments underneath them. My tip for Winter? Wear a long-sleeved shirt underneath the cold-shoulder item!
What do you think is the next big thing?
The next big thing can be found in the evolution of silhouettes. In other words, fluidity!
Cindy Menassa
