An Illustrator Father, an Embroidery-Hobbyist Grandmother: Her Creative Roots Lie in Family

In 2012, a handbag designer appeared on the Paris runway like a comet: Olympia Le-Tan. Though she debuted just two years ago, her "Book Clutch," first presented as an accessory brand in 2009, has already secured an unshakeable popularity. Carried by celebrities like Tilda Swinton and Natalie Portman, it's stocked in select shops worldwide. Her father is the renowned illustrator Pierre Le-Tan. In April, I interviewed Olympia during her visit to Japan.



—Your "Book Clutches" are very popular. What inspired you to create them?

My father's study has many old books. The binding designs of those antique books are truly beautiful! I thought it would be wonderful to be able to carry such lovely books with me all the time. That's what inspired me to create the "Book Clutch."

—Were the beautiful embroideries inspired by old books?

My grandmother was always embroidering. I suppose that's the influence. I love embroidery too.

—We hear your father has also had a significant influence.

The first maison I joined was Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld, the designer at Chanel, was a friend of my father's and also commissioned him for illustration work. He used to visit our home often. Each time, he would encourage me, who wasn't working at the time, to join Chanel.

—You didn't attend fashion school, did you? What did you want to be when you were a student?

I wanted to be an ordinary mother, like my own. My mother seemed so happy raising children and cooking meals.

—Each season, interesting themes emerge.

For the 2014-15 Autumn/Winter collection, the theme was magicians. We featured bunny girls, and presented a tuxedo jacket and dresses with playing card prints (illustrations by my father, Pierre). My theme is always "pin-up girls"! For Spring/Summer, it's sailor pin-up girls, and for Autumn/Winter, it's magic pin-up girls. I envision a woman who combines the Japanese concept of "kawaii" with French femininity.

—You love Japan, don't you? You've visited many times.

My first visit to Japan was in 2000. I've been back about 50 times since then.

—What are your favorite places in Japan?

The Meguro River when the cherry blossoms are in bloom. I saw them again recently. I also can't forget Aoni Onsen in Aomori.

Olympia, whom I met in the hotel lobby, appeared with her long brown hair curled and a pink gathered skirt. She had the image of a cute girl next door. Her favorite foods are French home cooking like potato gratin and profiteroles (ice cream cake). This image is quite far from the striking, sexy designs seen in her collections. It's exciting to watch a woman, who was raised with so much love, mature alongside her creations.