To conclude this interview, Constance Lepage gives us more details about her tastes and tells us about the difficulties and challenges when you run a business.
Can you name three of your favourite designers?
In jewelry, I am inspired by Aurélie Bidermann.
I really like Proenza Schouler’s work in haute couture. I don’t follow many persons, I have a general look on this.
And some artists?
In cinema, I love Wes Anderson’s movies, it inspires me a lot. I like this type of universes a bit crazy going in every direction. I really like artists such as Tinguely, Calder, all this wave is very nice. That’s like for fashion, whether in music or in cinema, in art, I am easily entertained, I listen to any music, I watch any movie…I don’t necessarily select exhibitions I visit…
Do you have favorite jewels?
I don’t wear a lot of jewels but anyway I have favourite pieces. I have created these big breastplates a year ago, I love it, I always wear it while generally, I don’t wear jewels. I also wear my tiny earrings, these are the jewels I mostly wear: tiny earrings and big breastplates.
What are the two main qualities to be a good jewelry designer?
You must be really creative and, at the same time, keep your feet firmly on the ground. You can so quickly take a tumble. It is important to be creative. It is impossible to do this job without it but, at the same time, if you want to earn life, you have to be aware of the market, you have to be a businessman, to know about marketing and communication. You have to be creative and you have to be a company manager.
What would you advise to a young designer?
I would advise him to move forward, to not racing ahead, to keep his feet firmly on the ground, to not be indebted even if it takes more time because you can easily get your fingers burnt.
What is challenging in your job?
To me, the challenge is not to be creative but to be a company manager. To run a business, to make sure it works over time, etc. The commercial part seems more complicated to me. You need to sell your pieces every day. When you work with retail outlets, you are not by yourslef, you need to be self-confident…it is the most complicated part.
What is the most difficult and the most rewarding things about your job?
The most complicated thing is to sell my products, to be self-confident to sell it. I wouldn’t have any problem to sell somebody’s pieces but with mine, it is more difficult. It is not my strenght! The most rewarding thing is when it works, when people come and tell you «I love you jewels, I have got a lot of them», it is great! When I go out and I see a girl with my earrings. It is touching, it makes me happy.
What are your projects?
It is a little bit blurry. For now, I am still at Maison de Mode in a workshop boutique. I may possibly open a workshop boutique in the center of Lille. I take care of my collections but I am considering t leave Maison de Mode to open a real boutique in the center of the city. I could ask other designers to be part of this new adventure. I am thinking of it!
Which designer would you like to see on my website?
I would like to see Mohekann bags.
Thank you Constance!
To find Constance L :
Website : www.constancel.com
Facebook : constancelbijoux
Instagram : @constancelbijoux
Photos : © Constance L sauf mention contraire : UD. Photographies fournies par Constance Lepage et publiées avec son autorisation.
