Passionate about fashion and design, Audrey Douyere combines her attraction to hip-hop, science and spirituality in her final year project (in Fashion Designer specialising in Menswear at ESMOD Paris). Centred around the creation of a brand named XV3, the student's vision develops silhouettes that are nourished by spirituality, while the garment is worn like a talisman. Interview.
Planetesmod: What made you want to work in fashion?
Audrey Douyere: I've always been very attracted to the art world. I'm very curious about nature and I love discovering and learning new things. When it came to choosing a career path, I was intrigued by the technical side of fashion, which complements the creative process. I didn't know how to make clothes, and doing this course seemed like a passionate way to learn, combining technical requirements with artistic exploration.
How would you define your final year collection (concept/outline)?
From the outset, my goal was to create garments that were easy to wear, totally relaxed but with a certain sense of purpose. My collection is inspired by hip-hop, science and digital technology, and finds its symbolism in the 3rd eye, which sees beyond appearances and feeds on knowledge, inner reflection and spirituality. I see clothing as protection for the soul against the world. It is both a shield that protects us and a standard that we show off.
I drew a lot of inspiration from armour, particularly armour worn by Japanese samurai and knights, which combines beauty with complete physical protection. For spiritual protection, I've linked each garment to a symbol from the Tarot de Marseille, a tool for knowledge of oneself and the world.
In the end, I made my collection gender-neutral with an assertive streetwear spirit, it looks just as good on men as it does on women.
What are your next career goals?
Honestly, I'm hesitating between taking further training in other artistic expressions and continuing in the world of clothing design, which still fascinates me. I'm also drawn to exploring digital techniques and 3D, which intrigue me a lot.
The fashion designer's work - styling, pattern-making, logo design, websites, DAP - can be seen on her website: www.audreydouyere.com
Photo credit: Thomas Boisson