March 26, 2013 |
Valérie Delafosse is the creative director of Eres. She doesn’t believe in things like following trends and likes to work with colours that “are not necessarily easy to wear on the beach”. But they look good on a beach. Maybe a Caribbean beach. Or a Brazilian beach. Like the ones in Rio.
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Why did you become a swimwear designer? Did you always want to be one?
“I didn’t intend to become a swimwear designer. At age 20, I designed my debut line that became very successful. I loved creating something new with a fresh approach to colour and print. Swimwear is all about the working on the body, which is a very interesting way to work.”
What makes a good swimsuit?
“A good swimsuit is the perfect balance between comfort and aesthetics. You know it’s a good swimsuit when you want to wear it again and again, year after year.”
Bikini or one-piece?
“Personally, I love a bikini, especially after a good diet. A one-piece can look too classic on me.”
What do you think is your major contribution to swimwear?
“I think I have brought a sense of modernity and classicism to swimwear design. I am passionate about intense colours. Eres have a colour palette you don’t see within other brands. Elegance is also very important; timeless femininity always wins over vulgarity.”
What’s the next big thing in swimwear?
“Two-tone will be a big trend. You will also see some graphic prints in the new Eres swim collection that will surprise you.”
Who would you like to be stuck on a desert island with? Why?
“Pardon?!”
How would you define yourself?
“It’s not so simple. I have an artistic sensibility. I’m shy sometimes. I’m interested in everything, and that makes me very busy.”
Are you a keen swimmer? Or do you prefer to sunbathe? What do you do on the beach?
“I love to swim and scuba dive. I love the sea. I am a fish. All my travel is focused on the sea. You could say it is my passion. But when I’m at the beach, I’m either in the sea or in the shade. I never sunbathe.”
What do you do outside of work? What are your hobbies?
“At the moment, I am decorating my house in the countryside. Travel inspires me, so I’m always shopping abroad for furniture and textiles for my house.”
Do you have a favourite beach? Which one?
“I am obsessed with the colours in the Seychelles, especially under the sea when I’m diving. Flamands in St Barts is also very beautiful – so beautiful we just opened a new boutique there.”
Text Natalie Dembinska
