An interview with artistic director, Laetitia Crahay.

As the Artistic Director for Maison Michel and the Head of Accessories for CHANEL, Laetitia Crahay is hands down one of the most engaging people I have met. She epitomizes that french-ish je ne sais quoi--a super upbeat personality, quirky sense of humor, raspy voice, and unlimited energy! As part of our French partnerships, she created  MAISON MICHEL FOR OPENING CEREMONY, a collection of hats, headbands, and hair accessories that are perfect for any occasion and the piece de resistance for any outfit!

Olivia Kim: I love that all of the hats in the Maison Michel collection are named after your friends (Sean, Pete, Irina, Lara, etc). How do your friends inspire you and the collection?
Laetitia Crahay: Just the fact that they are here existing and being themselves inspires me. They all have different personalities and definitely strong identities, which influence the collections.

OK: When you were creating the Maison Michel for Opening Ceremony collection, what were the elements that inspired the line?
LC: I imagined what New York women would want to wear. My love for the city also inspired me.

OK: The quirkiness and fun factor in your designs for Maison Michel and CHANEL are really part of your personality. How do you balance that with the more commercial side of the business?
LC : The trick in mixing fun and commercial is simplicity, whether it be a small detail or a bigger piece.

OK: Who in history has worn hats the best?
LC: That would definitely be Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face.

OK: You and I both have a love love love for bunny rabbits. How many rabbit things do you have in your home and which is your favorite?
LC: I would say I own about one hundred rabbit things…my favorite would have to be a white mounted rabbit with blue ears, it was made by an artist. Also, I am pregnant and my daughter will be born this year…the year of the rabbit !

OK: You studied architecture in school in Italy. How did you get into designing accessories and hats? Do you have a favorite accessory or hat that you've made?
LC: I did study architecture in Italy and then went on to study fashion design at La Cambre in Brussels. It is one of the most competitive schools, Olivier Theyskens and I were part of the remaining few that made through to the end. All of fashion is related, whether it is clothes, accessories or hats… I love to wear the Angélique or Aurore headbands in gold as well as the bunny ears.

OK: Where are your favorite spots in Paris?
LC: I love the Quai de Seine. My ideal would be sitting in a car with my iPod playing, driving along the Quai de Seine at night. Paris is so beautiful at night! (And the car is a must because it is not the safest neighborhood to be wondering alone at night!)

OK: How old were you the first time you were kissed? Was it love at first sight?
LC: I was 14 years old and it was definitely not love. I guess I felt I was getting too old not to have had my first kiss and I wanted to try it out.

OK: Let's play the association game. i'll say a word and then you write the first thing that comes to your mind.
LC: Karl – Rapidity and intelligence. Coco – Icon. Magritte – Belgium. Style – Audrey Hepburn. Color – Black, but I guess that’s not really a color…

OK: Describe your perfect Sunday afternoon.
LC: Carette at the Place des Vosges in Paris, eating cake with my best friends.


Shop all  MAISON MICHEL FOR OPENING CEREMONY here!


All images, Karl Lagerfield for Maison Michel.


FILED UNDER: laetitia crahay , olivia kim , interview , accessories , maison michel for opening ceremony , maison michel , usa vs. france , accessories