The clandestine artsan of ethical fashion

     By Pauline Weber

How it all began • • • I come from a family of horticulturists. I grew up in Vallauris surrounded by flowers, which I sold at markets with my family when I was very young. That’s when I discovered my love of selling. When I first visited the museum in Vallauris, which supports the contemporary ceramics biennial every two years, my eyes were opened to the world of artists and their approach. That is why, from the very first Studio Clandestin collection, I wanted to showcase my town in my creations, while promoting the art of ceramics!

When fashion becomes a manifesto • • • I worked at Kiabi for fifteen years, and that experience fuelled my love of fashion. I learnt a lot with them; they are a family group and have a gentle approach to management and are pioneers in social responsibility. Back in the 2000s, they began thinking about how to use greener materials such as organic cotton and recycled polyester from water bottles. So when I created Studio Clandestin in 2017, I was already aware of the importance of fabric quality and durability. I also integrated the upcycling aspect right from the start, bringing down manufacturing costs by using unsold items from major brands to reinvent basic pieces for women and men. My responsible approach is also expressed in my couture line, which is crafted with deadstock fabrics from major luxury brands via Nona Source. For the last four years, we have been fortunate enough to have had the support of Galeries Lafayette and Reiner, a Parisian platform and a leader in circular fashion, which offers our products in several points of sale around the capital.

A Riviera feel • • • Studio Clandestin draws inspiration from the Côte d’Azur and its artisanal history to leave its mark and communicate on its heritage in a new way. I was keen to launch a brand that would be inclusive, premium and accessible. In each of my collections, I make various stylistic choices: circles, ceramics, tartan, embroidery, and we resize and revalue them every year. For each of my shows, I stick to a theme that has roots in a certain place. For example, with Yves Klein we chose the Albert 1^er garden because it is beautifully curved, and I liked its Japanese element. For l’Été indien, last September, I deliberately wanted a rectangular place where you can see time stretching out as it does at twilight. The water mirror was perfect for that: the models walked in the water and you could see the reflection of the sky and their silhouettes at sunset. Sublime!

[ 1988 ] Born in Vallauris. [ 2008 ] Joined Kiabi as department manager then sales and window-display manager. [ 2017 ] Created Studio Clandestin. 

[ 2020 ] The brand becomes available at Galeries Lafayette Nice Masséna. 

[ 2024 ] The brand becomes available at Galeries Lafayette 

Paris Champs Elysées