BEHIND BARNIE
BEHIND BARNIE: CLÉMENTINE LAFOND
If BARNIE has become the brand it is today, it is also thanks to those who support Delphine and Edouard on a daily basis. Each member of the team, with their story, their expertise, their talents, their personality and their aspirations, brings a unique energy that has been shaping the brand day after day for five years now. Because BARNIE would not be BARNIE without its teams, we have chosen to shine a light on those who bring it to life. For this fourth edition of Behind BARNIE, Clémentine, Head of Development & Production, agreed to take part in the interview.
A fashion enthusiast and lover of beautiful fabrics, Clémentine, 36, orchestrates the development and production of BARNIE's collections. A Lyon native and professional globe-trotter, she draws her inspiration from music, travel and beautiful finds unearthed at flea markets. Whether it's the details of an embroidery, the light of Petra or design chairs discovered while browsing, she loves observing the world and holding on to what nourishes her daily life and her work.
What is your role at BARNIE?
I am Head of Development and Production.
WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE?
I handle the development and production of the collections, from the launch of the first prototype through to the end of production. I manage the sourcing of materials and the selection of the most suitable workshops based on their relevance and expertise in creating a first prototype.
My role is to turn Delphine and the Style team's creative intentions into reality: I oversee prototype development, purchase negotiations, and production schedule management.
YOUR FAVOURITE MISSION AT BARNIE?
Without a doubt, the relationship I have with our suppliers is what I care about most. We exchange daily, both on collections and on production challenges, which allows us to build a sincere and trusting relationship.
Together, we often manage to work miracles.
I am deeply driven by building lasting partnerships, which I believe is absolutely essential.
Since you love hunting for second-hand treasures, what's your best find?
My latest find? A set of Thonet chairs, flex 2000. I'd been looking for new chairs for a while, without knowing exactly what I wanted. Then one day, a listing on Leboncoin — an obvious choice. A Lyon restaurant was renewing its furniture, and these chairs were being given a second life. There's such satisfaction in every find.
My next quest? A bookcase for my son's room — but I think I've found one!
How would you describe your personal style?
The question is a bit complex, so I preferred to ask my colleagues for their input.
What came out of it: "Cool working mum" — I love colourful, comfortable and easy-to-wear outfits.
My go-to: the EVA dress layered over a loose sweatshirt, worn with a pair of trainers and finished off with a colourful bandana.
Three Instagram posts that have inspired you recently?
@accidentalywesanderson , I love this account and all those seemingly ordinary places that look as though they've come straight out of a Wes Anderson film. It pushes me to observe my surroundings more closely when I walk down the street. The latest posts are from India, and we're heading to Delhi soon to visit our production sites. I've been collaborating with Indian artisans for many years and have already had the chance to go there twice for work. It's a country I'm particularly fond of, with a real expertise in embroidery, smocked details and cotton voiles. And you'll be seeing some of that in our upcoming collections very soon!
A post by @haydesign immediately caught my eye, as I completely fell in love with the lamp from studio CP_RV !
I met Camille Paillard in London several years ago, when I was living there, and I've been following her on social media ever since. She takes incredibly graphic photos of brutalist architecture.
So you can imagine my surprise over the past few days when I discovered she had just launched her lamp with HAY! A real joy to see her work come to life in a new form.
@pil.kallesoe, I have a slight obsession with cork floors, and that's how I discovered this account. Since then, every one of their posts has been a true source of inspiration. Their furniture is always perfectly chosen: I love the simplicity, the clean lines and the attention to beige tones.
A series you absolutely shouldn't miss, in your opinion?
Twin Peaks, you either love it or hate it.
I loved it — a fabulous mix. The haunting soundtrack, the charismatic characters, that oppressive atmosphere. Everything is perfect.
I noticed the series is available on Arte, and I'm thinking of watching it a second time.
To close this fourth edition of Behind BARNIE, we hope that this introduction to the team members has given you a little more insight into the profiles who work for the brand every day. Discover more portraits that bring the BARNIE universe to life very soon.
