I’m from Cannes, a famous seaside resort on the French Riviera.
Monique - where are you from in France?
I’m from Cannes, a famous seaside resort on the French Riviera.
How did you end up living in St. Barth (Bart’s)?
"When you have nothing, you dare everything. » In 1979, the love shock! I discovered this island inspired by paradise. A simple rock with an unique personality. An island of adventurers. A chance that will become a necessity. Saint Barth has become my beloved, my free life force.
I love the name Poupette St. Barth – what does it mean?
That's how I have been affectionately called since my childhood - Poupette means "little girl" or "little doll" and evokes youth! But Poupette without St. Barth and vice versa is impossible. Poupette St. Barth is a creative symbiosis.
When did you launch Poupette St. Barth?
Sometimes wild, sometimes childlike, always sunny, always free. Exalted and exhilarating, I had many lives. I turn, waitress, saleswoman, window dresser, talent scout, jewellery designer, sculptor. I kept the love of hand work, slow, patient, precise. But of all materials, it’s textile that I prefer. I have a passion for fabrics, weaving, looms... “Light, sensual, the fabric looks like me”
In 1995-99, in response to the need for a sunny seasonality that stretches with each other's summers, I created Poupette St Barth. Pioneer in sun-wear. Ready for the Sun! "What exactly do I do with a little black dress under the sun?”
When you design the collection - how are you inspired?
"My life is a rainbow. I define it in color and in sunshine”. Vegetal, mineral, animal, all natures are sources of inspiration.
I always look for the accident in each print.
There’s always a detail, different details in each garment to surprise, to discover , like when you travel.
Is there a signature look for Poupette St. Barth?
Poupette Saint Barth prioritizes ease and elegance for a relaxed but refined look, a design that gives all women complete freedom of movement. Its stylistic vocabulary abounds with smocking, pleats, drawstrings, bows and flounces, creating controlled volumes and carefully defined silhouettes. The dress, the centerpiece, comes in many forms: ultrashort or maximum coverage in a kimono version, or even a jumpsuit.
What distinguishes Poupette St Barth designs is their three-dimensionality! It is this original mix and these daring associations that create relief and depth, in other words a three-dimensional effect.
Who would you say is your Poupette St. Barth customer?
For the past 25 years, Poupette St Barth has been creating inimitable apparel with a Bohemian flair for elegant and independent women, for all occasions. From daytime to evening looks, we design clothing for women who look on the bright side of life.
If a woman was to own just one item from your collection - which one would you suggest and why?
One of the most iconic pieces we have is the mini dress Triny, this timeless outfit fits all kind of women. Its smocked waistband makes it easy to put it on and give an elegant and defined silhouette for a complete freedom of movement from sunrise to sunset. Made in eco-friendly viscose and machine washable. This is a must-have for your holidays!
Do you have any words of positivity to share with our readers?
Follow your instincts, live your desires. Invent your own unforgettable moments.
Free to go, free to think, free to dream, free to be...
The sun as the only guide!
