Fashion background:
I spent almost 3 years in Morocco working with local embroiderers and dressmakers. Then worked at Christian Lacroix and other established fashion houses. I continue to be inspired by the coming and goings in Paris, despite almost 43 years of living here

Your first fashion memory:
My Grandmother’s sewing party dresses for my Barbie dolls ( made out of her own old clothes )

Heels or flats:
Depends on what I am wearing, where I am going – no set rule…

Vintage or new:
A bit of each as a good mix

Style icon:
I suppose my mother when I was growing up and then the effortless elegance of Betty Catroux, Jane Birkin, Niko, Michelle Obama etc…

Who inspires you:
People who stand up for their values with elegance and creativity inspires my work constantly. Now, I am working on a collection dedicated to one of your compatriots, Nancy Cunard, the activist and fashion icon from the 1920s.  However, in the past I worked on seasons inspired by Frida Kahlo, the iconic couple Anni and Joseph Albers (a Bauhaus design partnership), - in the future I might look to Andrée Blouin (Franco-African activist and writer) … One of my absolute inspirations is Peter Lindbergh and the way he has represented women in photography – highlighting who they are, not how they look .

Museum or art gallery:
Museum: Usually le Centre Georges Pompidou (where I worked for 2 years when I finished my studies ) – now it is closed for 5 years … other Museums I often used to go are Musée Guimet, Musée du Quai Branly, the Louvre ( specially the very new “Gallery of the 5 Continents”)  and La Fondation Pinault – close to our office and perfect for a quick cultural break at lunchtime, Maison Européenne de la Photographie … and many others …but I love to drop in to galleries whilst travelling around Paris on my bicycle.

Crepe or Croissant:
To be honest actually: a slice of one of the best breads in Paris (in my opinion at least …which I buy in the bakery down the street where I live -  with a thick layer of homemade jam! Delicious!

Best business tip:
Be passionate about what you do and feel, surround yourself with others who also have that burning flame in them.

Favourite piece or pieces in the next La Fee Maraboutee collection:
Most difficult question of this interview ….
Maybe it’s a boxy oversized black and white jacquard sweater

Your favourite song:
“99 Luftballons” (“99 red balloons”). I grew up in a divided Germany with the Cold War in full swing – and Nena was our absolute Icon, she took a stand against war. This song was very meaningful to our generation – and in a certain way I feel that it is relevant today again.

KAREN RADLEY MEETS SABINE EDENNE