Behind Closet Doors: Tatiana de Nicolay
In our next episode of Behind Closet Doors, we journey to the City of Love: Paris! The city is abuzz with preparations for the upcoming Olympics, and the sun is shining brightly. We make our way to Tatiana de Nicolay's apartment in the 16th arrondissement, ready to fully immerse in her colorful world.
From an early age, fashion has been an integral part of her life, shaped by the influences of her mother and grandmother, both of whom had a keen eye for style and elegance. Her journey through the world of fashion is a testament to the timeless allure of vintage finds, the inspiration drawn from haute couture, and the sustainable practices that guide her choices today. As an illustrator and interior designer, the vibrant world of fashion continues to inspire her work, blending colors, patterns, and textures to create spaces that are as stylish as they are unique. In this exclusive interview with Marie-Claire and Labellov, she shares her story, her treasured fashion memories, and the designers who have left an indelible mark on her heart.
where does your love for fashion stem from?
My love for fashion began at a very young age.
My mother, who worked as a print designer for Louis Ferraud and
Pierre Cardin in the 70s, loved dressing me up in coordinated outfits
with accessories. Fashion was always significant to her, and she passed
that passion on to me. Although she rarely bought designer items, she
enjoyed spending afternoons hunting for unique finds and hidden gems. My
grandmother was also deeply into fashion; she was so beautiful that
designer houses in Paris, especially Chanel, lent her their most
exquisite dresses. We kept many of her items after she passed away, and
they are cherished reminders of her incredible eye for fashion.
Fashion has always inspired my work,
influencing my choices of colors, shapes, and patterns. While my primary
focus is interiors, I frequently attend the latest fashion exhibitions.
Fabrics, patterns, and textures are crucial in my projects and often
serve as starting points for a graphic print or a statement piece
inspired by a recent collection.
What was your first designer purchase?
My first designer purchases were a vintage Escada purple jacket with heart buttons
and a Pucci pink large silk dress. Among my wardrobe treasures,
my Roger Vivier diamond shoes
hold a special place. They are so precious that I wrap them in silk
paper and only wear them on very special occasions. Once, I even wrapped
them in plastic bags to walk outside because I was afraid of getting
them dirty!
Sustainability is essential in my life and wardrobe. I've always loved
vintage and second-hand clothing. Growing up, I enjoyed visiting flea
markets and searching for unique finds. Once, I found a vintage YSL
piece amidst a pile of crumpled clothes and bought it for just one euro!
Similarly, in my home renovation, the only new items are the two beds;
everything else is vintage, bought from auction houses or flea markets. I
also buy second-hand baby clothes, as children's fashion from past
decades was more elegant and refined.
WHAT IS YOUR FASHION INSPIRATION?
The 1950s is my favorite fashion era.
Fashion then prioritized elegance, formality, and perfectly matched
accessories. New designers like Cristobal Balenciaga and Hubert de
Givenchy revolutionized the feminine silhouette. Icons such as Audrey
Hepburn, Grace Kelly, and Elizabeth Taylor embodied the era's timeless
style, which I absolutely adore.
Today, I am captivated by Schiaparelli under
Daniel Roseberry. Since 2019, he has led the brand into a new phase,
and I'm obsessed with his surreal world. I find Daniel Roseberry's
career and path very interesting and inspirational. I especially loved
the glasses and jewelry he designed in 2020.
WHICH ITEM IN YOUR WARDROBE HOLDS A STORY?
Among my cherished wardrobe items, the YSL dress I bought for one euro at a flea market holds a special memory.
Another is my grandmother’s Uzbekistan coat, which Jean Paul Gaultier
wanted to take from me!I always collect clothes and accessories on my
travels.
I collect and keep everything, like a little mouse. Bringing back clothes or items from trips is a lovely way to remember the experience. I always visit flea markets and bring back something, even if I have no space in my luggage.
When I purchase items, I don't usually consider their resale value. I intend to keep them forever and perhaps pass them down to my daughter one day. However, I might consider reselling some items in the future if I no longer wear them and they could bring joy to someone else.
Currently, a Gunther beige passementerie bag from my friend’s brand, Destree, is at the top of my wishlist.