The designer

Virginie Blay is a designer by training. After graduating from ESMOD, the oldest fashion design school set up in 1841, Virginie turned towards drawing, sketches and figure drawing which she believes is a great approach to get a feel for the details and flow of the clothes. She is answering here to a few questions on her approach to work, her choices and sources of inspiration…

Today what is your source of inspiration for your designs ?

« I draw my inspiration for my range of clothes made from colorful, flowery, soft and funky materials from my apartment/ work studio where I am surrounded by the paintings and sculptures that I love. I believe in making clothes using materials which I enjoy wearing. I love silk and this is the reason most of my clothes are lined in silk, a material which protects you from the cold as from the heat. I also love wool for its comfort and its dressed up look. The sum “wool plus lycra” provides comfort and a real freedom of movement. The materials I use come mainly from France and Italy.

I get inspired by a specific atmosphere, plays and movies carry me away, make my mind run and take me on a journey of dreams from where I draw the originality of my designs.

Why these names “Lilling” and “Lotus” ?

I decided to call my two clothing ranges “Lilling” and “Lotus” because I love the way these words sound as well as well as their exotic connotation. Lilling is a Chinese city well known for its cotton and ceramics (another type of work I do). As for the name “Lotus” I just simply love the elegance of its flower, the symbol of beauty in India.

I let you discover my work through this colourful journey between Paris and Tokyo, Bon Voyage ! 

You can see all designs in the sections called Collection Lilling and Collection Lotus or by surfing on the virtual catalog.

Take a look at the ceramics and porcelain work by Virginie Blay by clicking on www.virginieblay.tumblr.com