• Share

Interview: Myriam Schaefer, an example of talent

After a long career as a creative director for brands such as Balenciaga, for which she created some of its most iconic and successful handbags, Myriam Schaefer launched in 2012 her eponymous 100% Made In Italy luxury leather goods label, one of the most interesting brands today in this specific segment. Design and quality are both perfect, which shows that you can still find in the twenty-first century luxury bags that give the impression of being specially made for the women who will wear them. The accessories market is now one of the most profitable in the fashion industry and is increasingly difficult to find leather goods that exude a sense of exclusivity and also tell an interesting story. Myriam Schaefer is one of those rare cases where the elegance of the product also demonstrates comfort and ease of use for everyday life. The lines are classic and well defined, showing a quest for materials almost vanished in the world of accessories and a practicality that allows the wearer to use the bags every day for work and for leisure. Myriam herself stated that what she has always sought was a bag in which to put cigarettes, wallet and smartphone, comfortable and that allowed her to keep her hands free. It all seems trivial but it is not, because handbags should serve precisely this task, to store everything and simultaneously make the woman wearing it feel beautiful. Myriam Schaefer succeeded in this difficult task, demonstrating skills and a great taste, bringing into the market some of the best bags seen during the last round of the four fashion weeks.Myriam

Named after her dog, the Volpone, is a bag with a rather rigid structure and a shoulder strap reminiscent of those of guitars. It is quickly becoming a must have item among high-end handbags.

We asked some questions to the talented designer:

– How did you career as a designer begin?

I started my career, collaborating with Jean Paul Gaultier. I was his first assistant.

– What are the most important moments of her career?

The highlight for me when I inspired Jean Paul Gaultier for ‘Le defilé Juif’ through a book called ‘Un monde disparu’ by Roman Vishniac. It was one of the best fashion shows ever with a real deal of emotion.

– How do you perceive the world of accessories?

Unfortunately, in the present day accessories quickly lose their value because of the changes that are introduced each season. A bag is simply associated to a product, but for me it is like a jewel of great importance, like the cult of confidence. I am extremely monomaniacal: I love to have the same bag in different colours, especially when I find one that reflects my personality most. I have the same obsession for shoes. My vision of the world of accessories therefore reflects my philosophy of life, of everyday life.

– What do you think of the future?

The future should be based on the quality of a product, its traceability and above all on its savoir-faire.

– How do you describe your latest collection?

Since I’m a blue jeans girl, I wanted to convey my being in the latest collection. I created denim bags with leather details that give that touch of refinement and elegance. The combination of these two materials has not been a simple process, because they have been processed in totally different ways. The end result is striking though, I am very happy.

www.myriamschaefer.com

by Maurizio Francesconi