DESIGNER Focus

done 14 images for the Dior Museum in Granville, I am preparing a couple of very exciting surprises. I like to go where I am not expected to be. That’s where you’ll find me soon...

Who has been an inspiration to you and who would you most like to collaborate with and why?

I fell in love with René Gruau’s work when I was 4. I also learned a lot from the work of Thoulouse Lautrec, Saul Bas, Degas, Ingres, Klimt... I think you get influenced everyday in various ways. As for the future, there are so many people I would love to work with ! I love challenges. I love to explore new territories. But I do think it’s important to have unaccomplished fantasies. It’s important to have dreams yet to be realised.

You’re now considered as one of the world’s leading fashion artists. How does one react to such a title?

Although I am quite flattered when you tell me so, I would never think of myself in those terms ! It’s really hard to theorise upon my own work. I am working so hard all the time that I actually do not realise what is going on around me. I never look back. I want what’s next. It’s a peculiar balance between fear and desire.

Fashion Week is a really inspiring environment, but, that timeframe is limited. Where do you find your inspiration for the rest of the year?

Everywhere ! Ideas are everywhere - in a novel, in a song, in the shadow of the tree in front of your house, in magazines, in the streets... As for fashion weeks, they are very special - you have to be everywhere at the same time in Paris to attend the shows, and when it’s over you have something like three days to create around 50 images. You have to think quick. It’s kind of my olympic games. In between fashion weeks, you can take your time, you can try things. And there are so many things to be tried.

So, if a designer has spent a lot of time on a creation, does it take you a lot of time to sketch it, as well?

Often the most simple images are the toughest to build. As long as the viewers think it’s easy and quick, that’s fine with me. Sometimes the magic happensyour hand obeys your mind, everything is fluid and easy. Sometimes you have to fight very hard until it almost drives you crazy. And you perfectly know it when it does not work like you intend it to. It can be really painful. It teaches you patience, the hard way.

What does an average day look like for you?

There is not a single day that I have not been frightened to death of what I am expected to accomplish. After a bit of physical exercise, most of the time I am alone at my desk, working or doing research for the next image. I usually put on some music to stimulate me. There are also lots of appointments of all kind during the day. Often I also work at night for fashion events. It requires a lot of concentration from me beforehand. Late at night I answer my messages and e-mails.

Your portrait work illustrations are host to a whole accolade of A-list fashion houses and people. Do the people you sketch have to fit select criteria or can someone like ‘me’ be sketched?

I’ve always done portraits, everywhere, even on vacation - that’s my way of bonding, that’s my language. So of course I draw all sorts of people all the time. I don’t think in terms of A-list. Anyone is welcome in my world. Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

At night I wear a black outfit and a black mask and I fight crime on the roofs of Paris, under the name of Batman... But shhhh! It’s a secret.

@marcantoinecoulon marc-antoinecoulon.fr

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