An Interview with Claudine Khiet

Elegance – a notion that has been lost amongst a trend-driven fashion industry and found in the classic garments of Claudine Khiet. This France-born designer of Vietnamese descent has mastered her craft after working for several years at Chanel. She has a strong sense of self and the aesthetic that she has to offer woman everywhere. Her Spring/Summer 2010 collection is the answer to ladies everywhere that want glamour without the frills. Her inspiration stemmed from two of my favorite costume dramas that have come out within the past few years. Claudine is a woman of taste and class, and that shines through her clothing.

Where there specific fabrics or techniques that you used?
I always look for simple fabrics [that are] not printed and techniques, so that I can create using the details.

What was your experiences like at Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier?
We needed to focus on the details to make a perfect product, even if all the clients didn’t see what we worked on. I learn perfection.

Do you think that your time at two vastly different fashion house have influenced your design aesthetic?
The way of creating at Chanel. The creation values there definitely influence me. Chanel was a dream since a very young age, even though I don’t define my style as very Chanel. I have Chanel bags and clothes, but I wear them occasionally. I just worship the women and the universe of the Maison Chanel.

“Elegance is a democratic style, as long as you have refined taste.”

What is about fashion and design that appeals to you the most?
What I love in fashion is not the trends for sure. And if I would be purist, I would say I don’t like fashion, because it’s all about trends. But I would say I like style, an elegant style. Elegance makes people look nice, and anyone can look elegant. Elegance is a democratic style, as long as you have refined taste.

What is your current creative stimulation?Femininity and elegance.

Where do you see fashion moving towards and where would you like to see go?I don’t really see a real evolution, we only repeat the fashion of the past decades. I would like it to go back to the 40’s.

If you could play host for a luxe dinner party and could invite three people dead or alive, who would they be?
They are unfortunately all dead, but they would be Gabrielle Chanel to share her way of thinking about creation [and] about how to be strong and face difficulties; Jackie Kennedy to talk about style and Nina Simone to hear her singing “Love Me or Leave Me”.

As the label grows, what is one thing that you hope for?
To spend more time on creation, inspiration.