Anne Sophie and I met years ago in Paris. It most likely happened at night, in a party, perhaps in the bathroom line at le Baron. Or through some French guy, neither her or I remember now. She always wears red lipstick, and her hair is long, and straight, and soft. And her laugh is contagious, melodious, and sometimes just so raw.
Anne Sophie discovered her passion was ceramics, and she decided she was gonna be the boss. Well of course – now, memories of her talking to an anonymous lad come back to me. She’s always been the boss. Saint Sauveur is her brand of small objects, all handmade – by her tiny manicured hands – in Paris. Her first campaign is ready to be seen, and it was shot by Manon Engel and Alma de Ricou, aka Le Studio L’etiquette. It’s a world of sensuality, contrasts, and boldness, that she invites us into, with her “Maison de Céramiques”, as she calls it.
Text and interview by Adele Jancovici
Why is your brand called Saint Sauveur?
Saint Sauveur is part of Puisaye, a natural region in Burgundy where my grandfather was born. When I first started ceramic, I knew I didn’t want to use my own name. I decided to use Saint Sauveur as a tribute to my French roots. Saint Sauveur is an ode to nature and simplicity.
Why do you prefer to have women shot for your campaign?
I just imagined my first campaign like a fairy tale, Once upon a time… Saint Sauveur the beautiful flowers. It’s a double entente. Because I work the clay which is a natural element, and I had created vases and cylinders for plants. There is a natural energy defining Saint Sauveur, and for this first story I pictured women, but I also directed a short video showing a couple on the Mont Saint Michel beach. My stories change all the time, they evolve with my mood. And, actually, I’m thinking that my next campaign will only involve elegant men.
Who are your models in that campaign?
I have chosen Marissa Seraphin, Lucillia Chenel, Giovanna Martial, and Dolorès Doll. They all have different energies, and are all original people so I knew their beauties and personalities would be a perfect match to the atmosphere I wanted for this campaign. I like Marissa’s extravagance in styling, her red hair, and her smile is super communicative. She also makes jewelry, and I really like her for her creative side. Gio, well, I love her way of moving : she looks like a ballet dancer, it’s really elegant. She works as a set designer. As for Dolorès, well her name is already strong and significant! She looks like a baby doll with a bit of a Jeanne Moreau’s voice. She has a huge personality and you can see right through her eyes. Lucillia (I call her Lulu) is passionate about design. I love her for her feature, and for her sensibility and melancholy.
Anne Sophie
“I think the world is big enough for everyone to have their own space of creativity and achievement. The world is moving constantly, which isn’t always perfect… but if you have ambition, go after what you want but don’t forget to stay the same!”
Is working clay a sensual experience for you?
Sensual, I’m not sure, but relaxing, definitely. Everyone should try it, it’s like a prescription from the doctor.
How did you get the idea of Saint Sauveur?
My family comes from a region of potters, that’s why I started making ceramic. Then, the name came organically.
Do you like to be a woman in a “man’s world”?
I think the world is big enough for everyone to have their own space of creativity and achievement. The world is moving constantly, which isn’t always perfect… but if you have ambition, go after what you want but don’t forget to stay the same!
“I find inspiration everywhere, in paintings that I like, in my mother’s garden in the country side, as well as in ceramic’s history…”
Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?
I find inspiration everywhere, in paintings that I like, in my mother’s garden in the country side, as well as in ceramic’s history. I do a lot of research with colors, mixtures that will work, or not. In terms of shape, I started with cylinders but I’m now working on a new collection of vases. And I’m also learning new techniques to make ceramic earrings, because I’m crazy about jewelry.
What was your dream as a child, and did it become a reality yet?
When I was a kid I wanted to be archeologist, or a cashier. It did not become a reality but I’m good with that! I have a lots of plans, movie projects with some friends, my own workshop for Saint Sauveur, etc.
A dream project for Saint Sauveur would be…
A shop in Paris one day? Organizing some workshops for children and friends. Making some collaborations, even if I already have secret projects for next year !
www.saintsauveurparis.com
@saintsauveur_paris
Campaign by Manon Engel and Alma de Ricou – Le Studio L’etiquette
