Interview: Isabelle Prat of La Môme Bijou

 

Founded in 2007, La Môme Bijou is a Parisian jewelry brand that I first discovered while shopping at Le Bon Marché in Paris 2 years ago. Owned and designed by Isabelle Prat (top photo),  La Môme Bijou was featured as a pop-up boutique on the main floor of the store. Instantly attracted to the brand’s whimsical/luxe pieces, I bought one of their bracelets engraved with “Paris” as a souvenir of my trip.

Fast forward to my visit to Paris last month for fashion week… There, I had the amazing opportunity to meet and interview Isabelle Prat, as well as get a tour of her très cool penthouse workspace in Paris.

In addition to meeting Isabelle, I also met her husband Robert (RLP), a well-known DJ who is also considered “The Godfather” of deejaying in France (check out his website, rlpmix.com).  Isabelle and Robert are a creative powerhouse couple, and it was an exciting opportunity to meet them both!

 

Read on for my interview of Isabelle Prat and more photos:

 

1. How would you describe your brand?

La Mome Bijou is “luxe/ludique” which means luxury and fun. My jewelry is colorful, urban, pop and joyful.

2. Who is your customer?

She’s an unconventional woman who likes to stand out in the crowd.

3. Why did you start this accessories line? 

After working for some of the biggest fashion houses (Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent), I wanted to express myself with my vision of luxury and fun, and be independent.

4. Any exciting changes or campaigns coming up?

I present 4 to 6 collections per year, so I’m always creating new stuff. I’m working on accessible jewelry right now and, in parallel, some high-end luxury products with 18K gold.

5. What is your personal style, etc.?

I am more of a “converse+jean+tee-shirt” woman, but I know how to dress up when the occasion arises. I love to wear a white tee-shirt so my colorful necklaces stand out.

6. What inspires you? 

Music, of course. Mostly Rock and Soul. It’s no wonder that my husband is a DJ. 😉 Asia is a great source of inspiration as well: pop art, street culture, and photography. The name of my brand is inspired by a famous photo by Brasaï called “La Môme Bijou”. It is of an old prostitute called Bijou in Montmartre in the 1930’s. She’s not very good-looking, but that photo is as famous as “Le Baiser” by Doisneau.

7. Is there anything else in particular that you’d like to share?

I’m a true David Bowie fan. I made a jewelry piece for him in 2002, and had the chance to give it to him in person.

8. Can you describe a particular day in the life of Isabelle Prat, jewelry designer/creator/businesswoman?

I spend most of my day in my workshop which has a fantastic view of Montmartre and Le Sacré Coeur. I walk to my workshop from my home. After a good day’s work, I often make a BBQ dinner for close friends on the terrasse of my workshop, watching the sun set over Paris.

 

Images 1-4, courtesy of Isabelle Prat. 

 

My photos taken from Isabelle’s workspace terrasse:

It was overcast the day of my visit, but it’s still an amazing view. I mean, look at this… Would love to work here every day!

And there’s even a view of the Eiffel Tower!

Gorgeous, right?! 🙂

 

Thank you, Isabelle, for welcoming me to your studio. It was a pleasure to meet both you and your husband, Robert!!

 

Coming up next, Part 2 of this post where I will share some photos of her current collection and my current fave pieces!

To be continued…