A coffee with Camille
Welcome to the club! To begin, who is Camille?
Merci beaucoup! I’m French Canadian American. I design and make silk handbags for my brand Camille Albertine.
Where did you grow up and where do you live now?
I grew up just outside of Montreal, where I studied fashion and design. I loved being a student in Montreal. It really is a fantastic city filled with the best people.
Now I live in Manhattan and upstate New York, in the Catskills. Both environments are at polar opposites of each other. I like the stark contrast. It’s been fun to get to know forest animals after a decade full-time in the city.
What sparked the idea to start Camille Albertine silk bags?
I love the art of trompe-l’oeil. The possibilities are never-ending. For me, the fun is in problem-solving, turning an idea into a functional object. I love working with silk taffeta. The colors are so beautiful, they keep me enthralled. It feels especially good, right now, to create handmade objects that are not machine-perfect, but unique.
Where do you draw your inspiration from for designing and creating your beautiful silk bags?
Both my Bouquet and Maïs bags are inspired by antique, handmade accessories. I love looking at old stage costumes since they were mostly handmade. Also vintage clothes, decorative arts, paintings. Inspiration happens anywhere. I love taking long walks in the city and looking at people and buildings. It’s never boring. Also the basement at The Strand bookstore is very good.
What is your favorite bag/collection that you’ve made?
Definitely the bouquet. I’ve made a few adjustments to the pattern recently, and I’m happier with it than ever. I’m also very proud of my Maïs, which I created over the summer for an exhibition at Studio Solenne. It will be on sale in the new year. At the moment, I can’t stop thinking about a new handbag idea I have. It often happens that my favorite bag is not yet made and is the one I’m currently dreaming about.
If you could book your dream vacation, what would it be?
It would be an extended journey around the world—I’m being greedy! I'm happiest travelling and buying old books. I’m an escapist at heart.
What does a typical day look like for you?
When I have orders to make, I’m working in my studio upstate. My desk sits against the window and overlooks a valley and mountains. It’s quite peaceful, and I can daydream while I sew and listen to audiobooks. When I’m in the city, I get my dose of culture, friends, and good sushi.
And of course, the Lepelclub classic: How do you take your coffee?
I love coffee! Every morning, I make a simple latte with whole milk in an 80s Princess Diana cup. For a treat, I like Seoul Sweets’ Black Sesame Einspänner.
