Member Spotlight – Emilie of Paris, On Finding Inspiration For Her Creations

The only thing more synonymous with Paris than open-air markets is fashion. So when someone mixes their love of vintage and upcycling to create a fashion line as beautiful as The Moth, you know we must get our hands on it. Meet Emilie, a self proclaimed nerdy gal in high-heeled vintage shoes, who creates new exquisite clothes from bits and pieces she picks up while out on the thrift. And while you’re at it, check out her wares on her Krrb corner.

Tell us a bit about yourself.

My name is Emilie Mischler, I am a digital creative and copywriter during the day, and a lowbrow fashion designer for The Moth Clothing on my free time. A nerdy gal in high-heeled, vintage shoes!

Where are you from and where do you currently live?

I am a born and raised Parisienne!

What is the most awesome thing in or about your neighborhood?

I love its eclectism. You can live many lives in it: Some people sleep here without living, some live here without sleeping – there’s something in it for everybody.

What is your favorite place you go locally to discover hidden treasures.

I am a real second-hand store moth, where I find many treasures for nothing. I enjoy imagining the story behind every one of them.
Besides, they are mostly made in France, something I care about. I customize them or use their fabric as a base to create new things, for
me or my clothing label as well. I love Momo, Guerissol and Mamie in Paris. My latest finds there are a Comme de Garçons polo shirt, 1930s tawny shoes and a 1940s tea dress that I turned into two different dresses : one for The Moth Clothing and one for myself, so that no one gets jealous!

What blogs or websites do you visit regularly?

Too many! But I will spend time on Style.com, which keeps me updated on the latest catwalk trends ; and Esme And The Laneway, a very retro fashion blog which is beyond cute. These two sites perfectly reflect my influences for The Moth: vintage with a hip twist. I also can’t wait for a french version of Krrb’s blog to keep me informed of garage sales and nice events in Paris, I as unfortunately can’t teleport to Williamsburg, Austin or Portland… Yet. (Ed. note: Emile, we’re working on it, stay tuned!)

Today, how often do you go to garage sales, flea markets, etc.? What is your modus operandi? Any personal tips you’d like to
share?

Whenever I have time, I’m always willing to discover little things with a story! I think even the newbies knows these tips, but… always negotiate the prices, get up early to find beauties before anyone else, and come back late, just before the sellers pack their leftovers: they are more likely to offer you bargains!

Have you ever taken home an object you found in the street or dumpster? If so, what was it? And where is it now?

I have this very old, Louis XIII chair that I found, broken and doomed to bulky waste. It’s brown leather and sculpted wood make it
quite impressive. It was nicely ironic to see such an antiquity in a very modern neighborhood. A colleague kindly repared it and now it is my favorite throne, waiting for a little makeover so that it matches my interior!

Are you a hoarder or a minimalist?

As my clothing label consists of making clothing and accessories from vintage materials, I keep every little piece of fabric that comes my way – even the tiniest! But as I have to cope with a small home, I have no option but to make choices: I try to collect my design and fashion inspirations through hundred of images on my computer, but also on notebooks that I turn into moodboards and collages. That’s quite immaterial, but it’s the best way I found so far to deal with a tiny flat and a love for collecting!

What is your most cherished thrifted, secondhand, vintage, upcycled object you possess? What’s the story behind it?

Three years ago, my father gave me a legendary garment, a Perfecto by Schott: It was my uncle’s, who gave it to him when he was in his 20s. I like to imagine him in his Rock’n’Roll youth, listening to AC/DC in his old car, wearing this black leather. The jacket has the patina of age, it is very used, but that makes it all the more precious to me. Although it doesn’t fit me very well, the rare times I wear it, it’s like I have a bulletproof jacket, as if nothing could bring me down. Of course, I also love its iconic Americana, 50s vibe, which is a big inspiration for me. It’s like Wanda Woodward from Cry baby meets Captain America’s shield!

Do you create/make things? What are you working on these days?

I have just finished sewing The Moth Clothing’s third collection! Each creation is one-of-a-kind and made from upcycled materials. My motto is to be both eco-friendly and stylish. As you will see, this summer collection is inspired by the late 30s and early 40s, that I twisted with a drop of riot grrl and the latest trends. I put a lot of myself in it, and I hope some girls will feel ace while wearing my polka dotted or lacy spawns!

Thanks Emilie! Keep on making!

The Short List

Sites
Style.com
Esme and the Laneway

Find Emile
Krrb.com/themoth