Friends of Motilo: Corlette
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Fiorina Benvenist-Schuler
Corlette have the market in sexy accessories all laced up. We can’t get enough of their feminine gloves and corset belts, all treated with a unique rock ‘n’ roll edge. Since the company’s inauguration in 2009, CEO Fiorina Baveniste-Schuler has acquired quite the number of devoted customers, including none other than Motilo favourite Eugenie Niarchos.
Inspired by Fiorina’s grandmother, Colette, the brand heavily celebrate the wondrous curves of the female form in a lively mix of old school glamour meets 21st century lifestyle needs. In the spirit of companionship, Motilo and Corlette are now BFF’s, and as such, have joined forces to bring you something very special indeed. Here we present you with the Rum Nappa pieces chosen especially for our Valentine’s shop, and most recently seen performing a starring role in our film, Suspended Desire. If all that wasn’t enough, we are offering all you wonderful Motilo members the chance to win this exclusive set, worth over $800.00. Simply CLICK HERE to find out more, after you’ve read our interview below that is…
What was the motivation in starting your own label?
Since I’ve studied business, specialised in luxury and worked in fashion, I have always felt a passion for the managerial side of things. So mixing both was just the best combination! When I first decided to launch my brand in 2009, I wanted to do accessories and most specifically luxury accessories, as this is my background and what I know and understand. The thought of creating belts, based on the corset, and including outer wear and gloves, was an idea that came to mind when I found this beautiful box belonging to my grandmother, Colette, in Germany. I was extremely close to her, she was like a mentor to me. Corlette is a mixture between the savoir-faire and chicness of the old days in keeping with the influences of nowadays.
Do you connect with some of the more androgynous collections that have been popular in recent seasons or is yours a wholly feminine aesthetic?
Corlette is a feminine yet rock ‘n’ roll brand of luxury accessories. However, the idea of bringing the inner wear of the corset to the outer wear is an approach that is based on the woman’s body. But as I love to push fashion further, we have in fact also developed a line called ‘Relache les Bretelles’ based on the idea of masculine braces. Eugenie Niarchos is addicted to it!
Why does leather have such a sexy image?
I guess that the fact that it is of a soft feel and mostly worn tight. These aspects have influenced the sexy look of leather.
How do you source the materials and craftspeople to produce your designs in Italy?
The main material we use is leather. I work very closely with them and choose the skins. We then dye them. Sometimes we also do further work on them, such as our Roche Noire collection that incorporates lace on leather. The factory has been in existence for 5 generations and they also produce for most of the big names in the fashion industry. All pieces are 100% hand-made in Italy.
What is the perfect occasion for one to fully showcase your pieces to their best?
You will find pieces for all different tastes and occasions. From business meetings to dancing nights, all with different twists but always retaining the finest quality and detailing. I love the idea of wearing cheap brands and then accessorising them with good quality, luxurious pieces – that creates the whole outfit in my opinion!
Who are some of your favourite designers? Both current and historically?
I love Hakaan & David Koma. They are fairly new on the scene but I love every single piece they make. Christopher Bailey from Burberry is an amazing designer. I also adore the twist of the rock/chic from Jean Paul Gaultier. Alaia is also someone I admire, as he understands women’s bodies very well. Historically, I would opt for Coco Chanel – she was a revolutionary woman in the world of fashion.
Are there any recent collections from other designers that you feel would work well with your pieces?
Victoria Beckham, Hakaan, Koma & Thakoon would be a great match!
Which of your pieces would make the ideal Valentine’s gift?
I love the bordeaux coloured line that we have developed especially for Motilo from the ‘Eclairée’ and ‘Basic Chic’ collections; you can wear them with everything!
Would you ever considering expanding your lines in to additional leather goods?
I like to be a niche brand at the moment and grow this way at least for another two seasons. However, we have started creating a small collection of leather cuffs that you will see soon. In terms of other leather goods I would absolutely love to try more things, but as impatient as I am, we will only potentially develop these at a later stage.
What would you like for Valentine’s this year?
Anything red! ;)
BUY CORLETTE FROM OUR VALENTINE’S SHOP NOW
