The Studio.

Who is behind the studio?

It's me! Élodie Lefèvre.

What is your background?

After a DEA in modern literature, I was a graphic designer in an agency for a dozen years. When I felt the need to change my field, I took a Bachelor's degree in textile design at the École Conte for three years. I created Alio Design once I graduated.

Describe your style.

The more my work evolves, the more it becomes part of the history of French textiles, but with my personality and modernity. I like to take up classic codes, but there is always the idea of diverting them in some way.

What are your main inspirations / influences ?

There are many. I'm a real sponge! As I said, I draw a lot of inspiration from the textile tradition. There are also the little details of everyday life, shapes, colours, material effects. Nature of course. I also like architecture and object design. Finally, contemporary illustration.

Which place inspires you the most?

Simply the city where I live: Aubervilliers. It may not seem very glamorous but it is a very rich and always surprising city. There are surprises around every corner: a worn wall, a juxtaposition of improbable architectural elements, a very active artistic breeding ground, starting with street art... No need to go to the other side of the world. Wherever you are, you just have to know how to look.

What sets off your passion for prints?

My passion for prints was born out of my desire to draw. When I was a graphic designer, I was frustrated that I didn't draw enough, and I ogled a lot at the beautiful patterns I saw here and there.

Your first print memories.

Actually my first printed wonder was in screen printing. Even today when I print, I still have that great satisfaction of doing it with my own hands.

Describe your creation process.

Everything is born from a desire, an idea that runs through my head. And then comes the drawing which is really at the heart of my process. The composition and the colours will follow. Of course, I also follow the trends.

What is your favorite medium to work with and why?

I'm very faithful to hand drawing, no matter what the tool. Sometimes I draw on the computer, but I don't find the same spontaneity.

While working, what do you listen?

It's very varied, but it's very punk-pop-rock-funk oriented. I really like the 70s. It's good for working, because it's quite soothing. When I don't know what to put on, I turn on FIP.

What is your job's favorite part ?

Drawing, drawing, drawing!

What type of product / sector do you mainly work for ?

I work for fashion (especially women's and children's), lingerie and interior design. I hardly ever work for stationery and yet this is the sector that pushed me towards textile design. Stationers of all countries, if you can hear me...

On which fairs do you exhibit?

I've already exhibited at Première Vision, Playtime, Interfilière and the Print Days at La Trame.

Your best fairs memories.

I have several. They are always great human encounters.

What do you want to accomplish in the future?

To develop further. Why not expand the studio or become a partner.

The biggest challenge you had to handle as a designer?

Setting up my own business when I had the comfort of a salaried job. Plus I was a young mother. It's not easy every day, but it's also exciting.

What advice would you like to give to new designers who are just starting out?

Don't forget that a big part of the work, especially when you start out, is canvassing. You have to be prepared to do that.

Have you seen the profession change?

Personally, I've only been in the business for a few years. But in the year 2020, it has been forced to change. We work remotely, we show our collections online, we organise video meetings. But what will happen in the long term? I think we all feel the need to return to physical meetings and human exchanges.

Do you like or regret things about this change?

There is the risk of reducing our services to the simple presentation of an image bank. Our relationships are a bit dehumanised. But I know that our clients have the intelligence to understand that quality lies elsewhere.