Since the launch of our brand, our journey has been marked by continuous transformation. Initially, my sister and I brought elegant bags to life before venturing into the fascinating world of shoes. Two years ago, I decided to explore the art of couture, a choice that not only diversified our collection but also intensified our presence on the global stage. This growth has not only enhanced our visibility but also ensured that our pieces increasingly captivate the imagination of our audience.

Success is something personal. Ultimately, it is very subjective. For me, it means being in harmony with oneself, being healthy, and being surrounded by the most precious people—my loved ones. That is a success. For a fashion designer, being able to fully live off one’s art is already a precious victory.

I advise them to listen to their inner voice with infinite attention, for it holds all the secrets.

I don’t have a favorite collection. Each one is precious because they all come from my innermost being. Every collection tells a story, a dream, a vision, a moment suspended in time, a deep feeling that resides within me.

However, they all share a common thread: I am, ad vitam æternam, at the service of women. My ultimate dream is to magnify women and help them feel beautiful, powerful, and feminine without compromise.

Since the beginning of time, it is undeniable that people have always sought to communicate through their clothing, expressing their social belonging, and much more. Fashion, by its very nature, is what goes out of style. It is a kind of planned obsolescence, much like the chronicle of a death foretold. It interests me much less than style.

Style, on the other hand, is something deeply personal. It is a way of moving through time and space, an attitude, a certain je-ne-sais-quoi that transcends eras. Style is the antithesis of fashion; it cares not for trends.

Fashion is more about what is in the air of the moment, somewhat superficial, and I would even say at times a bit dark. Today, something is fashionable, and tomorrow, it is outdated. For those of us committed to upcycling and sustainable development, using primarily heritage fabrics and producing only what is ordered, the values conveyed by fashion are antithetical to the values of sustainable development.

Surprisingly, I have never truly pondered this question. Perhaps because it implies that things are unchanging, while we are in constant motion. I still have so much to see, to experience, to accomplish, to learn, and to understand. Ask me this question when I am an old lady.

Nevertheless, deep in my heart, I aspire to leave behind a world better than the one we inherited.

I am drawn to an aesthetic that seamlessly blends elegance with a touch of boldness. My design philosophy embraces a harmonious balance of classic sophistication and contemporary innovation, creating pieces that are both timeless and daring.

Color plays a pivotal role in my work, serving as a powerful tool to convey emotion and narrative. It has the ability to transform a design, evoking feelings and setting the mood of a collection. Whether it’s the serene calm of muted tones or the vibrant energy of bold hues, color is integral in shaping the story and essence of each piece.

I am driven by a plurality of desires and influences. I constantly navigate between worlds that, at best, misunderstand and disdain each other. This richness of contrasts deeply enriches me. My inspirations vary according to my mood, the moment, or my personal experiences. Fundamentally, I am a radiant person, convinced that life is a miracle, which is reflected in my need for brightness and color. However, I have just presented the Melancholia collection, entirely in black, an ode to poetic solitude and the quest for light in darkness. I am a multifaceted creator, true to my authenticity without ever cheating. My creative process is not built on extensive intellectualization but rather on feeling and instinct.

I am less interested in fashion and much more in style. I am an inveterate lover of beauty and harmony. People call me an aesthete… I am everything and it's the opposite. I need beauty to live, even in the different places where I reside. Living in places with visual harmony and a certain aura nourishes and inspires me. Without that, I am not in harmony.

I wish for the fashion industry to evolve towards total transparency. It is essential for brands to stop deliberately withholding information and to adopt an honest approach toward their customers and, more broadly, toward society.

We need to clearly explain the limitations of upcycling and plant-based leathers so that everyone understands the true implications of these choices. I would like every garment to come with precise information about its composition, its place of production, the manufacturing conditions, and the conditions of the people involved in this process.

My dream is for a world where transparency and humanity prevail, where we genuinely care about each other and our world. Individual freedom should not come at the expense of others’ rights and well-being; we have moral responsibilities towards humanity and must fully embrace them.

Thank you. My sense of style, I inherited from my mother, that’s for sure. She was my muse, and she still is. She was a wonderful woman, epicurean, happy, loving, and also an inveterate aesthete. Her passion for materials was such that she taught us to recognize different silks. She transcended everything with an incredible grace and taught us to put things in perspective and to laugh at everything, especially ourselves. I owe everything I am to her, and I will never be able to thank her enough.

I am inspired by what I see, almost like a sponge. I absorb, sometimes unconsciously, everything around me: architecture, travel, cinema, poetry, museums, certain vintage pieces, or even a stranger sitting at a café. Emotions and every moment of life deeply inspire me.

The Lena Erziak woman embodies freedom and a profound harmony with her time and with herself. She is fully aware of her identity and desires. As an aesthete and lover of life, she is a fascinating paradox, a multifaceted entity, both everything and its opposite.

My personal style is guided by my mood of the day and the context in which I find myself. These elements determine my clothing choices. I feel just as comfortable in jeans, a t-shirt, and sneakers as I do in a tuxedo or a sheath dress.

The emancipation of women represents much more than mere freedom; it embodies an ideal of full autonomy and equality. However, the question remains: will we ever truly be free? We cannot defy the biological clock, and this reality reminds us that we are not equal when it comes to motherhood and the passage of time. Moreover, it is an undeniable truth that, physically, we will never be as strong as men. However, the goal is not to achieve the same physical strength but to have access to the same opportunities, salaries, and the freedom to choose one’s own life.

I am deeply grateful to figures such as Simone Weil, Fatima Mernissi, Maya Angelou, Michel Fitoussi, and my beloved mother, who have contributed to advancing women’s emancipation. Yet, the struggle continues, as we will only be truly free when all women are.

It is crucial to remain vigilant against the single-minded thinking that seeks to impose a uniform model of thought and existence. For instance, a woman who considers herself independent and emancipated might find herself exhausted after a long workday, struggling to optimally care for her children. The challenge of balancing professional and family life can sometimes lead to alienation rather than true emancipation. The price of success can be high, and it is essential to recognize that happiness and fulfillment are personal and varied.

I have met women who have made the honorable choice to put their degrees aside to fully focus on their children and find great satisfaction in this decision, just as I have met emancipated women who feel fulfilled, and others who do not. The respect I have for women drives me to avoid any judgment on what constitutes emancipation or which model to follow. My wish is simply to offer them great support, acknowledging that the path is often fraught with difficulties, especially for those managing a single-parent family or striving to achieve everything.

The maxim “we rise by lifting others” is both profoundly altruistic and elegantly poetic. It embodies the vision that our personal success is amplified by our ability to positively contribute to collective achievement. In theory, it is a magnificent aspiration, but it requires genuine realization. While many women embody this philosophy, others may still need to advance along this path.

It is imperative to understand that claiming to be a feminist while turning a blind eye to the suffering of other women—simply because they differ from us physically or spiritually—betrays the very principles of feminism. Criticizing or despising a woman for her divergent life choices is nothing less than a betrayal of solidarity. True compassion does not require total identification or understanding but is based on authentic humanity. Selective empathy is, in my view, one of the great cancers of our time.

Social media, unfortunately, can become dumping grounds where haters and malicious individuals express themselves anonymously and with impunity. In the end, we are not just what we believe ourselves to be; we are more our actions. While women rightly denounce misogyny and patriarchy, it is deeply troubling to see some attack other women like a pack of predators. This behavior is the antithesis of sisterhood. To truly embody feminism, we must first be humanists, showing respect and empathy not only among all women but also towards all men. True sisterhood begins with deep dignity and authentic solidarity, encompassing all of humanity.

Emancipation is a multifaceted concept, intrinsically personal and relative. For me, it manifests as freedom, independence, continual education, and a constant thirst for learning and culture to better grasp and understand our world. I know what I want and work diligently to achieve my personal and professional ambitions.

I strive to cultivate a deep respect for myself, others, and the planet. This respect is accompanied by genuine empathy and true compassion. While I am firmly committed to the principles of equality and complementary and identify as a feminist, I hold a true respect for men. I see them as life partners rather than adversaries.

I am aware that notions of femininity have dramatically evolved in recent years, but I also assert the right to appreciate the masculine when it is benevolent, protective, strong yet sensitive, intelligent, and reassuring. When I can finally embrace my feminine energy in full power and lay down my defenses, it is also a joyful experience.

There have been several pivotal moments, but the most impactful moments were when icons like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Katy Perry, and other celebrities embraced our creations, igniting an extraordinary surge in sales. Designing a bespoke tuxedo for the king of French rap, Booba, heralded a new era for us, opening the doors to the luxury men’s market. I take this opportunity to express my profound gratitude to Booba for his unwavering commitment, his quiet strength, and his invaluable support. My thanks also extend to all the other artists for their trust.

Presenting our haute couture line in Paris was a momentous occasion, a definitive turning point in my career and the future of my company. 

Meeting our wonderful Parisian team was another game changer for us, enriching our journey with their talent and dedication. 

The launch of our couture line was yet another defining moment. Sometimes, I still pinch myself to believe that I am living this dream. The path, though demanding, requires unwavering rigor and consistency. Yet, it is in this relentless pursuit that I find profound fulfillment, and I am continually inspired to reach new heights.

A typical day in the life of Lena Erziak is unlike any other. During creative periods, I allow myself to wander and be guided by inspiration. Conversely, when focused on management, my schedule is filled with a succession of professional appointments, moving from one meeting to another. During production phases, I immerse myself in visiting our workshops to oversee the creation of couture pieces for our clients or our upcoming show. Often, my day is a blend of these various activities.

I have learned that my naivety has been both my greatest weakness and, paradoxically, my greatest strength. That success can be isolating… and that the essential remains.

It is crucial and essential for the well-being of our humanity and for living together. Obviously, we could do much better; that is evident.

Among the many sources of inspiration that drive me, the universe and the remarkable adaptability of human beings fascinate me the most. I am deeply moved by the rapid growth of my son and how quickly time passes, as well as by the astounding solidarity of trees through the mycelial network. Nature, with its infinite richness and mysteries, continues to nourish my creativity and enrich my vision of the world.

Do not be afraid and trust your heart. Listen closely to your instinct, for it is the universe itself whispering precious advice to you.

Currently, I am immersed in designing the Colette by Lena Erziak collection, our ready-to-wear line, a creative adventure I am eager to share with the world.

In parallel, I am shaping unique spaces with interior design projects, including a loft in New York and two villas in Marrakech. I am also venturing into new territory with a limited edition capsule furniture collection, an unprecedented project.

For 2025, I wish to continue expanding the Lena Erziak brand internationally, while finding great joy in the process.

I prefer not to set rigid goals that might increase my pressure. I appreciate our steady pace and strive to make the most of each moment, fully savoring the journey.

I am somewhat superstitious, but I strive to overcome this tendency. In the past, I preferred to keep my projects secret until their completion, out of fear of attracting the evil eye. Today, I understand that fear can be paralyzing and that apprehension is often merely a product of our imagination. I am therefore working to not be overtaken by these feelings.

The quote by Rumi, “What you seek is seeking you,” is one of my favorites and perfectly encapsulates this sentiment. It reminds us that our deepest aspirations are also in search of us. This thought inspires me to stay grounded and focused, reminding me that the pursuit of what we desire is also a pursuit of ourselves.

I absolutely agree with you on that one. If you could change anything about the fashion industry what would it be? 

More diversity and transparency. More freedom and humanity.

Thank you for having me and for asking such interesting and relevant questions. It was so refreshing.

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