Call us hopeless romantics, but Valentine’s Day might be one of our favourite holidays. Not for the flowers or chocolate-giving (though, who doesn't adore those?), we think it's prime opportunity to show yourself some love, as well as those around you.
With this in mind, we caught up with Laetitia Rouget, the French artist behind some of our favourite amour-themed treasures and someone who's work is never afraid to self-reflect.
A lover of colour and the tongue-in-cheek, Laetitia’s playful pieces showcase everything from hand-drawn hearts to naked forms. A witty snippet of calligraphy here, a hidden motif there – she has a way of capturing feeling so freshly.
It's no surprise then, that her approach to Valentine's Day is all about the details. Finding joy in the small moments: breakfast in bed, a face mask, the quiet luxury of doing nothing at all…
Valentine's With...
Laetitia Rouget
Hear from the French designer on self-love,
vintage postcards and not-so-secret admirers.
From female forms to love hearts, your work isn’t afraid to be playful! Where do you find inspiration?
This is a question I get asked a lot, and really, I find it hard to reply, because inspiration comes from so many different places. Each piece has its own story. I like to work freely without any guidance or sketches, so what comes out that day is always linked to a special moment in time – the people around me, the space I’m working in, my feelings there and then.
Are there any other artists out there that you secretly (or not so secretly) admire?
Hylton Nel is my favourite artist. I love his colours, illustrations and stories. I had the chance to meet him, which was the start of my journey into the world of ceramics. He has always been one of my mentors, and I will forever be one of his biggest admirers.
This is a question I get asked a lot, and really, I find it hard to reply, because inspiration comes from so many different places. Each piece has its own story. I like to work freely without any guidance or sketches, so what comes out that day is always linked to a special moment in time – the people around me, the space I’m working in, my feelings there and then.
Are there any other artists out there that you secretly (or not so secretly) admire?
Hylton Nel is my favourite artist. I love his colours, illustrations and stories. I had the chance to meet him, which was the start of my journey into the world of ceramics. He has always been one of my mentors, and I will forever be one of his biggest admirers.
From textiles to ceramics, you like to use a range of mediums. If you had to choose, which one do you adore most and why?
I would probably say ceramics, but it’s very difficult to choose! I believe that I am continually evolving. I think that’s why I like to challenge myself with different materials – to me, the best thing about being an artist is learning new skills. So whilst I'm currently concentrating on ceramics, by next month, I’ll probably be obsessed with another medium! In my mind, the material is only a means to express yourself. What’s more important is the story behind it.
On the theme of adoration, Valentine’s Day is approaching. What does it mean to you?
An excuse to receive flowers! In all seriousness, though, it’s a chance to spend an evening with the people I love – usually a special night with my girlfriends.
I would probably say ceramics, but it’s very difficult to choose! I believe that I am continually evolving. I think that’s why I like to challenge myself with different materials – to me, the best thing about being an artist is learning new skills. So whilst I'm currently concentrating on ceramics, by next month, I’ll probably be obsessed with another medium! In my mind, the material is only a means to express yourself. What’s more important is the story behind it.
On the theme of adoration, Valentine’s Day is approaching. What does it mean to you?
An excuse to receive flowers! In all seriousness, though, it’s a chance to spend an evening with the people I love – usually a special night with my girlfriends.
Do you have any traditions you find yourself turning to every year?
I don’t really have traditions for Valentine’s Day (apart from sending old vintage postcards with naked men to my best friends as a joke!). That said, this year I’m starting a new tradition: I’m going to write love notes to my friends using the beautiful set of cards designed as part of my collaboration with Anthropologie.
We think there’s no better time to show ourselves some love. What are some of the ways you like to do just that?
I get a lot of joy from showing others how much they mean to me. Valentine’s Day is another opportunity for me to say “I love you” to the people I cherish the most. I like to write a letter, or pick out a unique piece of ceramic or a drawing – that way, I can make it personal and unique.
I don’t really have traditions for Valentine’s Day (apart from sending old vintage postcards with naked men to my best friends as a joke!). That said, this year I’m starting a new tradition: I’m going to write love notes to my friends using the beautiful set of cards designed as part of my collaboration with Anthropologie.
We think there’s no better time to show ourselves some love. What are some of the ways you like to do just that?
I get a lot of joy from showing others how much they mean to me. Valentine’s Day is another opportunity for me to say “I love you” to the people I cherish the most. I like to write a letter, or pick out a unique piece of ceramic or a drawing – that way, I can make it personal and unique.
'Me-time' moments are so precious, especially when life gets busy! If you could spend a whole morning with yourself, what would you get up to?
I would probably cook myself a lovely breakfast in bed, put a face mask on, and watch a fun series. Sometimes, the biggest luxury is making time to do nothing!
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?
The last two years have been a great learning curve for me. I’d tell my younger self to stop fearing what you don’t know. Everything can be learned, and there will always be people who'll help.
I would probably cook myself a lovely breakfast in bed, put a face mask on, and watch a fun series. Sometimes, the biggest luxury is making time to do nothing!
Looking back, what advice would you give your younger self?
The last two years have been a great learning curve for me. I’d tell my younger self to stop fearing what you don’t know. Everything can be learned, and there will always be people who'll help.
And finally, what at you most looking forward to this year? Can you tell us about any exciting collections you have in the pipeline?
I recently moved to Lisbon, and have just bought my first home which I am very excited about! This year my main goal is to set up my studio in my garage, which, after being a nomad for a year, sounds wonderful. I’m a huge fan of interior design, and I can’t wait to get stuck in – in fact, I’m planning to decorate my bathroom with handmade tiles. This will be a long project, but I'm sure I'll learn a lot from it. Who knows, maybe it will be my next source of inspiration!
I recently moved to Lisbon, and have just bought my first home which I am very excited about! This year my main goal is to set up my studio in my garage, which, after being a nomad for a year, sounds wonderful. I’m a huge fan of interior design, and I can’t wait to get stuck in – in fact, I’m planning to decorate my bathroom with handmade tiles. This will be a long project, but I'm sure I'll learn a lot from it. Who knows, maybe it will be my next source of inspiration!