Designer Interview
11 questions
My sister Catherine and I have always had an appreciation for unique and beautiful objects that are expertly crafted with meticulous detail.
Could you please tell us more about your art and design background? What made you become an artist/designer? Have you always wanted to be a designer?
My sister Catherine and I have always had an appreciation for unique and beautiful objects that are expertly crafted with meticulous detail. We grew up in South Africa and being surrounded by such beauty and excitement, we could not help but become inspired. Catherine went on to study Fashion Management at the London College of Fashion, whilst I - Alice - studied Animation at the University of Edinburgh. During one family holiday, we discovered a shared desire to create a luxury lifestyle brand that would share Africa's beauty with the world as well as showcase the expert craftsmanship found in Southern Africa. From this day forward most of our time together was spent discussing the brand we were now set on creating together.
Can you tell us more about your company / design studio?
Calie Parese specialises in luxury exotic leather accessories that showcase Africa’sgrace and beauty and encapsulate it in a timeless design, providing the opportunity tocarry Africa with you, wherever your adventures may take you.
What was the first thing you designed for a company?
Our Signature Collection was our very first collection and it was designed as a whole with each piece inspiring elements of each other.
What is your favorite material / platform / technology?
Our favourite material to work with is Nile crocodile, due to its elegant yet durable nature.
When do you feel the most creative?
At 3 am - as this is the time when our farm is quiet and the dew has begun to form on the grass plains. It is as if nature is refreshing itself whilst the animals sleep in preparation for a new day.
What kind of emotions do you feel when you design?
Passion and excitement
What makes a design successful?
Our designs are only successful if we feel they truly encompass Africa’s grace and beauty as well as showcase the expert craftsmanship that is so prevalent in Southern Africa.
Where does the design inspiration for your works come from? How do you feed your creativity? What are your sources of inspirations?
Our family’s love of exploration has taken us to remote and unusual places where we encountered diverse cultures and witnessed the rich and unique talents that the people of Africa have to offer. This combined with the beauty of Africa itself has served as the inspiration for all of our designs.
Where do you live? Do you feel the cultural heritage of your country affects your designs? What are the pros and cons during designing as a result of living in your country?
We live in Southern Africa. Being surrounded by such natural beauty, diverse cultures and amazing craftsmanship not only influenced our brand but is at its very core.
Do you work as a team, or do you develop your designs yourself?
My sister Catherine and I work together on every design.
How can people contact you?
Through our email: info@calieparese.com
