SaKaNaNa London Inspired Swiss Couture
“Each of my paintings has a secret to it” laughs Claire-Lise Backes as we walk down the brightly lit gallery with her eye-catching artworks. In her elegant manner, this petite woman stops for a brief moment to reflect on one medium size painting fixed neatly on wooden easel by the wall. Her calm smile and deep look at her work tells me that there is much more to every painting. But today we will not focus on her artwork per se but on her amazing apparel hand-crafted in Paris.
Claire-Lise Backes is an artist and designer behind the Walking Art Concept, a revolutionarily new way of communicating art. Self-taught visual artist working with different media Claire-Lise admits she had a vision to bring her amazing and captivating art to the streets. What came out as a result of this desire is unique and striking apparel – elegant feminine capes, each bearing prints of her artworks, and hand painted accessories, each painted personally by designer and signed like every of one of her masterpieces. Her dainty dolls and plump-ish mamas with their revealing curves now literally walk the streets (and red carpets) of Luxembourg and Paris.
Chic cashmere capes with silk printed inserts and satin lining stole the show – for me – at Annecy Glam Couture Fashion Week and I am intrigued to find out more about this creative woman and her unique apparel concept.
I got the chance to interview Claire-Lise after our photo shoot with celebrity and fashion photographer Joe Alvarez for SaKaNaNa. Sipping our strong coffee, masterfully prepared by staff of Imperial Palace Hotel, we discussed her creative path and her vision.
I see re-occurring theme of female Royal Guards on your artworks and designs. Where did this idea come from?
During my visit to London I watched the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace when I noticed the lack of ladies among the guards. It was then that I decided to fill this gap. I remember telling to myself “I can make it happen, in my own way.” So, when I came back home, I began to paint the London collection. And I still paint them because of great interest they generate.
They do Indeed! And what made you to transfer from canvas to other media?
I wanted to share my paintings with the world. I wanted to see them on the streets. I am sure you agree it is rather uncomfortable to walk down the street with a picture on a frame so I decided to have my paintings printed on elegant bags labelled SaKaNaNa®, and for my Unique Edition I hand-paint each and every bag myself.
What inspired you to create these amazing bags and statement garments?
The clothes collection is made in the same spirit as the paintings; clothes that communicate, give confidence and the insurance to be well dressed, well accessorized at the right time.
You mentioned you never studied as either artist or designer, yet you are doing extremely well. Do you find it hard without a degree?
I started painting about three years ago and for me it was means of self- expression. I had to overcome certain challenges in my life and my art symbolises my resurrection. I feel it as rather liberating to not to be afraid to break the rules.
It is a bit different with design but I learn as I go. All my clothing is manufactured in Paris, which, to me, stands as quality control guarantee. I have great working relationship with my team and they are all very supportive and knowledgeable.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists and designers who, perhaps, are afraid to pursue their dreams due to the lack of education in those fields?
I believe that right attitude and great team are most important things in success. It’s important to communicate your vision and trust yourself. Art and fashion are very subjective so the best thing is to create something you will be proud to put your name on. That is what drives me.
And my final question, how did you come up with name SaKaNaNa for your brand?
It is because I take the “nanas” from my paintings and transfer them to canvas to bags. In French one would say “sac a nanas”.
Visit http://www.sakanana.lu
Model: Tamara Orlova-Alvarez
Editor in Chief of Ikon London Magazine, journalist, film producer and founder of The DAFTA Film Awards (The DAFTAs).
