At the age of 30, Franco-Swedish designer Alexandre Chapellier quit his desk job and launched his own luxury brand. His company, Cinabre, makes all of its pieces in France. Their collection of men’s accessories includes bow ties, scarves, lapel pins, tote bags, hats and pocket squares. At the end of 2015, Cinabre opened its first boutique in Paris in the creative and trendy 10th district. The brand’s customers include French president Emmanuel Macron, Pharrell Williams and Kanye West.
Favorite place to visit in France, and why?
Corsica: the most beautiful island in the world.
Favorite place to visit in America, and why?
The West Coast: amazing wildlife and beautiful landscapes.
What do you think the French can learn from Americans?
The positive attitude in any situation.
What do you think Americans can learn from the French?
Our healthcare system.
Favorite French film?
La Reine Margot, a beautiful movie to remember that a terrible civil and religious war also happened in France.
Favorite American film?
Blade Runner. I cannot count how many times I’ve watched it.
Favorite French actor or actress?
Gerard Depardieu. He embodies the French appetite for life.
Favorite American actor or actress?
Arnold Schwarzenegger for living the American dream.
Most important French figure in history and why?
Victor Hugo, a great artist whose beliefs still have a great influence on French society.
Most influential American figure and why?
Diana Vreeland for her infinite curiosity, her “eye” and her strong character – especially as a woman at a time when very few women were working.
What is your favorite American luxury?
Your amazing wildlife and landscapes, especially your infinite perspectives.
What is your favorite French extravagance?
Champagne when there is nothing to celebrate: it tastes even better.
Favorite American food?
Homemade mac & cheese
Favorite French food?
Purée saucisse
The quality you most admire about the French and Americans?
The creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My friends.
Which talent would you most like to have?
Flying into space.
Name three people, dead or alive, who you would most like to have dinner with?
Michael Jackson, Diana Vreeland and Fox Mulder (The X-Files). That would be quite an amazing dinner.
Relative to your field of study, what is the most important tradition to keep alive?
All the French luxury “savoir faire.” That’s why we keep developing our atelier.
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Friends, good music, good cocktails.