Last September we met with the designers of LA FETICHE: April Crichton and Orély Forestier. Walking through the streets of Paris, we discussed everything about the brand, and of course the exciting pop-up event happening in our store in Rotterdam, starting on 09/11/'24.

OT: "How was LA FETICHE born?"

LF: "Following a lengthy career designing in Paris for fashion houses we decided to finally take the plunge and create our own collection of clothing. Sharing a strong fashion aesthetic but with a desire to work closely with artisans and makers based in both France and Scotland, we created our brand focusing on easy to wear unisex clothing put together in a stylish unique way."

OT: "April, coming from Glasgow, and Orély, from Paris— how do you feel each culture influences your designs?"
LF: "Yes even though we are similar in a lot of ways we are very different in others."

April: "Having grown up in the UK in the 70/80’s my influences are quite eclectic finding inspiration in the art and music scene. Whilst working in Paris some of my earlier outfits were considered a bit ‘bad taste’ but I love the idea that the 2 spirits of French chic and British eccentricity can work together to create something new and exciting."

Orely: "I studied applied art in Amiens then in Paris, the desire to stand out and express myself through clothing was natural. I have always loved contrasts, so the idea of mixing French bourgeois codes with English eccentricity has always been very inspiring!"

OT: LA FETICHE celebrates pieces with sentimental and talismanic value. Do you have any personal favorites from your collections that hold special meaning for you?

April: That’s a bit like having to decide on your favourite child ! But if I had to choose I think at the moment my favourite outfit would be the JUERGEN grey washed jeans that I wear nearly everyday with the FLEUR cosy hand knit multicoloured jacket, it reminds me of a baby blanket we had for my children when they were young and feel like I discover a new colour in the hand spun yarn every time I wear it.

Orely: "I must admit that I also wear the JUERGEN almost every day, whether it is the blue version from summer '23 or the grey one from this winter. I mostly wear it with the LOÏC shirt and the maxi KIM bombers."

OT: "You've collaborated with some incredible artisans and manufacturers so far. Are there any dream collaborations you hope to pursue in the future?"

LF: "We’d love the opportunity to work with some Japanese artisans, for example Indigo dying is something we’ve always obsessed over, the idea of creating some textiles together with some Kyoto masters would be an absolute dream."

OT: "AW24 collection looks great, and we love the campaign photos. What inspired this collection?"

LF: "Celebrating female empowerment through strong female characters, regardless of their age, body or skin colour. This inclusiveness is very representative of the LA FETICHE community and we love it. We were also really excited to shoot a contemporary and modern version of the Scotland we know and love. So celebrating these places that we love and inspire us felt right for this collection."

OT: "If you could swap wardrobes with anyone, who would it be?"

April: "Ooh hard to say as there are so many too choose from but probably would have to choose from either David Hockney, Bryan Ferry, Greta Garbo or Edie Sedgwick."

Orely: "I would say David Bowie for the little sweaters and huge pants, and the masculine/féminine vibes.… and I would also go for the 90s Margiela wardrobe please!"