Can you share with us some insight onto Atelier Kesa & Vestiges, how did it all start?
We are a Franco-Canadian couple, who met in Montreal in 2015, we then moved to Berlin for a few years to finally establish ourselves in France last year. Our aim is to be close to nature, work at doing what we love, all in an inspiring home and studios surrounded historical landmarks and unique landscapes.

Nina [Atelier Kesa]: I come from an Italian family, both of my grandparents were workers in textile and thread factories. My aunt was a tailor and she thought me how to sew at a very young age and after my studies in Visual Arts [University of Quebec in Montreal], I finally decided to pursue my career as a designer.

Frederic [Vestiges]: It all started in Montreal (under the name Aska) after a few years of metal smithing and jewellery making studies. My interest in design and fashion led me to this craft and it then slowly evolved into more sculptural work using clay as my main material to work with, so basically ceramics techniques, before casting pieces into silver or bronze. I’ve also been cherishing a deep interest in textile design and fabrics for many years, which I’m slowly manifesting through loom weaving.

Both of you are based in Southern medieval France and embrace a slow, devoted, creative lifestyle. How much is this reflected in your creations?

Nina [Atelier Kesa]: There are some aspects in life that are essential to me as a young adult, Nature and Tradition. Working with natural textiles and specialized European weavers is as essential than going to the weekly local village food’s market. While being surrounded by medieval villages brings history to my daily life and invite me to translate old ideas and traditions into new shapes.

Frederic [Vestiges]: It’s the essence really and infuses all we do, we finally found the proper home and studio spaces, so the context for us now is ideal.

With Atelier Kesa you are “evoking French Romanticism of the XVIII century with a minimal approach”. What/who in particular inspires you from that movement and also in general?

Nina [Atelier Kesa]: Romanticism evokes in me profound emotions, sensuality and mystery. Translated into fashion design, it is my definition of true elegance.