Interview with Camille Reneaux, assistant web designer at Maje // LISAA Alumni

My studies at LISAA were shorter than average as I obtained my bachelor’s in fashion and textile design in two years. My high school diploma in applied arts obtained at the École Boulle college of art meant I did not require a foundation year.

My time at LISAA was very enriching. It enabled me to discover several subjects I am passionate about, particularly screen-printing. I spent all of my time in the screen-printing studio! I had so much fun in those classes. I loved drawing patterns, positioning them, printing them and seeing the result straight away. It was really incredible!

I learnt how to create a collection from start to finish. The teachers really supported us. It’s thanks to LISAA that I discovered that I liked designing patterns and that I wanted to work in textiles.

It’s a course that requires a huge personal investment and a lot of work, but you also have a real sense of personal achievement when the collection is complete. I don't think I’ve ever felt as proud of myself as when I finished my end-of-studies collection, "EVO XIE", inspired by my recovery from anorexia. This collection also led to me being awarded second place in the e-fashion awards competition.

After LISAA, I undertook a six-month work placement at a women’s ready-to-wear brand, Lauren Vidal. I was then hired by the company as a fashion and textile designer and collection assistant.

My role was very diverse. I was able to discover all the dimensions of a ready-to-wear brand, from conception to production. I worked directly with the art director and helped her to design the pieces and monitor the production of the collections. I would go from designing patterns, to placing orders and monitoring the delivery of fabrics from suppliers or even managing the monitoring of the production of clothing.

I also worked on projects that were closer to graphic design and computer graphics and I was in charge of producing the sales book, and the layout for the lookbook, flyers and packaging. I also did some work in events communication (designing tote bags, a photocall backdrop, invitations, etc.) for the brand’s 25th anniversary.

After two years at Lauren Vidal, I wanted to go back to studying in order to have a more diverse skill set. I am currently on a sandwich course at Gobelins school. I am working at Maje as an assistant web designer, on a fixed-term contract.

I work together with an experienced web designer at Maje. I take care of the newsletters and the daily updates of the website. It’s very interesting. I am discovering a new profession, which enables me to gain new skills.

I think that in order to practice as a fashion and textile designer you have to be very hard working and have strong proposals. It’s very important to continually seek originality, to observe what’s happening and be inspired by what’s going on around you in order to be at the forefront of innovation. I also think it is important to regularly take stock and reevaluate yourself – even more so in online professions as everything changes so quickly.

My professional prospects seem promising, due to my initial qualification from LISAA, my professional experience and also the new course I am taking now.

Perhaps one day this will enable me to achieve my goal of opening my own design studio to sell my patterns.

If I have one piece of advice to give to LISAA students it would be this: don’t waste time, give everything you’ve got to your work. Enjoy your studies and see your ideas through. Be confident in your choices and your decisions. Don’t be afraid to have your own style and be proud of it as this is what will set you apart from the crowd.

I also wish you luck as creative professions aren’t easy. You have to fight for your place.