Meet Maria Bernad, Stylist, Designer and Founder of Les Fleurs Studio
Interview with Maria by Linnea.
Leblue had the pleasure of meeting Maria Bernad, a Paris-based stylist and the creative force behind her own brand, Les Fleurs Studio. In this interview we delve into her journey through the fashion industry. From her early passion for art and history to her transition into fashion design, Maria's story is a testament to her dedication and creativity. Discover how Les Fleurs Studio evolved from a hobby into a sustainable and impactful upcycling brand, all while maintaining a strong focus on art, history, and ethical fashion practices.
Maria via Instagram, “I’ve created for @suotstudio a serie of pieces called ‘Conexiones’ based in the recycling of stones”.
Linnea: How did you get started in the industry of fashion and design?
Maria: I’ve started my journey in fashion in quite a young age. I was always interested in art and art history. After high school, I was going to study art restoration and conservation. However, I got the opportunity of studying in a fashion design school and I started fashion design in a design university. But since the moment I started studying, I was doing styling works at the same time and in my second year of university, Les Fleurs Studio was already alive but, in that moment, it was called Les Fleurs Vintage. It was a vintage store where I was selling curated vintage pieces. While my interest in fashion has always been evident, my true fascination lies in the intersection of fashion with art and history. I've also retained a deep interest in the restoration of both art and clothing, which aligns closely with my current work involving old fabrics.
Linnea: Could you share more about the thought process that brought this shift in your perspective and inspired you to take on a more impactful role in the fashion industry?
Maria: So, from day one, Les Fleurs was for me, a breath away from my studies, styling work, or social media. It started as a hobby when I first embarked on this journey. My passion for vintage fashion and the art of curation drove me to collect vintage clothing and fabrics. When I completed my fashion studies, I decided to breathe new life into those vintage pieces and fabrics by transforming them into something new, a process now known as upcycling.
Linnea: How big is the team behind Les Fleurs?
Maria: Les Fleurs is so small. I’m the only founder and owner of it. I have my personal assistant helping me in everything and my girls at the atelier in Paris. I do basically everything, and with them I build what is the brand itself. I think that’s why the aesthetic is so clear, because even sometimes, I take the pictures of the brand myself.
Linnea: Explain how you and your team approach ethical considerations in your brand's design and production processes.
Maria: I've been working in fashion for many years, and especially on social media, you see a lot and learn a lot.
Maria: Les Fleurs has since the beginning for me been, the way to do things 'in the correct way'. There's full transparency in what we use and where we produce - I mean, almost everything is handmade at the atelier.
“Les Fleurs has since the beginning for me been, the way to do things ‘in the correct way’. There’s full transparency in what we use and where we produce - I mean, almost everything is handmade at the atelier. ”
Hand-knitted top made from deadstock yarn, via Les Fleurs Studio’s Instagram.
Maria: My goal has always been to create a completely 'zero-waste brand' but with soul, history, and beauty. Our fabrics primarily come from vintage collections I curate, and there's extensive research involved in sourcing deadstock materials. The production of the one-of-a-kind pieces takes place at our atelier in Paris, and as I'm from Spain, we also maintain a small atelier there.
“My goal has always been to create a completely ‘zero-waste brand’ but with soul, history, and beauty”
Linnea: How have your cultural background and experiences contributed to your creative perspective?
Maria: I grew up in Elche, Alicante. It's very interesting because I was exposed to fashion from a young age, but in a different way. Elche is well-known for its shoe production, and my family, like everyone else in the city, worked in the shoe industry. However, as a child, I used to watch my grandma sewing and working with leather by hand at home. My grandma played a pivotal role in shaping my background because she had a deep interest in history, which ignited my passion for everything related to fashion and history. I learned a lot about cuts, fabrics, and the traditional methods of craftsmanship. I remember reading books about princesses and society in the 18th century and how their dresses were meticulously crafted by a modiste.
Maria: I believe that even when I'm working today, a big part of my mind is still there, and it's challenging for me to think in any other way.
Linnea: Beyond fashion, what are other passions or hobbies of yours?
Maria: I have too many passions and hobbies and so little time. I love painting. Before pursuing a career in fashion design, I was planning to study art restoration and conservation, and a part of me is still interested in that field. I also have a deep love for dancing and everything related to the movement of the body, which is why I enjoy attending operas and ballets. As a child I wanted to be an actress, so I always had a big love for cinema and theater.
Maria: Actually, if you see my work, you'll notice that almost all my inspirations stem from cinema - and history! I love reading, but it’s very funny, I don’t like reading about fictional stories, I’m that kind of nerd that likes to read essays about history or art or just books talking about history in general. Even when I read poetry, I like to know they were real love poems to someone.
Linnea: If you could teleport to any place and time in the world right now, where would you go and why?
Maria: It will probably be the 18th century in Paris. I live here, and I've always wondered how everything was done, how people dressed. You can learn from books or films, but it will be nothing like seeing it.
Linnea: What advice would you give to aspiring stylists and entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in the fashion world?
Maria: Don't count the hours you are working. If you are truly passionate about something and you love what you do, hours and days don't matter as long as the work is well done.
Outtakes from the DUALISMO’ SS24 Debut Collection at Paris Fashion Week via Instagram, Photographed by Iulia Matei.