October 13, 2010
stylist & jewellery designer emma cassi
I'm always interested to hear stories about people who have more than one "job". Because some would say that you should focus on one thing and do it well. But what happens if you have multiple interests or, dare I say it, talents? Emma Cassi is a shining example of someone who manages to juggle many roles with aplomb. She is a jewellery designer and stylist. Her home has been featured in several magazines and her work is stocked by Anthropologie, among others. Eleven years ago she moved from her native France to London to live and work.
Which five words best describe you? Petite, French, creative, shy, organised.
What was your first job/career and what path have you taken since? The first job I loved was as a waitress in an auberge l'Aubrac, a region lost in the middle of France countryside. I started to make small bags and jewellery when I moved to London 11 years ago. My first office job was junior designer at Country Living magazine. I learned about styling, met photographers and this was my first steps into styling.
What's the best lesson you've learnt along the way? It takes several years before your work or creations get where you want them to be.
What's your proudest career achievement? I always said I wanted to live with what I was making with my hands and I am doing it.
What's been your best decision? Following Bertrand (my husband) from Dijon (France) to London.
Who inspires you? Louise Bourgeois, Sarah Moon, Alice (my best friend who works in a shop in France called Les Appartements de Juju) dressed in Dries van Noten and Isabel Marant.
What are you passionate about? Make sure my children will grow up as passionate people and travel the world with my family.
Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? Today I would love to meet Ramdane but it could change tomorrow... (he is the creative director of the Candle Cire Trudon)
What dream do you still want to fulfil? I really wanted to sell my jewellery in New York and I'm currently working on a collection for Anthropologie. I'd love to sell in Liberty (London) and work with Dries van Noten on a collection.
What are you reading? Only French books at the moment. Les yeux jaunes des crocodiles de Katherine Pancol. I read Murakami because I love Japan.
images courtesy emma cassi, elle decoration uk and sayaka hirakawa