We spoke to Designer, Creative Director and Founder of Call It By Your Name, Colombe Campana about her jewellery stories. Equipped with a disposable camera, she took us on a day in her life.
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Tell us about yourself
My name is Colombe, I was born and raised in Paris. I have worked in fashion as a designer & creative director for 20 years. I studied at Studio Berçot in Paris and worked for many brands such as Sonia Rykiel, Claudie Pierlot and & Other Stories. I'm married to a very supportive man and have three children: Gaïa, Maurice & Jacques.
During confinement, I started to hand embroid bandanas just for fun and sent them as gifts to friends. Instagram magic made them go viral and just a few days later, I created CALL IT BY YOUR NAME. A brand celebrating the love of craft, real authentic bandanas, and the art of hand embroidery. After 2 years and with the help of my great team, we are sold in 40 concept stores around the world and at NET-A-PORTER. -
How did you get started in the fashion industry?
I wasn’t the best student at School, the only thing I knew how to properly do was draw. I spent my childhood drawing and playing games that involved drawing. One of them was an iconic game in the 80s «dessinons la mode» I like thinking this was maybe the little seed that made me grow as a designer.
When I was 15, I did an internship during the holidays with a french designer. She nicely took me under her wing and I spent every summer Holiday at their office for 3 years until I graduated from school.
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What comes first? Outfit or jewels?
I'm a woman of habits and never leave out jewellery - they are part of me. I like the idea of stacking different necklaces and rings. So jewellery comes definitely first. -
Do you wear jewellery to sleep?
Yes, I do! Earrings, necklaces, and rings. -
Is sustainability important to you?
Yes, of course. But most important in Fashion for me is the way we use clothes and accessories. To be responsible and think about the life cycle of every piece of clothing that enters my closet. I always wear the same kind of clothes and jewellery, some of them date back 20 years! I buy vintage a lot too and when I buy new, I like to think of King Charles III "saying: buy once but well." Quality is important and also the fact that I can pass it on to my daughter. -
If you could only wear one thing ever again, what would it be and why?
A good pair of denim (vintage 501). My hoop earrings. A white t-shirt and my silk bandana I made for CALL IT BY YOUR NAME. It's timeless and most of all my «self-confidence» outfit. -
What is your first jewellery memory?
My mums! She has amazing jewellery. Some vintage pieces she brought back from a trip to Greece. She gifted me this dainty ring with a ram head and a bracelet which was my absolute crush: turquoise rectangular-shaped stones on an elasticated silver structure. It was so modern and bold.
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Is there a piece of jewellery that is particularly special to you? If yes, why?
My hoop earrings: I never leave the house without them. They are a part of me because I don’t feel comfortable without them. My love bracelet from Cartier - my husband proposed with it. The Berbere Repossi rings I have: I wear them every day, I think they are such modern pieces.
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Who are women who inspire you in your life?
All women are inspiring! The ones fighting for the right to be free and to be able to make their own decisions. The ones which can keep a smile on after experiencing a tragedy. I am fascinated by the strength of women!
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How would you describe your style?
Effortless, genuine, timeless, craving for craft and authenticity!
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When you think of Daphine what comes to mind?
Timeless and chic. Effortless and delicate, it's all about jewellery that can live onwards and be part of the life of the woman who is wearing it!
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What are some of the lessons you have learned over the last year?
Good surprises can happen in the middle of chaos! And sometimes no plan is a good business plan! That’s how my brand was born.
