A portrait of Kitesy Martin in her office © Enzo Lefort

Based in Paris, designer Kitesy Martin combines her activities as an entrepreneur, yoga teacher and stylist with her desire to take care of herself and the people around her. Her upcycling brand, Kitesy Martin Bijoux, modernizes jewelry as well as other vintage objects that have been left behind. The Artsper team sat down with Kitesy to talk all things creation, mental health and Parisian art galleries...

1. Hello Kitesy! Can you tell us about your professional journey and about why you decided to become an entrepreneur?

After 9 years as a stylist in different high fashion houses (Balmain, Lacoste, Perrin Paris...), I wanted more independence. I started a luxury leather goods brand in 2015, which lasted 3 years and was my first introduction to entrepreneurship. I understood that deep down I was not a designer but a creative in a broader sense; I enjoyed creating products, images, experiences, events... In 2018, I started teaching yoga and this discipline ended up influencing my way of consuming fashion. In December 2018, I launched my upcycling brand Kitesy Martin.

2. Yoga, design, business development... Your projects are diverse but all reflect your holistic approach and your desire to have a positive impact on individuals and their consuming habits. Why are these subjects so important to you?

I don't have good memories of my years working in these firms as a stylist. This work environment did not suit me and I did not feel fulfilled. Mental health and balance became my priorities. In my opinion, creating a business is also creating the life you want for yourself. I also attach great importance to having a human relationship with the people I work with. I take care of my team, it is crucial for me.

On the left: Close up on a Kitesy Martin Bijoux necklace © louisiane____ and on the right: a still photo from the “Better Together" campaign © Enzo Lefort

3. In 2018 you launched your eponymous brand, through which you give a second life to "sleeping" vintage jewelry. What is the message you want to convey through Kitesy Martin Bijoux?

I want to prove that creatively, everything is possible with a “sleeping" object or jewel. It is not necessarily required that we create everything from scratch. Upcycling can sometimes be a creative constraint, but I want to show that it can also stimulate inspiration. My wish is to promote the side of fashion that coexists with the circular economy.

4. What are your favorite places to enjoy art in Paris?

I love strolling through art galleries. That's where I find my inspiration. The Chantal Crousel Gallery, the Poggi Gallery or the Almin Rech Gallery are my favorites.

On the left: Close up on a Kitesy Martin Bijoux necklace © Enzo Lefort. On the right: a still photo from the “Fleur Bleue" campaign © Charlotte Bouchard

5. If you had to choose one iconic design piece to furnish your home, what would it be?

I often change my mind on this subject but I recently bought a Thonet table from the 80s. I love its design, but what I cherish most is that it is my childhood kitchen table. I wanted it and my mother never gave it to me. I ended up finding it at a garage sale for a very good price. To me, this table is much more iconic than a Pierre Paulin armchair because I love it and it recounts a nice story, my own. Its value is simply priceless.

6. Your brand successfully gathers a community of upcyling enthusiasts. Today, how do you envision the future? What are your current or future projects?

My goal is to make the brand more creative, I don't want to limit it to costume jewelry. I have already shown what I'm capable of when it comes to upcycling clothing or furniture, however, I would like to go even further on that aspect of the brand. I have a feeling that Kitesy Martin needs to think bigger, and 2022 will be the right time to show what the team is capable of.