Beyond the hype // Clément Louis

Clément Louis is a 19 year old photographer, artist, and blogger from Paris, France.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you live.

I am student in Duperré, which is a school based on stylism and art, and have been living in Paris for five months. I started to enjoy fashion thanks to photography. I have been working on photography for two years, and it revealed me how much I wanted to "grow up" in fashion photography. This is why I started to read a lot of magazines and fashion blogs, before becoming aware of living it to be a real passion! So, I developed my blog to show what I made about "art" and added comments on the fashion world (such as fashion shows) because I really enjoy it. I think fashion in London is more "avant-gardiste" than Paris, which is a city where we try to keep a kind of traditional point of view of clothing, you know, this way of being classic and so "bourgeois" (as we say in french). Londres is more based on experimentations and new ideas.

What do you love about living in Paris?

I like to live in Paris because it's the capital of art and because this city has a true story. I came here to study but I think I really fell in love with Paris. It's a kind of treasure.

Your top 3 places to visit in Paris:

I really enjoy walking in gardens, such as Le Jardin du Luxembourg. I love La Place Vendôme too, which is a good "summary" of what Paris is: luxury, beautiful places, and so on. You can also often see me in St. Germain because I love this district.

Describe your personal style and its influences / inspiration.

I don't really think I have any personal style! I take my inspirations from "gothic," "romanticism" and "dandyism" styles. I love dark clothing with hand-made accents.

Favorite designers and places to shop?

I love Rick Owens and his way of being nomad "roots," mixed with dark and gothic style. He created a lot of fantastic pieces—to me he is fashion's God! Every time I push open the door of his shop in Palais Royal, I want to buy everything around! Of course I love his pupil Gareth Pugh too but it's more for the direction of his creations and his aestheticism…they're really dark as what I like in Alexander McQueen or Ann Demeulemeester…

To go shopping, I often go to Marais' Friperies, because I prefer outfits which had a life before they were in my possession…used by the washing machine, and the last owner himself.

The first thing you look at in another person's outfit is:

His shoes! I fixate on his shoes.

What do you skimp on?

I think I often forget accessories. I don't like them, and don't really have idea of the place I could find the perfect ones.

What do you splurge on?

I got crushes on scarves! And boots, too, because I love awesome old-leather boots.

A fashion rule you always break:

I hate ballet shoes! I don't like the waves of fashion that everybody adopts.

A fashion rule you never break:

Being classy: it's the best if you understand classy!

What do you think is the most recent notable trend to appear/reappear, and what are your thoughts on it?

I hate that down-jacket they've poorly tried to "fashionize" for a long time, I find it absolutely ugly! I guess it's so stupid. Trying to make something fashion instead of looking for exclusive clothing…well, fashion is still a comeback.

What is your next "must have" purchase?

I don't really have a "must-have," but I would like to have new leather high boots, and a wide hat.

Are there any fashion icons or famous people whose style you admire?

Of course! Johnny Depp for example. I love his style; he seems to be relaxed, but he's not. Pete Doherty too. For females, I'm a fan of Vanessa Paradis. She's just the perfect one. But I love Edie Sedgwick and Charlotte Gainsbourg (his "garçon manqué" style, overall) as well.

What do you think of male vs. female fashion?

I think women's fashion has already tried everything. But talking about men, fashion is unfortunately less "extravagant." Men love fashion, so [designers] should think about us too. Even when we want one precise type of piece, it doesn't exist or it's too expensive!

How/why did you first get into photography?

I love photography and I have been taking photos for two years. I started with basic pictures, but right now, I want to make fashion photography. My camera is a Canon EOS 30D, and I use some argentics. I think we grow better thanks to a point of view which changes the more we work on. Take a look at my work here.

What's on your playlist / bookshelf / DVD player at the moment?

I love the new Charlotte Gainsbourg CD, as well as the new Gossip one, the XX, and still and always, Marilyn Manson.

What can't you live without?

I couldn't live without my camera. I take a lot of pictures, even if I keep them for myself. I really love to capture a moment, catch a feeling…

What is your personal favorite outfit on LOOKBOOK by you, and by another member?

My favorite of my own is Palace Colette. My favorite user is Joona W., particularly when he wears feathers, and his monochrome outfits.

Next place you want to travel to (and why):

Prague. I just came back from this place (I was in during a four-day trip) and it was absolutely fabulous. It's a medieval city, and the gothic architecture transcends it. I hope to go back in Prague the during next months. I also had a dream to take a trip to Berlin. I would like to take a look at this city…

In the year 2014 you will be:

2014? I have no idea. I would like to work as photographer for a fashion magazine. I would be finally sure of what I want to do of my own life, and it's a good plan.

What would you say to someone seeking general fashion advice?

Everybody needs advices, and I'm the first one!

Our last interviewee Shan Shan asks: Do you like to lick candy, or bite it?

I prefer biting. I bite everything—my boyfriend, my clothes, my everything! I'm a little wild, don't you think? (laughs)

What should we ask the next interviewee?

What would you think of Lady Gaga?