Valérie graduated from Lisaa in Fashion Design in 1994

- What were the first steps of your professional life ?

- I began as a freelance design assistant at Lolita Lempicka. I prepared fashion shows, try-ons, accessories and took care of casting models. The job taught me a lot. On the average, I worked two months a year for five years.

- It wasn’t your only activity ? 

No, at the same time, I began a ready-to-wear clothing line with Samantha, another former Lisaa student in 1995. I was increasingly asked for wedding dresses and, soon I began specializing in that area. Between the ages of 25 and 30, all my friends got married … that was the beginning of a word of mouth business which worked well. Then, I had three children and had to slow down my activities for a while.

- Isn’t it complicated to manage a professional life and be a mother at the same time ?

- It requires a lot of organization and it is true that working when pregnant is very tiring. For this reason, I chose to work at home. In September, I decided to invest more seriously and did two trade fairs, including one at the Porte de Champerret which was very successful. My order book is full and I plan to open a boutique-workshop soon.

- Were wedding dresses a hobby ?

.- No, I came to this by accident. And I don’t regret it at all : it is great ! First, I work towards a happy event. And if a future bride comes to me, it is because she likes my work. We make the dress together, each model is unique.

- How do you work ?

My dresses are painted. I sew on fabric flowers and apply color. This is a technique I fine-tuned and which works well for me : it seems like the flowers are growing right on the dress. Where I live inspired me a lot : I have a flower garden and it helps me work.

- What advice would you give to Lisaa students ?

- Let yourself go ! Develop your creative base. There is always time to calm down. Go out, go to museums. When I was in school, I wasn’t the most boisterous student and yet now I make one-of-a-kind clothes and pieces for special events.

:To contact Valérie Bercovici Devillers : bercovici@infonie.fr