La Cerise sur le Gâteau (The icing on the cake) - Anne Hubert

Auteur : Ariane | 06-05-2010

Anne Hubert launched her own business, La Cerise sur le Gâteau (The icing on the cake), a collection of household linens with an unexpected bit of humor and poetry, which makes you want to know more!
When I found the collection two years ago, I said to myself “Wow! Simply Superb! We can now appreciate our guilty pleasure, "Shoes", among other things on a tea towel!”
So I wanted to know more ... I had the pleasure to speak with designer Anne Hubert, who has willingly shared her story...

What made you decide to create the La Cerise sur le Gateau? Were there specific opportunities and/or chance meetings?
It was because I could not find what I wanted in the boutiques that I decided to give new life to my old clothes and objects that were collecting dust in my closet.  It started as a pleasure to transform, customize, and manufacture them...Then, in my spare time, I started to organize small-scale sales of my products to friends.  The unexpected success of these small sales opportunities led to presenting my products to distributors of major brands.
I then had to rethink everything.  I was producing for orders of 20 when suddenly I had to find suppliers for producing an order of 300!
And that's how it all began…

How did you come up with the name of your company "La Cerise sur le Gateau" (Icing on the cake)?
I was having dinner with a childhood friend, when I mentioned that I absolutely had to come up with the name of the brand that night! Between a mix of sharing life’s stories and coming up with all kinds of expressions, we came up with the famous phrase “the icing on the cake” which was followed by a huge fit of laughter…it was then that I knew without hesitation that it was the one!

I navigate throughout Paris, from my home and from Alsace where I manage my product stock because it is easier for me.  I also like to work as a team; this is very precious and fulfilling.
I started to work with a photographer, Coco Amardeil. This is a true partnership that after 10 photo shoots, we now understand each other, our likes/dislikes and our artistic visions. Thus establishing a close working relationship, which is very fulfilling. Moreover, behind every picture, there is a story, or a little joke, just between the two of us…an added bonus.
For example, in the website column labeled “Living”, there is the famous 4-sleeved sweater that introduces the cushions. This sweater I bought when my photographer persuaded me to go on a voyage in the belief that we were going to do or find something there...she was right!

What are your initial inspirations for a collection, what is the source?
My initial inspiration relates primarily to my childhood memories and stories, or to the objects that carry importance in my life. I always liked traditions, those things French, a certain savoir-faire, and to use old things to make something new. Hence the idea of the “toile à Matelas” or “toile de Jouy” and fluorescent colors to create an offset that amuses me. I have taken this approach before when I worked in photo styling and set design.
I love mixes, contrasts, romantic designs, and "girly! " references.
Therefore I've always been attracted to beautiful fabrics. I prefer to work with local suppliers or those in Europe, and maintain a certain style of production; this is of part my brand ethics.

Do you have an obsession with a certain product? Have you thought of limited edition collections?
Yes, my favorite is still the "Alice" cushion with the pink fluorescent light rain! It is still a flagship product today even though it was one of the very first items in my collection.
As far as a limited edition collection goes, why not!  Maybe for the online boutique or as partner with another brand.

What wealth have you derived from your experience publishing your book, "Customizing whatever is in your closet”?
It was when I started, a great opportunity because it was also the first book in the series, Editions Marabout. This allowed me to express myself with people with whom I already worked!

What current trends, in color or materials, do you love?
I do not really pay attention to trends. The word "trend" as such disturbs me because I often feel that it is used too much. I function rather by feeling, I listen to my intuitions, and I do what I like…thinking that this will please others too.
Incidentally, if Hall 6 of the tradeshow "Maison et Objets", which represents the current trends in home decor, is rich in creativity, it is because all the designers explore their own world while retaining their identity without really responding to a specific trend. This brings so much life to this section of the tradeshow.

Do you read blogs?
Yes, I love them! It is a very rich and interesting universe and in some ways it sometimes replaces the many voyages that I no longer have time to do! It's like a big basket of curiosities where one can pick the links that inspires him, it is a breeding ground for exchanges and this is very generous.
Also, I realized that my customers read the blogs as much as I do.

What are some of the places you like to go to in Paris right now, or in another city that you particularly love?
I am very curious and like to wander, which always leads me to the discovery of a new place here or there. It is a real pleasure!

I'm all for variety, eclecticism, and objects that have stories that enrich a particular environment. I do not like uniformity.
For a home I can give you three “musts”:
-Above all else, light. I love the bright spaces.
-Calm
-Being surrounded by my treasures, my souvenirs.
With that, I can say that I am good all around.

Do you have any news and or future projects?
The latest big news is my online sales boutique, www.lacerisesurlegateau-eshop.com
Also, new to the collection are seven new tea towels, six new cushions for children or adults, a mini tote for those in love ... a “marcel mustache” in organic cotton and bed linens for children.
As for my projects, my goal is of course to continue my development emphasizing sales in Europe, because I am already well represented internationally.
I would also like to create an extended collection for children.

Thank you Anne for this pleasant moment, you’re an outstanding new “cocotte”!

www.lacerisesurlegateau.fr
www.lacerisesurlegateau-eshop.com

Photo Credits :
Coco Amardeil