Monsieur Personne - Not just a Doll, an Icon

Auteur : Kris | 06-19-2010

What does a Fashion Designer do when she doesn’t want to design clothes? She makes dolls for adults…..not those kind…..Designer Dolls!

Stéphanie Calinon has creatively made her way to top by inaugurating the new restaurant (La Voile Blanche) and bar (Le 333) in the Centre Georges Pompidou – Musée d’Art Moderne, in Metz, in style with two ‘Monsieur Personne’s as gifts for the owners.

“The inauguration was grandiose with fireworks and all the pomp and circumstance arriving from Paris where the original Centre George Pompidou is located”, says Stéphanie.

Stéphanie and Monsieur Personne have come a long way in just a short year. She is very adamant about focusing on the adult market as she is convinced to be the only unique-piece designer of emotionally decorative objects.

“Monsieur Personne is a toss between an art piece you’d put in your living room and a funny doll (doudou in French) that sits with you on the sofa. He has a multi-personality and all dolls are unique, numbered pieces and I’m up to number 428 this week!”

Monsieur Personne, in any shape or form, reminds us of our childhood in many ways.

What makes Monsieur Personne so original?
I think the fact that I am a fashion designer helps because I follow all the fashion trends and dress Monsieur Personne accordingly (ball gown, suits, wedding dress, fur cuffs, chefs hat, vintage jewelry….) The only standard form is the shape of the doll and the eyes. I always add a final fashion touch.

What inspires your creations?
I love to read magazines (Elle and Elle Déco) and admire Tim Burtons’ creativity as he creates movies for adults in childlike, dream fashion. The cinema is a great inspiration for me as well.

I am also passionate about art in general, all periods and especially the history of art.

What was the most original custom order you’ve created?
An astronaute! It was very difficult to imagine and sew the gloves, boots and helmet.

Where will Monsieur Personne be in 5 years?
“I’m sure by then you’ll find him at Colette in Paris and that he will travel the world and be found in different concept shops. Colette is THE talent scout and she will surely love Monsieur Personne’s offbeat character.”

What got you started in the Decorative/Artistic Doll business?
I found that fashion design was too limiting and not creative enough for me personally. Fashion is ‘cold’ and I wanted to create something that sparked emotion.

Christian LaCroix had originally created doudou monsters for children for Habitat and I loved the idea, but for adults. I don’t think adults are very receptive to what we find in boutiques for children and teens. My clients are generally women from 7 to 77 years old and some offer them as gifts but surprisingly, they buy them for themselves. I even have 50-60 year old women on Facebook buying them from me and becoming devoted fans!

For now Stéphanie sells in various déco boutiques in France and Luxembourg and on her website. She has also acquired quite a tribe of followers on Facebook