The evening at the FIAF* was billed as Garance Doré in conversation with Scott Schuman, “The Sartorialist.” Of course Schuman, famed for the striking street style images he shares on his blog, is Doré’s boyfriend…
and on this particular evening, her interviewer.
The charm of the duo’s repartee made for an intimate and enchanting evening and validated for me what I had already suspected – Doré is the real deal. The woman who hails from the tiny French island of Corsica is down to earth, humble, self-deprecating and ever so gracious. In other words, exactly who she is on her daily fashion and lifestyle blog.
I first discovered Doré several years ago, after accidentally falling into the blogging vortex. I had been blogging under the radar at Le blog de Marie, never intending to come out from behind the curtain. In all honesty I felt a little embarrassed to admit that I, an Emmy Award-winning TV News journalist, had suddenly become a blogger. Blogging became my little secret, a refuge that brought me great comfort as I dealt with a dying parent. Slowly though, I began to discover the behemoth blogging world, and it was Doré’s blog in particular that continually inspired me. Both her aesthetic and writing style spoke to me like no other site had or has and I credit her for my having decided to hang in there and give this medium a go, launching a new site this past August using my real name.
The bulk of Doré’s audience may well be millennials but I have never felt unwanted when visiting her blog. Instead, to me her site has an ageless quality and feels to be a place where women of all ages can join in the conversation – a place where everyone is welcome.
Of late Doré has realized some big dreams, launching her own paper line collection in collaboration with Rifle Paper Co. The line includes stationary, notepads, and iPhone cases that are illustrated with her signature sketches. She also has a new e-commerce site – GaranceDoréGoods.com, where you can purchase her prints, posters and a vast array of personally selected lifestyle items. And this past weekend New Yorkers were treated to a special pop-up studio where they were able to shop Doré’s collection, attend various workshops, and meet the blogger in person.
As for my evening at the FIAF, it was engaging and entertaining, and in true Doré fashion, filled with some fabulously funny asides. Here are some of the highlights…
On learning how to turn dreams into reality at a young age…
I was with a bunch of friends on the beach just hanging, and we kind of dreamed a project of selling croissants to the people who had their boats in the water around the village. That was my first official job – to sell croissants on a boat with my girlfriend…I really worked and was really successful.
On learning to follow her heart, even when a computer test told her otherwise…
I took a computer test to find out what my job should be. I was very hopeful, but the result was taxidermist.
On becoming an illustrator:
One day I met an illustrator and decided I could make that work. I had a job three days a week, and all the other days were for training myself.
On becoming a blogger…
I thought if I posted an illustration every day on the blog it would be great training, and I’d also get comments from people.
Early style stories…
In Marseille, I was the best dressed girl around. Then I moved to Paris. It was a disaster.
Present day style stories…
I have one closet of grey knits. I have 15 pairs of white jeans. I’m obsessive. I just like to feel well-dressed.
Schuman and Doré on her “method”…
Schuman: When she’s writing – silence. There has to be…I can’t breathe, I can’t watch TV, I can’t turn on the faucet.
Doré: The other day I was writing , and he came in the room…
Schuman: Just to move some books!
Doré: And I was like, “How long are you going to move those books for?”
Schuman: So writing needs to be totally silent.
Schuman on blogging…
As the evening came to a close, Doré stepped to the edge of the stage, bent down and extended her hand to shake mine. Relaxed and unassuming, she looked directly into my eyes and conversed with me in such a genuine manner that it actually felt like it mattered to her that I had taken the time to say hello. Perhaps it is Doré’s unique brand of authenticity that has inspired me to come out of the shadows and reinvent myself yet again. In the end, that’s what it’s all about – inspiring others to be the best they can be.
***
*French Institute Alliance Francaise
22 Comments
Uh…Emmy award winning journalist -how did I not know this AMAZING fact about you?
What a great evening this must have been, listening to the two of them discuss blogging, chasing dreams and existing as a couple in their crazy world. Fab posting!!!!!!
xo reversecommuter
So happy you enjoyed it!
Wonderful photos and back story! Felt as if I was at the program too! Great post!
So happy that I was able to transport you to the event via my writing! Glad you enjoyed!
An insightful and intimate look into this world.. Your photographs and storytelling
nothing short of fantastic….
Merci :)
Wow, amazing post! Fabulous images and coverage. Thank you for sharing!
I, too, did not know that about you! That along with this post deserves kudos! I didn’t know you were an Emmy award winning journalist. Journalism was my first major in college, music then took over. This sounded like such an interesting evening. I enjoyed reading the interview. xx jess
Thanks for the kind words, Jess! It really was a great evening!
Mary, this is a fantastic post. I could visualize the entire scene in my head. Thank you for sharing this wonderful event with us. I would love to sit in a room with Garance and Rachel Zoe and pick their very inspiring brains.
Thank you so much, Glenda! Yes to Garance and Rachel! Imagine what an interesting pairing they would make!
Nice post. Sounds like it was an interesting event!
I love so much Garance Doré
I first discovered her in Vogue and her blog is the best to my eyes :)
And NYC is so glamour !
You are very lucky to have met her ! I was looking for her when I went to NYC :)
That’s great concerning her own collection !!!
Thanks so much for stopping by, Jane! Yes, it was a pleasure meeting Garance – one of the highlights of my trip!
This is a terrific post, very interesting! The black and white pics seem to capture the classic essence of their style (especially Garance’s).
This must have been an informative, interesting and captivating event. How interesting, especially with NYC being the backdrop!
What an interesting pair of speakers! What they’re saying and what they’re wearing (what they’re presenting and how they present themselves) had to be very interesting! Great pictures, too.
Truly inspirational. Everything about this post was inspiring, I thoroughly enjoyed getting a more personal glimpse at both Garance Dore and you, as well. You make a visit to NYC quite amazing.
Thank you so much, Trina! I’m so happy you enjoyed the post! It really was a wonderful trip!
I love this post, Mary. I couldn’t agree more with your sentiments about Garance Dore. I stumbled upon her blog last year as I was just getting into the world of blogging and although we are from two different worlds, I felt a connection to her viewpoint. I also love her style of writing. Thanks for sharing this!
I wish I had been there… I love Garance’s blog and also her illustrations.
They are an amazing couple. Thanks for this great post, Mary!
Annette | Lady of Style
Mary, I love this post. So beautifully written! What a memorable evening that must have been!!