Jim Williamson. Produced by Brooke Hortenstine.
- Posted:
- May 07, 2012
When Brooke mentioned an opportunity for me to profile someone for PaperCity, I was thrilled. Or, maybe I was just chilled because we were at the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge celebration, and the wind was blowing at a million knots. Anyway, I love to write, and when I asked whom I should interview, she said, “Anyone fabulous — you pick.” As my mind pondered whom to profile — well, that, and what I should pack for Malibu — suddenly it dawned on me: Sacha Walckhoff, the creative director of Christian Lacroix. I had just returned from Los Angeles and had looked at his spring Christian Lacroix fabric and wall-covering collection for Designers Guild for my Dallas showroom, ID Collection. Walckhoff, having worked as Mr. Lacroix’s second in command for more than 17 years, was a natural choice to lead the house when Lacroix severed all ties. Walckhoff is in charge of Lacroix’s menswear, eyewear, wedding dresses, stationery, bags and leather goods, as well as some incredible patterns for Designers Guild. Here is a little insight into the mind and world of the Paris-based Sacha Walckhoff, aka my new man crush.
When Sacha isn’t being Sacha, what does he like to do? I am always myself! But on weekends, I love to spend time with my partner visiting modern art galleries or flea markets, having lunch on a sunny Parisian day on the terrace at the Marly or the Georges, and buying books at the Calignani library and fruitcakes at Pierre Hermé.
If the life you have lived so far could be summed up by a cocktail, what would it be? I do not drink anymore, so now, it would be the Multi-v from Vitaminwater. I like the lime taste — it’s refreshing and feels like you are doing something good for your body and mind.
The moment you first flipped for interior decoration … what was it that caught your attention? Ceramics from the ’50s — anything from Vallauris (especially Picasso and Capron). And I have a lot of Georges Jouve, Cloutier and Hella Jongerius. My companion and I often don’t see eye to eye on interior design. Sometimes it takes an explanation as to why I want to
do something.
Do you have free rein at home? Not always — we talk about it. It makes both of us evolve, which is good! He is outside Paris right now on the set of a movie (he is a hair designer), and he just called me, telling me he could not stop thinking of the vase we bought yesterday — so we are on the same page today!
If you were a textile, what would you be? An Hermès cashmere blanket.
Favorite guilty pleasure? Mont Blanc pastries.
Coffee or tea? Genmaï green tea.
Pet or no pet? My partner cat, Pitouf.
The last time you danced alone while getting dressed, what was playing? It was yesterday, and “‘S Wonderful” by João Gilberto was on ... so romantic!
Song when you need motivation? In the morning, anything from Kool and the Gang; late at night, “Iron” by Woodkid.
What are you loving right now at this very moment? I just bought an amazing piece at the Manufacture de Sèvres — a vase hand-painted by Marlene Mocquet, a young and talented French artist.
I admire the work of Axel Vervoordt and John Saladino — are you inspired by any designers? Yes, I do love the work of Rodrigo Almeida, Sam Baron, Marcel Wanders, Maarten Baas, Charlotte Perriand, Georges Jouve, Daniel Firman and many others.
Favorite thing about the weekend? Staying in bed with my lover!
Favorite mag? Fantastic Man, Vogue Hommes Japan, and Côté Paris is great, too.
Favorite piece of luggage? My Hermès Plume bag — a special order from the ’70s I found at a flea market many years ago.
I know when I’m traveling I need a lightweight jacket or cardigan — what do you have to have when traveling? A big Lacroix scarf made of silk and wool, and my perfume by Aesop.
I must admit, I am loving your men’s fall collection. I also see you’re still rocking the ankle for fall. Can a man in his mid-40s still flash some flesh? Yes ... maybe not ... but we are working on Summer 2013 right now, and we might show more than just the ankle!
IMAGES:
Jim Williamson. Photo by Mike Morgan.
Sacha Walckhoff. Photo by Antone Tempe.
Christian Lacroix for Designers Guild
Mont Blanc pastry
Christian Lacroix Fall 2012