Interview with Alexandre Maïsetti of Commune de Paris

Archive January 2010

studiohomme: Can you describe your outfit?

Alexandre Maïsetti: Today I am wearing Clarks Desert Boots, black wool pants from APC, a cotton shirt and lamb’s wool sweater from Commune de Paris, and a wool cloth jacket from my old brand Shai.

sh: Who are the members of your group and what are the responsibilities of each member?

AM: Our group consists of 3 members: Sebastian Lyky, illustrator and art director of the brand, Edouard Launay who is responsible for creating partnerships with the various artists we would like to work with and editing the products that result from these collaborations, and myself, Alexandre Maïsetti, in charge of design, production, and marketing.

sh: Why did you choose the name Commune de Paris?

AM: Firstly, we found Commune de Paris aesthetically pleasing. However, we also chose this name because of its historical connotation. This period in French history is not only rich in symbolism and imagery, but also inspiring. The rebellion carried out by the Paris Commune marks the end of a revolutionary century that had seen an alternation of monarchies, empires, and republics. The will of the people and their call for independence, freedom, and universalism, which were violently suppressed at the time, remain very relevant topics today. To compose a creative theme is a kind of homage. All of these aspects also serve to create a framework for us, a line of conduct.

sh: How would you define the style of Commune de Paris?

AM: Our style, or rather our performance of style, is guided by our strong name. We revisit clothing that is classical and time-honored, adding our personal touch: creating combinations of colors and materials, making historical references, and of course, assessing quality and detail. We create clothing for people who love beautiful things, and who have a simple, yet conscious, sense of style.

sh: How will your collections evolve in the future?

AM: Despite its white hairs, our brand is relatively young. Concerning clothing, we will be concentrating ourselves on improving our basics such as shirts and sweaters in order to remain a creative brand. Perhaps in the future we will begin designing other products, but that is not our priority for the moment. However, we are expanding our Edition line, bringing on Adeline Cacheux to design jewelry and we will be developing our collaborations with new artists… Surprise!

sh: Who are the people who inspire you?

AM: The Parisi, Henri IV, Arthur Rimbaud, the Communards, the Apaches of Paris, Missak Manouchian

sh: Which artists are you currently following?

AM: Sandrine Pelletier for her romanticized trash, Aurel Schmidt for her faun-like interpretation on anatomy, Raphaël Boccanfuso because his political work fascinates me, Benedetta Mori Ubaldini’s sculptures made of chicken wire and balloons, the street installations by Bransky and Mark Jenkins, and Mario Huge for his lifetime collection of work.

sh: What are some of your favorite studiohomme items?

AM: The Teddy from Tremblay Alvergne, the Kitsuné Desert Boots, and the black Belvedere Helmet by Ruby, if only I had a scooter…