Who is Coral?
Coral: “I am 23 years old and I come originally from La Possession, but I have lived in Saint-Joseph for a long time. In 2021, I launched the Eilaroc brand”.
When did you realize you wanted to become a fashion designer?
Coral: “When I was 7. I was watching an episode of Josephine Guardian Angel (laughs). Well it wasn’t a very happy episode because a fashion designer was being bullied by her boss…but it was the first time I heard about this job. I immediately said to myself: “This is what I want to do later” and since then, it has never changed”.
What was your educational and professional background?
Coral: “Since I was little, I have taken drawing, sewing or modeling lessons. When I was 13, I learned to sew with Elodie Nirlo for several years. In college, I I was quickly bored because I already knew what I wanted to do. That’s why I chose to follow an STD2A course (Sciences and technologies of design and applied arts) at the Lycée Ambroise Vollard in Saint- Rock.
With my Bac in my pocket, I followed, for 2 years, a Fashion Design BTS at the professional high school of trades “Les Coteaux”, in Cannes. You should know that this is a training that exists in Reunion, but I wanted to see something else. I don’t regret since these two years in the south of France were filled with opportunities: I was able to work as an assistant on prestigious events, I met many people and I was able to scroll my own creations. In 2019, I obtained my BTS and I returned to Reunion”.
Who are your sources of inspiration, and why?
Coral: “You could say that my brand follows 3 common threads. Craftsmanship: I want to highlight local know-how using traditional and modern techniques. Upcycling: for the ecological side and also it’s a quick way to have a positive impact on the environment.And Reunion: it started from a disappointment to see hibiscus everywhere when there are plenty of interesting endemic species to represent our island.
Regarding the creators whose work I really like. I have always loved Jean-Paul Gaultier. I used to say that I don’t have a muse or a preference, and then in Reunion, the fashion culture wasn’t very developed. But arriving in Cannes, in fashion school, it was much more present. Today I can say that I like the very airy style offered by Iris Van Harpen. I also love Jacquemus. Besides, I had the pleasure of being compared to him after having organized a parade in a cane field, while he had done it in a lavender field.
Launch parade in a cane field – May 8, 2021 (Photo DR).
Can you tell us more about the essence of your brand?
Coral: “My brand’s slogan is: ‘The crossbreeding of craftsmanship and eco-creation’. In fact, I am a small business that operates like a big one. I offer an annual collection and several small capsule collections in year course.
From design to production, I do everything from A to Z. Sometimes I collaborate with other craftsmen when I include in my design a know-how that I do not master but I draw and sew everything myself. even. Eilaroc offers clothes for women, for men, sometimes for children, but also accessories, jewelry or even decorative objects.
Next September, you are taking part in New York Fashion Week. Tell us.
Coral: “A few years ago, the Cupani marketing group (CMG) published on their social networks a call for applications to participate in Fashion Week. During my studies in Cannes, I had to participate in competitions of the same kind, but it didn’t didn’t happen because I didn’t really have the time.
Last year, I wanted to go back to school and follow a new BTS, but it was too industrial. I wanted to do crafts. So I had to bounce back and I took advantage of being in France to take part in competitions. Last June I was able to show my creations in Paris and I am also one of the finalists for a second competition. Finally, I was selected by the CMG to participate in Fashion Week which will take place next month. On site, the designer who stands out the most will be rewarded with participation in another Fashion Week around the world.
I am so happy and honoured. I didn’t really realize but now that I announced it on my social networks, I have the pressure. I don’t want to disappoint and best represent Reunion”.
How will we be able to follow your adventures in New York?
Coral: “I am not going to the United States alone. I will be accompanied by my boyfriend and other people who will come to support me. We will try to keep people informed through social networks. The idea will be to take photos and videos to bring people to life as many things as possible”.
Can you briefly introduce us to the collection that will be on display there?
Coral: “Of course. There will be two collections: Koulér lo ker, which is my end-of-BTS collection that I’m going to rework, including plant fibers. To do this, I work with artisans from Reunion who are used to materials like vacoa and choca. I’m even going to use banana bark from mom’s yard in Saint-Joseph. There will also be a brand new collection called “Mother Nature” which talks about natural disasters and meteorological phenomena. These collections are already drawn and a part is already ready, but I still have a lot of work to do before I fly to the Big Apple.”.
Will these collections be for sale?
Coral: “I don’t know yet. I might bring them back in March, when I return to Reunion. But for the moment, you can find my creations on various designer markets. While I’m away, it’s my mom and d other members of my family who take turns to keep the brand running on the island. We will also have a stand at the Vacoa festival in Saint-Philippe”.
Other ongoing projects?
Coral: “I have the honor of dressing the models for the Plus Fashion Week Oi. I will create exclusive outfits for the event, again thanks to upcycling. I have several orders in progress and I also exhibit my creations, here, in Alsace, at the end of the month. This is a first for me in France. I will rather offer accessories and jewelry. Finally, I am continuing to organize the next “Oté Z’Artisans”, a creator’s market which will take place in Saint-Joseph next year”.
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2023-08-02 11:00:00
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