Why do people believe in animisme? Jean Piaget, an educational psychologist, put forward the concept of animisme among children. He believes that children give life and consciousness to all objects. This reminds me of my childhood, when I was riding on the school bus back home, I always had the feeling that the sun was chasing after the bus, stopping as the bus did. I believed that the sun, clouds and trees, like human beings, were living things capable of thoughts and feelings. Even as an adult, having understood that rocks and cups were no more than inanimate objects, I still believe, deep down, in the existence of souls in everything, and treat the objects around me with tenderness and sensitivity.
Under the brushstrokes of French artist Nathalie Lété, the animals, insects, flowers, plants and humans all possess a soul, as though you had opened a book of fairy tales in which all the animals, flowers and toys came to life and spoke. For Nathalie, who has Chinese and German lineage, the clashes between cultures have enriched her imagination. The nourishment of Chinese paintings during her childhood has contributed to a wealthof elements connected to nature and birds in her drawings. On the other hand, her colorful flowery patterns evoke the back garden of an ancient European mansion. It is as though there were only spring and summer in her world, echoing her name (In French, Lété means summer). Nathalie once said that she could become a stylist for a magazine while continuing as a shepherd in the mountains. Such a forthright, sincere and spontaneous personality, complemented with a rich dose of curiosity, has given birth to a style which is at once distinct and romantic, accompanied by a bold usage of colors and an abundance of childlike playfulness.
Thanks to her unique style of drawing, Nathalie has won the heart of many fashion brands, including Issey Miyake and Gucci, with which she has collaborated. Last year, upon the launch of children’s clothing collection alongside H&M, she said: “I want to create a cocoon enveloped by happiness and harmony. The collection features various elements, which narrate stories based on their relations, thereby creating a beautiful atmosphere.” This probably corresponds to her creative concept all along. Recently, she has collaborated with the Indian brand PÉRO in launching its 10th anniversary limited collection. They share a very similar style , and PÉRO originates from the language spoken in Rajasthan in Western India, which carries the meaning of “to wear”. The clothing items by the designer Aneeth Arora attach a huge importance to comfort and wearing ease, with an addition of Indian tradition sewing craft to daily clothings. The hand-drawn and embroidery patterns showcase delicate and sophisticated craftsmanship. It is like stepping into a garden brimming with blossoming flowers. They boast a contagious power resembling that of fairy tales.
