Interview Marine Serre｜装うことは生きること。マリーン・セルの哲学

— First, I'd like to ask what sparked your interest in fashion. I understand you were passionate about tennis from ages 3 to 16. How did you transition from there to the world of fashion?

Growing up in a place surrounded by mountains and rich in nature, I enjoyed various sports beyond tennis every day. But when I started attending art school at 14, I gradually became interested in my own style. So my first experience with fashion began with exploring my personality and character as a woman. Eventually, whether going to the movies, visiting flea markets or shops, I started enjoying expressing my mood through clothing for different situations. Looking back now, at 15, I may have been presenting myself as if I were 25. I think I was seeking the experience of people telling me, "Your vibe is wonderful—it's like you have a uniqueness that sets you apart from others."

— So it started as self-expression through clothing.

Fashion may not literally save your life, but we do not step outside naked; dressing is essential. Dressing is also about looking inward and caring for yourself. That's why I still love dressing, and I love making clothes for my sister and friends. If I had to say what I can do best as a fashion designer, it would be empowering women around the world. I find joy in thinking about design so that women can be strong. In fact, it's no exaggeration to say I can continue this work precisely because I can do that.

— What kind of women do you envision?

For example, women like those in the films Ghost in the Shell and The Matrix. Of course, Coco Chanel is also one of the women I respect. I'm inspired by women who always possess strength, regardless of country or age. To shape this into design, I always try to carefully observe and think about what women really are. This is because we've been socially oppressed for a long time, and I feel we first need to fully understand ourselves.

— What did your mother represent to you as a woman in your life?

My mother didn't grow up in a wealthy family by any means, but she was always elegant. She clearly understood her own atmosphere and preferences. I love her style—she could pull off vibrantly colored clothes like pistachio green and pink. She carefully styled her hair and makeup every day, always presenting a beautiful and elegant presence. But interestingly, like me, she's from the countryside, so she was never influenced by fashion from the city or the outside world. That's probably why her style felt unforced and authentically hers.

— Growing up in a hometown rich in nature seems to have had a significant influence on both you and your family. Since the brand's inception, you've maintained consistent awareness and action toward sustainability. From what you've shared, this seems deeply connected to your background.

Yes. Nature is such an essential part of me that I could say it's one with who I am. Sometimes I feel society forgets its importance, but realistically, if we had no trees or water, we couldn't survive, right? We couldn't work, and we couldn't find happiness. I think our happiness begins with loving nature and animals. On a windy day like today, I feel happy every time the trees sway. While we have an equal relationship with nature, every time I experience it, I feel it's an existence far greater than ourselves. Thinking about sustainability is our daily obligation, but I believe that creating something inherently includes caring for people.

— I hear Paris also faced newsworthy extreme heat this summer. Tokyo's temperatures rise every year, and I feel we're not far from a future where people can no longer be outside in summer. The non-anthropocentric perspective you mentioned earlier feels like something that requires not just one person, but everyone working together to take action.

Yes. It may already be too late even if we take action now. The global climate is changing day by day, the four seasons are disappearing, and I feel there's nothing we can control anymore. Living in cities especially means fewer opportunities to connect with nature, right? I often take short trips to the countryside where nature exists or go to the mountains, but when I invite friends, they're afraid even of a walk in the forest. First, I think it's important to connect people, nature, and the entire world. Otherwise, I feel people will continue living without caring not only about nature but even about the food they put in their mouths. Rather than just looking at instant information on screens, I feel it's important to understand what we've been doing and think about how we want to live. What I can do as a fashion designer is reconnect everything through creation.

— I sometimes feel anxious about a world where we're even losing the opportunity to think.

People feel anxious and lonely while looking at screens, but nothing gets resolved there. Rather than feeling anxious and turning away from fear, it's also important to face the reality of how much the world has changed because of what we've done. That's why it's important to gain energy in real ways—by connecting with nature, talking with friends and people you're meeting for the first time. I think this helps you view things you felt anxious about alone with a bit more objectivity.

— In a world where information moves at dizzying speed, how do you care for yourself daily?

For example, this morning I woke at 6:30 a.m., went swimming, did yoga, and took a sauna to center myself–prepare myself. Today especially, I knew it would be a long day with no break after this interview and dinner plans until evening, so I thought I'd take two hours to carefully prepare my mind and body. They often say your body is your capital, and if you're even a little sleep-deprived or tired, your mind isn't sharp, right? Ideas and actions all come from within yourself. Even when I work in Paris, I walk my dog in the morning, meditate, try not to touch my phone late at night as much as possible every day, and value sleep and rest. This is probably because I have had the habit of doing sports surrounded by nature since I was little, so I can focus on putting down my phone and moving my body.

— As I've listened to your story today, and from reading past interviews, your dignified presence is striking.

I think of my body as presiding over a sanctuary, like a temple. In everything, rather than leaning forward, I strive to be as objective as possible. Even now, knowing I needed energy to talk with you, I've been preparing since the day before. Cities especially—once you step into them, you're immediately caught up in all sorts of unexpected changes. In such a daily life, self-care gets left behind, but I feel that as long as I'm properly energy-charged, I can always maintain self-control. I think each moment builds up to create each day. The Shibuya PARCO store that just opened in mid-September was designed to be such a calming, immersive, meditation-like space for everyone.

— I understand you conceived and designed the store yourself.

Yes. I created a mystical space inspired by ancient temples. I added a futuristic vision to it, crafting a world where dystopian science fiction landscapes reminiscent of the film Blade Runner intersect with timeless architectural references. Even within the futuristic aesthetic, the shelves are wooden so people can feel stillness and nature. As symbols of the store, five pillars rise up, evoking the columns of ancient Greek temples. These pillars, inspired by caryatids, have mannequins standing on both sides, and their poses also represent the store's worldview. The central jewelry display pillar reflects light like a water surface, creating an immersive experience. The fitting rooms have curtains made from vintage scarves I found and stitched together; when you pull them back, the interior is covered with the brand's signature All Over Moon print. Rather than just a boutique, I aimed for a space where you can touch, observe, and connect with the essence of the brand through details like space, texture, and design.

— What are your impressions of Tokyo?

Japanese people are calm and kind, right? Thanks to mutual care, the city is clean, and I can see a latent spirituality toward nature. I think it's wonderful how it manifests in daily life. In my work, I almost exclusively meet women, and I find it striking that everyone has a diligent side.

— Will you have opportunities to connect with nature outside of Tokyo during this visit?

Unfortunately not, this is my third visit to Japan, but I always come to Tokyo for work and return without traveling to other places. Recently, I've traveled to places like Thailand, India, and Korea, so I want to visit various countries, not limited to nature. Someday I'd like to come to Japan on a leisurely vacation.