When we think of the work of our frequent collaborateuse and artistic amie, Nathalie Lété, a smile comes to mind. For as soon as our eye falls upon the world she creates filled with vintage toys, child-like woodland scenes, and vintage-inspired animal motifs, we simply can’t help but fall in love with life itself. Her latest inspiration? Is her curious fondness for cats, bunnies, and French memorabilia - that sparks our newest Bastille Day collaboration.
But behind the land of feline frolics and fun, also lies a true-blue artist - in every sense of the word. Known to immerse her fans in a world of couleur, child-like fantasy and playful humour, Paris-based Nathalie Lété is also known as a global creative, a creative mastermind working not only on projects in Europe, but also in Japan and Australia. An expert in a mélange of media and artistic techniques, she is the kind of rare bird, a wildly popular breed of artist that seems to magically touch the child in all of us, simply by following her own set of rules.
To start, she lives and works at a studio just outside Paris, in an old-time factory that once manufactured pieces of the Eiffel Tower. Repurposed with quirkydom, her studio is filled with wall-to-wall artworks inspired by travel, vintage jouets, stuffed animals and antique engravings of wonderland-ish flowers, to fill her sense of joie. Her inspiration? Is steeped in the traditions of her German mother and Chinese father – in her love of Asian motifs mixed with folk-tale imagery from Eastern European countries. In particular, the ‘folk-art’ children’s illustrations of the storybooks her German mother extensively read to her as she grew up.
With summers also spent with her grandmother in Bavaria, she would often immerse herself in the escape of the forest, much like ‘Little Red Riding Hood’, her childhood heroine. Growing up as an only child, her happiest memories continue to be conveyed today, with a view to ‘creating a cocoon of happiness and harmony’ for all in her life’s work. For it is where her heart feels safest: in nature and its greenery – in her own kind of fantasyland: surrounded by flowers, animals, birds, and beaucoup de couleurs.
And her love for cats that sparks her latest collection? Possibly comes down to the environment in which Nathalie now resides. A home divided into 3 separate lofts, where her cats roam free and leave a soigné feel around her busy studio. That perhaps the beauty of a cat lies in its curiosity and independence - a bit feisty, yet playful and full of fun. But moreover - how brave they are, in experiencing new surroundings. How in the act of wandering freely, a beloved chat can still find the means to feel cocooned, comfortable, and safe: whilst living by their own sets of rules.
The Nathalie Lété Parisian Animals Collection
Having collaborated with Nathalie for over 15 years, we are thrilled to offer you our newest collaboration – a timeless and luxurious range featuring a parfait design of playful Parisian Animals such as cats, bunnies and jolie Parisian motifs: to delight your inner Francophile. A mélange of pyjamas, slippers, eye-masks, and cosmetic bags - including a chat-covered throw, to restore your joie de vivre and sense of home.
Nathalie Lété Winter PJs
Ooh, la la! Crafted from certified organic cotton, our bestselling winter pyjamas are back! In celebration of Bastille Day, French artist Nathalie Lété has designed the whimsical Parisian Animals print exclusive to Blue Illusion which pairs cute animals with some of Paris’ most significant monuments. This collaboration yet again brings Lété’s creative spirit to Blue Illusion’s much-loved designs.
Nathalie Lété Cosmetics Bags
The Cats + The Bunny
Keep all your beauty essentials safe in these whimsical, Paris-inspired cosmetic bags designed in conjunction with French artist Nathalie Lété. Exclusive to Blue Illusion, one cosmetic bag features an embroidered cat design beside the Eiffel Tower and full glass beading, while our Nathalie Lété Bunny Cosmetic Bag features one of Paris’ most recognisable landmarks: with an embroidered bunny standing beside the Arc de Triomphe surrounded by butterflies and flowers. Intricately beaded on one side and featuring a bright check on the underside, with two compartments with zip or magnetic lock fastening; these cosmetic bags a parfait pick - for those on-the-go moments or as a travel essential. C’est superbe!
Nathalie Lété Laundry Bag
Wash your delicate items avec style with our zip top Nathalie Lété Laundry Bag featuring her enchanting Parisian Animals design. In celebration of Bastille Day, this design features important Parisian monuments with an array of cute animals. Very soon, you’ll be wishing every day was laundry day! C’est precieuse!
Nathalie Lété Check Slipper
Keep your tootsies warm this winter in our Nathalie Lété Check Slippers. Cosy with a soft faux fur inner lining and plush feel outer, these slippers also have a durable sole, just in case you need to pop outside. Featuring an embroidered Nathalie Lété cat design (with adorable, beaded whiskers!) over a vibrant check, pair these slippers with our Nathalie Lété Winter PJs to complete the set. Best of all, these slippers are presented in a Navy satin, drawstring bag. C’est si jolie!
Nathalie Lété Cats Throw
Crafted from cotton and wool, this super-soft and très mignon Nathalie Lété Cats Throw will bring a curled-up feel to your home. Featuring the Parisian Animals design and a sweet French-themed border, this jacquard throw, exclusive to Blue Illusion, will add a dash of vogue to your abode this Bastille Day.
Nathalie Lété Handtowels
The Cats + The Bunny
This sweet, Nathalie Lété set of two hand towels are designed to absorb water, leaving skin feeling refreshed and dry. Crafted from 100% cotton, the set features one natural-coloured hand towel with an embroidered bunny motif and one white hand towel with an embroidered cat motif. This set makes a decorative addition to your home, or a thoughtful gift. Avec l’amour!
Nathalie Lété Silk Eye Mask
Celebrate the fête of all-thing-French by treating yourself to this luxuriously soft 100% silk eye mask. Featuring the Parisian Animals print by Nathalie Lété over the words, bon baiser de Paris, ‘a goodnight kiss from Paris’, this limited-edition eye mask is exclusive to Blue Illusion and will help you have a restful, peaceful night’s sleep. This mask is presented in a matching satin double drawstring bag for added French luxury.
Indulge yourself or someone special with our exclusive Nathalie Lété gifts for Bastille Day. Shop the collection in-store or online at blueillusion.com
