Renowned fashion designer and founder of ‘KANKAN’ Karine Dupouy exploring our local design spaces |24 February 2021
‘I want to one day know everything there is to know about design’
Seychelles NATION recently learnt that well-known Seychellois fashion designer and founder of the famous ‘KANKAN’ brand, Karine Dupouy, has ventured into the world of jewellery designing, and has also been working on some companies’ design concepts and brand identities.
Ms Dupouy studied fashion at the world-renowned Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London in 2010.
In 2012, she launched ‘Kankan’ – a brand in Seychelles offering unique fashion items and which all reflect our local culture.
In the following interview, we find out if she has completely moved away from fashion designing and all about her new ventures. We also managed to get some information from her about the latest and upcoming trends in jewellery.
Seychelles NATION: Now that you are developing your skills in some other areas, does this mean that you are moving away completely from fashion?
Karine Dupouy: While I have not moved away from fashion designing and KANKAN still has shops in the hotels for now, I felt like I just needed a little break from it as I was not getting as inspired anymore.
Venturing into jewellery design was just an experiment which turned out to be something I enjoy very much. I love learning new things and want to know one day everything there is to know about design. I'm always learning from YouTube channels and trying to keep up to date on new trends.
I will surely get back into fashion one day; it is what I know best and what I studied, so I'm sure I will venture into something as soon as things go back to normal.
Seychelles NATION: Tell us all about your latest ventures.
Karine Dupouy: During these past two years, I have been designing jewellery as a freelancer for a company. Being in Seychelles, inspiration for jewellery designing flows to me. Since everything is done locally, it is easy to get quite creative. I try to create new shapes and styles which are in trend now, and a fit for everyone.
I have also worked for a few companies, designing their page layouts for their social media accounts; I do the photography work, their graphics, and the rebranding of their Instagram accounts.
During quarantine, I learned about videography, which I have enjoyed so much. I have worked on a few campaign adverts so far.
Recently, I got appointed to do the uniform design concept for Mango House, Seychelles by LXR Hotels and Resorts. I had so much fun doing so, as it was like creating a collection that I have not done in a while.
It will be unique as they have five different outlet restaurants and all the uniforms will be different, but always blending in with the beautiful colours of the South of Mahé. It will be fun, homely, and not your usual “uniforms”.
This is definitely something I want to continue doing, as I have fun creating new concepts, and working with the company was great as they let me be as creative as I wanted.
I really cannot wait to see the outcome!
Seychelles NATION: What are some of the trends in jewellery that we can expect to see over the course of this year?
Karine Dupouy: I think that we have all been in quarantine enough this past year, that it’s time to shine now. Go all out with your beautiful pieces, make the most of it. Zoom meetings being the new trend, why not even add some colours to the camera?
The jewellery trends for 2021 are mismatched earrings, alphabets on your statement pieces, colourful beads, pearls and gold, and so much more surprises coming up for us!
I've always said that accessories are what can enhance a garment. Never be shy to accessorise; mix it up a bit, go from the thinner pieces of jewellery to the more “wow” effect in the evenings.
Seychelles NATION: What are your hopes for your career in the future?
Karine Dupouy: I have always wanted to be a freelance designer. I have been training myself in videography which is really something I would like to venture out on.
For example, doing creative documentaries on the older generation of Seychelles; they have so much history to talk about, they are the happiest people I know, and I always want to get as much information from them about the ways they used to live in the old days.
I think this is why I've always only painted older faces for my portraits artwork. They have the most amazing expressions; each line on their faces is almost as if there was a story about them.
I also want to keep doing design concepts for companies, brand identities, uniform concepts and anything else to revamp a brand's image.
Painting is also something I have not done in a while, so I would like to take some time and do more portraits to one day have an exhibition of my own, hopefully.
My partner and I love the sea so much; our dream is to one day do a YouTube channel about our ventures at sea and do some travelling videos.
At the moment I've been so busy with other parts of my job that it's hard to keep up with my hobbies, but still, there is so much I would like to work on!
For more information:
- Follow @karine.dupouy on Instagram
- Email: karine.dupouy@gmail.com
F. P.
Photo sources: Karine Dupouy