[Not Yet Available in Japan] Creating Vibrant Silk Scarves from Sketches: France's "Creature Marseille"

Marseille, the second largest city in France, is rapidly emerging as a cultural hub. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant number of working adults in their 30s and 40s have relocated to this beautiful natural region.

Pauline Paranthoën, the founder of the scarf brand Creature Marseille, is one such individual who was captivated by the light, colors, and atmosphere of this place and decided to make it her home. She collaborates with local artisans to create silk scarves, expressing the beauty of Marseille through art and interior decor.

We spoke with Pauline about the creative process of translating the unique Mediterranean aesthetics into her work.

Surrounded by sea and mountains, Marseille, the largest port city in France, is no longer just appealing to the French but also to Europeans. With events such as the Paris Olympics set to take place in Marseille during the summer of 2024, the city is seeing increased buzz.

In the years since the pandemic, the city has experienced a surge of vibrant new restaurants, concept stores, and cultural spots, highlighting brands based in Marseille.

Among them, "Creature Marseille" stands out for its works that reflect the vividness and dynamism created by nature, turning these elements into everyday items.

Founder Pauline, a Parisian by birth, moved to Marseille after spending 36 years in Paris. “The sea and light of southern France inspired me and nurtured a rich spirit,” she reflects on her move.

“Soon after arriving in Marseille, I began painting, captivated by the unique light of the region. When creating art, I envision my works coming to life, illuminating daily moments.”

Before establishing the brand, she gained diverse experiences in fields such as public relations, publishing, e-commerce, and UX design. This varied experience has fostered her ability to bridge different perspectives and disciplines, leading to the unique worldview established within "Creature Marseille," driven by creativity.

Incorporating Beauty into Everyday Life

She began her creative journey drawing inspiration from the visual richness of the Mediterranean, starting with paintings and art prints.

“Over time, I wanted to breathe life into my paintings, enriching people’s lives by taking them on journeys and allowing them to wear them. I started to think about connecting fashion and art, and silk scarves naturally became my creative canvas,” she shares about her artistic journey.

The first project at "Creature Marseille" was a silk scarf printed with hand-painted artwork.

Scarves are versatile and timeless fashion pieces, aligning perfectly with her ideal of creating “wearable art.”

Eventually, she expanded the brand to include home decorations such as blankets made from jacquard fabric, and now offers canvas stools and handmade pottery.

Her work features a vibrant color palette that reflects the natural beauty of Marseille, evoking emotions, inspiration, and joyful energy, creating “unique artworks that are functional and decorative.”

“I love that my work brings joy to people. I don't want to limit myself to a single field or choose between fashion, interior decor, or art. I'm aiming to create a unique world that seamlessly fits into everyday life.

"This also allows me to explore new areas of expertise and craftsmanship,” she explains.

The greatest source of inspiration comes from the everyday sights of Marseille: the vivid colors of the sea, the rich textures of nature, the forms of diverse flora and fauna, and the warmth of the local people—all of which nurture her creativity.

“The diverse flora and fauna, along with the variety of cultures in the world, stimulate my imagination while creating an infinite palette of colors and patterns. Sometimes I enjoy creating flowers, animals, or patterns that don’t exist in reality, but feel familiar in some way.

"Capturing the richness of creations that nature offers and expressing them through hand-painted works is my objective. 'Creature Marseille' is a tribute to color, light, vibrancy, and a free spirit,” she concludes.

Craftsmanship & Creation of "Creature Marseille"

All products originate from Pauline's hand-drawn illustrations. They are meticulously created in collaboration with artisans and small workshops that value environmentally conscious production and assured quality.

For example, production is carried out in small batches at traditional silk factories near Lake Como, Italy, where skilled techniques are passed down. They focus on the quality of each piece rather than mass production.

Only environmentally friendly natural materials and recycled materials are used. Balancing high quality and environmental consideration is the belief of "Creature Marseille."

Pauline's creations, made using the goodness of natural materials and environmentally friendly methods, add color to our lives. Both the scarves and accessories are special items that resonate with the light and abundance of the Mediterranean.

The collaboration with artisans in creating these works stems from a desire to pass down their skills and wisdom to the next generation. Slowly growing, "Creature Marseille" plans to incorporate new materials and create items that adorn spaces, such as cushions and tablecloths.

"Through my works, I want to bring joy, new discoveries, and a free spirit to people. This is the foundation of my creation process. I wish to continue collaborating with artisans and brands that share the same values, cherishing beautiful colors and solid techniques."

Pauline's smile, when she speaks, shines brightly like the sun in Marseille. The creativity nurtured by the Mediterranean nature will likely continue to weave new stories in the future.