Meet Araminta, founder of La Coquine. Emblematic of the South of France lifestyle and cool-girl chic, get to know more about Araminta, her brand, and some of her fav NYC spots below!

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1. Tell me about La Coquine. How was it created?

La Coquine was created about a year ago, during a trip back home to see my family in the South of France. I had gotten into the habit of bringing an empty suitcase to fill with goods I would find at the flea markets near my parents home. My clothing and accessories collection grew because even if something wasn’t entirely my style, I often felt that some pieces were too unique and beautiful to leave behind. When my closet finally reached maximum capacity, that’s when I started to sell.

I kept the essence of the brand true to the place where I grew up in France, a village filled with markets, artisans, local shops, and lots of beautiful landscapes. I wanted to bring this slow-paced lifestyle to NYC. It was an instant success, maybe because it aligns well with the current cottage-core trend. If it weren’t for my bi-annual trips to France, these pieces would never have been able to be purchased by someone living in the US. That’s also where La Coquine’s unique advantage lies.

2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of La Coquine

La Coquine is cheeky yet innocent.

3. Describe your style in three words.

Elegant, Feminine, and Artisanal

4. What inspires you?

Artisans and their hand work. In my hometown, I remember visiting a glass-maker who’s focus at the time was to restore the village's church window panes. Her work was so unique, vibrant, and perfectly imperfect. It really saddened me when she said her craft was a dying one. I’m always on the lookout for artists that make things with their own hands. In their pieces, you can almost see every moment they took to make it.

5. What are your favorite pieces to source? What does this process look like?

Anything with natural materials and muted colors. I aim to only source clothing that is made with linen, hemp, cotton, wool, leather, ramie… etc. In a world full of plastic, I look for natural fibers which last longer and look better with time, even when worn down. The same goes with color, I prefer washed out or faded pinks, blues, yellows and purples. They are easier to style and wear on the daily. After material and color, I look for good structure, something that fits the body well. But in the end, I always look for pieces that could potentially be someone’s favorite piece in their closet.

6. What are 3 staple items that everyone should have?

A favorite piece of jewelry - something that captures your aura and goes with most outfits you wear. A few people have mentioned the ‘Biche de Bere’ necklaces I sell do this. Since they come in a few different colors, you have to find the right one for you and your style.
A pair of ballet flats - I’m biased on this one, but everyone needs their go-to ballet flats to soften or feminize any outfit.
A leather bag - When it comes to leather, I am a firm believer that natural leather is better for the environment than ‘fake’ leather (which really is just plastic!). Any size leather bag immediately elevates your outfit. I also love the look of worn leather, the older the better, so go find your dream leather bag and wear the life out of it!

7. What’s next for La Coquine?

I’m glad you asked… La Coquine will continue to build and share its unique vintage collection from Europe, but I am currently in the process of designing the brand's first Ready-to-Wear pieces. I believe in the process of slow-fashion, so I am closely working with manufacturers to create pieces which will encapsulate the brand's true essence. This collection will focus on what I seek in vintage clothing, natural materials and lived-in colors.

Rapid Fire:

1. Favorite brand?

Lemaire

2. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?

Christopher Lemaire

3. Favorite place?

Anywhere in Sicily

4. Favorite drink spot in NYC?

I don’t drink alcohol, but my favorite tea spot at the moment is Floating Mountain

5. Favorite restaurant in NYC?

So hard to choose… but most recently I would say Fradei Bistro in Brooklyn

6. Favorite style icon?