1, 2, 3… Partez!
The countdown to France is on!
We’re going to Paris for our family summer vacation, and we’re activating full French mode with a five-week break. Anything shorter than two weeks is not considered a vacation by any true Frenchman (Or Frenchwoman, like me) anyway.
Visiting a Living Art Gallery
As soon as I’m going to set foot on French soil, I know I’ll be hit by the natural sophistication of everything around me (and the smell of fresh bread).
I always wonder why French people look so good and put together in any circumstances. There’s something mystifying about style in this country that I can’t explain and that I hope I inherited.
It is like a living gallery, where art is not confined to museums but is part of everyday life. The fashion on the streets, the architecture, and the history at any street’s corner all contribute to a culture of creativity and elegance that is uniquely French. This environment nurtured my artistic soul and always inspired me as I grew up surrounded by it.
It’s going to be five weeks of cultural visits (my kids’ favorite—just kidding) and decadent food (my husband's favorite—no joke), but what I really look forward to is reconnecting and refilling with the real French essence (and no, I’m not talking about wine).
The Importance of Beauty in Everyday Life
France is where I learned to appreciate the finer things in life and the importance of beauty and art in everyday life.
These lessons have stayed with me, influencing my approach to my personal style and my work with Nanat. When I create a new baby blanket, I incorporate the same sense of beauty and care I see in the world around me.
The influence of French culture on my art is profound. From the elegance of Parisian fashion to the timeless beauty of French cities, every aspect of my creative process is touched by the essence of France. The delicate patterns and beautiful fabric I use in Nanat’s products are a tribute to the sophistication and attention to detail that embodies the French spirit.
When I design a new piece, I draw inspiration from the world around me. My goal is to create products that are not only beautiful but also carry a piece of my heritage. Each blanket and swaddle is a work of art, designed to wrap babies in the warmth and hint of French culture.
A Parisian with Deep Roots and a Modest Background
For me, returning to France is a journey back to my roots. It's a chance to reconnect with the places and people that have shaped who I am today. My son was born in France, and this adds an extra little something to our visits. The house I grew up in was also his for the first months of his life. Each trip feels like a homecoming, not just to a place but to a part of ourselves that remains deeply intimate with my son.
Going back to my parent's house and staying with them for 5 weeks is not the most glamorous part of the trip, but it’s a throwback to where I come from and who I am. Parisian, yes, but from a modest background. They are my people—funny, taking life slowly with a laid-back attitude. I can’t wait for the belly laughs that gonna hurt and leave us in stitches. For me, happiness is as vital as style for creativity, and I know they’ll fill up my bucket with plenty of “glimmers” for the year to come.
Beauty That’s Not Just in Museums
There are no professional artists in my family, but that doesn’t matter. My family’s love and support gave me the confidence to follow my dreams. They always encouraged me to pursue an artistic career, even though they were complete strangers to the art world.
My parents took me to Le Louvre once, and we visited Versailles together—these visits left a lasting impression on me (unlike my kids, who almost died of boredom while visiting it).
However, the most valuable lessons my parents taught me about style and beauty came from our family trips! I remember how thoughtful they were in choosing the most scenic routes, ensuring the journey was enjoyable simply by driving through beautiful landscapes and sites. Now, let’s be honest, I didn’t really see it that way at the time—those roads were far from straight highways, and I was usually car-sick lying down in the back seat, closing my eyes to make sure not to feel worse. But the stops to catch our breath and visit charming villages, the “Ooohs” and “Aaahs” as we took in the scenery (and caught some fresh air)—these moments taught me to appreciate the beauty in our surroundings just as much as any piece of art in a museum.
French influence on Nanat
This is what inspires me when I create illustrations for Nanat. I remember the simple beauty of everyday moments from my childhood. I transform little things that most people overlook—like bugs—into little gems. I enjoy turning what might seem boring or scary into something beautiful and appealing. It's up to us to find the extraordinary in the ordinary. As Oscar Wilde once said, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.”.
I tell stories in beautiful and unexpected ways, hiding secrets within each illustration. I hope to spark curiosity and invite viewers into a wonderful world—where bugs and flowers become one; little pigs sport stylish tattoos, and scary skulls charm with their flower crowns.
I believe that offering beauty at an early age helps children develop a sense of aesthetics and elegance (this is my inner Coco Chanel talking). The French writer Champfleury captured this idea perfectly: "The smallest glimpse of beauty perceived by a child predisposes them to delicacy and the development of taste.”
What we surrender our kids with matters. We shouldn’t underestimate their ability to perceive, feel and marvel.
Wearing Nanat is like becoming Parisian, no matter where you are. It instantly brings the French attitude and style, transforming your baby into a true embodiment of elegance and charm.
As I continue my journey, both as an artist and a mother, France remains my endless source of inspiration and strength. The foundations of my work are the love and support of my family, the rich cultural heritage, and the ever-present beauty of this land.
Through Nanat, I hope to share a piece of this magic with families everywhere, wrapping each baby in the warmth and elegance of French style.
So, whether you're strolling through the streets of a fancy place across the world or just navigating the aisles of your local grocery store (searching for those darn pickles you can never find), know that a touch of French charm is always within reach with Nanat.
Leave a comment and share your stories. I'd love to hear your thoughts! Have you ever found inspiration in unexpected places? I’m curious to hear what sparks your curiosity and creativity.
Bon Voyage!
xo,
Melanie