Top: Cherry René-Bazin and model in Cherry Chau Design Bottom: Cherry Chau Boutique in Marshall Field's State Street Store

Cherry René-Bazin, designer of Cherry Chau Jets from Paris to Chicago to Style Fans....

Meet designer Cherry René-Bazin this Thursday, April 15 from 10 am – 4 pm for a fashion solutions workshop: A complete makeover with Cherry Chau’s Accessories in Chicago at Marshall Fields State Street. Her designs are splashed across the globe in specialty stores and boutiques in Paris (France: Galeries Lafayette, Samaritaine), London (UK : Selfridges, Harvey Nichols -6 outlets) and in the US (like Henri Bendel, Bergdorf Goodman, Marshall Field’s and Saks).

We were able to catch up with the busy designer before she jets to Chicago from Paris to dish on living and working in the “haute couture” city and on her home in Normandy, her favorite shops worldwide and what type of woman is a Cherry Chau gal...

FACTIO MAGAZINE: According to you, what sets your designs apart?
CHERRY RENÉ BAZIN: I think my passion in various crafts and my curiosity allows me to create pieces using very different materials and techniques. I mix a big variety of materials and compose them into coiffes [a Cherry Chau alternative to a hat, lighter, set on a hairband or a comb], hair ornaments, scarves and shawls, hand bags and belts. In fact when I “design”, I consider it play and maybe it's the playfullness and the unconventional use of materials that sets my work apart.

FM: What women (from which city worldwide) have great style and why? And, where is your favorite place to travel?
CR-B: I dont think I can say what ladies have great style. I love going to black tie events in London because people there really make 100% effort to dress up and are totally flamboyant. Maybe it’s their tradition of dressing up for dinner and the fact that they had a fashion icon in the royal family that inspired them. I like people watching in New York and Chicago, the styles are totally eclectic. And of course in Paris and Rome, women are aware of their look and they make an effort to dress well and look good on a day to day basis.

I do not have a favorite place to travel to. I love going to different places for different reasons. And I do not like being a tourist. Like Asia for the sight and smell, Chicago for the open space in the city . But I love going to far away places and try to live the life of the people there, finding an apartment to stay, meeting people, shopping locally.

FM: How does your diverse background of being born in Hong Kong and living and working in Paris inspire you ? How does the chateau in Normandy that you share with your husband help your downtime?
CR-B: My different stages of life in various countries definitely opens up my spirit. I feel that I sponge up the diversity of culture. Oh, Paris is so rich in beauty that every corner you turn, you get great finds, be it the facade of a building, a monument, a bridge or a metro station. I really enjoy living and working there.

The chateau in Normandy is idealic. It is a sanctuary for Philippe and I. It is right in front of the sea and there is a little river that cascades down to the back of the chateau. We love being idle there. We light up a roaring fire in the huge fireplace in the kitchen no matter what season of the year.

In the courtyard, there is this 600 year old big tree all snarled up and twisted. A few winters ago I have wondered if it would die because it was all bare and looked so very tired, but every spring, new shoots come out and florish into a huge umbrella of leaves. When I am down, I would sit on top of the steps and look out at the tree and the sea and the surroundings and I would feel better. Also we are surrrounded by cousins and friends who make downtime very short lived.... and I have a workshop so I don't stay idle too long!

FM: What are your favorite shops in Paris? Worlwide?
CR-B: I like the little nameless boutiques that carry eclectic bits and pieces from different designers in the Marais and in Montmatre area. Wherever I go, I like visiting the local designers corners. In London, I like this arcade under the flyover at the end of portobello market a lot. I have quite a few good finds there.

FM: What inspires you for all your accessory designs?
CR-B: Everything that surrounds me can inspire me. I created a range of tiaras from observing the winter twigs that are left unburned inside the big fireplace at home.

FM: What type of women wear your designs?
CR-B: What could I say ? The wild party type of London, as well as the young professional lady working in the city who wants an instant makeover when she switches from work to evening. The chic Parisienne, the bride, the mother of the bride... A Cherry Chau girl has so many personnalities!

During the April 15th Fashion Workshop with Cherry Chau, you'll get a gift with purchase: when you spend $150, you'll get a gorgeous flower clip ($25 retail value).

For more information on Cherry, please view her bio Click Here