Whoever would have imagined a plate could make you laugh? And yet that it precisely what artist Laetitia Rouget’s eponymous brand achieves – or at the very least, a wry smile. With her playful and witty approach and vibrant use of colour, Laetitia Rouget has carved a niche for herself in the world of homeware.
Originally from France, Laetitia Rouget moved to London to study at Central Saint Martins, and she quickly fell in love with the city’s eccentricity and freedom of expression. Having grown up in a family deeply involved in the porcelain business, Laetitia begun her career in fashion design before finding herself drawn back to ceramics.
Now based in Hackney, East London, Laetitia’s pieces are made as she says ‘with love and naughtiness’ by artisans in Portugal. With each piece, she invites us to find joy in the everyday – be it a plate, a candleholder or a decorative piece – it is infused with her signature wit and whimsy.
We sat down with Laetitia to talk about her creative process, the influence of nature and family, and how she combines her love for ceramics with her sense of humour and style.
Q&A with Laetitia Rouget
1. Your work has a strong sense of humour and wit – how important is playfulness in your approach to design?
Playfulness has always been an important component of my work and state of mind. I believe that the world is a playground and it’s important to not take things too seriously; to keep discovering as a child, and let your creativity be without boundaries.
2. Colour plays a major role in your work. How do you choose the colour palette for each of your designs?
I have some favourite colours that I use in most of my work, but I like to experiment and try new things too. Colour has always been one of my favourite things, and I like to play with it in order to convey the message I want to share.
3. How does London differ creatively from Paris?
I think London is more fun and eccentric, while Paris tends to be more classical and elegant. London has been a great place for me to explore and be more free in my practise, and today I try to use both influences in my work.
4. Your family is in the porcelain business – what was it like growing up around that?
Tableware has always been at the centre stage of discussions in my family. When I was a child, I remember my dad looking at the back of the plate when we went to a restaurant to see who the designer was. I think this idea of a beautiful table stayed with me, but I wanted to explore it in my own way and with my personality.
5. Were ceramics always going to be the canvas for your work?
I don’t know; I like the fact that things change and evolve. At the moment, ceramic is a big part of my daily work as I feel I still have so much to explore in this area. However, I enjoy learning about new mediums too, and I am currently developing a new glassware and textile collection.
LAETITIA ROUGET VASES IN HER STUDIO
6. What is it that especially appeals to you about ceramics?
I am in love with the process of ceramics, and the meditative feeling one can get while working with clay. I like to let my head wander and be guided by the clay itself without having to think, but by being present and feeling what should be the next step.
7. You originally worked in fashion design – what inspired you to become a homeware designer?
Yes, I started my career as a print designer in fashion, and the transition to ceramics came very naturally and organically. I’ve always been very manual and love to develop new things, so I slowly started to show my work and sell it during exhibitions. Then a few clients trusted in my ceramic work, allowing me to push this area and create my eponymous brand.
8. Who or what are your muses and inspirations?
I think life and nature are what inspire me the most in my work. I like to be inspired by the feeling of a place and the people surrounding me who make me laugh. Nature’s insane beauty is always a very important source of inspiration in terms of shape and colour. My favourite living artist is the Zambian-born conceptual artist Hylton Nel, who I met a few years ago and who convinced me to start working with ceramics.
9. How are your pieces made? Can you talk us through the process from concept to firing?
I first draw some ideas on paper, and then start building my shape. Once I have my final shape, I create a mould from it and produce the first biscuit pieces. Then I like to try different painting combinations, and when I am happy with it I share my work with artisans in Portugal who help me paint it by hand and reproduce it.
10. How do you want people to feel when they see or interact with your designs?
I want people to feel joy and optimism, and if I can get a cheeky smile from them too, then my day is fulfilled!
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Shop our Laetitia Rouget collection here
