FASHTALKS WITH VF x VICTOIRE FOCX

What was your first job out of college, and how did you land that position?

My first job out of college was an internship with Patti Wilson. I remember seeing her name in many of the international Vogue credits, so I looked her up online, got her phone number, and asked her for an internship within 2 minutes of the call.

What inspired you to create your own brand? 

As a child, I was fascinated by textiles and moved on to design prints and patchwork onto the leather. I realized that I had more liberty to take risks in design details with handbags (because it’s on a smaller scale) in comparison to apparel. I enjoy these aesthetic risks, so I decided to launch my line of handbags.

Did you always know you wanted to be a designer? Why or Why not?

I knew I wanted to become a professional designer very early on in my childhood. I watched my mother create fashion sketches while she was studying at F.I.T. and I would use her drawings as inspiration for my own.

What is the inspiration for your brand’s name?

Claude Sabbah, a Paris-based fashion designer, inspired my brand's name. He knew that my middle name is Victory, and my father’s last name is Fox; he translated Victory to the French name Victoire, and took the “C” in my first name (Constance), and added it to my father’s last name to make it Focx. So that’s how I got the name, Victoire Focx.

What is your favorite part about being a designer?

My favorite part about being a designer is the multitude of sources from which I can draw inspiration. I can design a bag from looking at a hair dryer or a blowtorch. Creative inspiration rests in all things for me.

"I believe my greatest strength is my fortitude. My greatest weakness is my idealism."

What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?

I believe my greatest strength is my fortitude. My greatest weakness is my idealism.

Where do you draw inspiration from for your designs?

My handbag designs are largely inspired by contemporary architectural structures.

What other designers or brands inspire you? Why?

Thierry Mugler and Gianni Versace are absolute legends; the extravagance of their designs and runway shows really raised the bar for creative excellence. As for contemporary designers, I’m quite impressed by Pyer Moss. The Pyer Moss brand intertwines provocative images and visual messages onto stunning silhouettes with painstaking workmanship. It’s quite progressive.

How would you define your brand's customer?

My brand’s customer is 18-28 years old Bohemian Prepster, who validates trends with her own quirky, personal touch.

How do you want your customer to feel when wearing your handbags?

I want my buyer to feel proud of her investment – having a renewed confidence as she carries her VF bag.

What makes your brand stand out from others?

I believe my brand distinguishes itself in the marriage of multipurpose functionality and design all in 1 bag. Each bag can always be worn in at least 3 different ways, so in purchasing 1 bag I’m actually gifting you 2 additional bag styles.

"I’d like my brand to be recognized as a tangible coalescence of beauty, function, and design innovation."

What would you like your brand to be recognized for?

I’d like my brand to be recognized as a tangible coalescence of beauty, function, and design innovation.

Do you feel working in the fashion industry is different today than from when you started out? Why or why not?

The fashion industry has evolved to be far more of a technology-driven field over the past 10 years. There’s more emphasis on Instagram feeds and influencer partnerships than there is on actual design and alliances with editors.

How important is social media to your brand?

Social media has a great importance in translating the spirit of my brand through interesting images and the thoughtful words that accompany them. Someone can come across my feed without being an existing follower, but may become a fan simply scrolling through related images and stumbling upon VF x Victoire Focx accessories.

How do you define fashion?

For me, fashion is the sartorial connection of creativity with one’s lifestyle choices. 

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is equal parts practical and provocative. A plunging neckline on a belted moo-moo, accessorized by sky-high espadrilles.

What does the word “success” mean to you?

For me, success means 100% dedication to my pursuit, without compromising my values along the way.

What advice would you give to young designers just starting out and hoping to make it in the industry?

I would advise all young designers to immerse themselves in history (art, architectural and political) and remain updated with contemporary trends – not just fashion trends, but social and political trends. This will all diversify your perspective, which is the well spring of one’s creativity. A business or marketing class is also a great idea.

What has been your biggest accomplishment as a designer to date? 

I believe my biggest accomplishment to date has been my unwavering perseverance in building my brand and disregarding naysayers, negativity and discouragement – those are the greatest enemies of all. 

Are you passionate about something other than fashion?

Apart from fashion, I’m quite passionate about hospitality pursuits within the culinary world. The dining experience/restaurant industry is something I hope to invest in at some point in the future. I’m also a journalist, writing for the London-based publications Schon! and 1883 magazine. I very much enjoy writing.

If you could visit one place in the entire world, where would it be and why?

If I could visit one place in the entire world, right now… I would simply go in my living room and spend time with my mom. This pandemic has really brought my family closer and there’s no place like home, especially when it’s filled with people you love.