Name: Marie Saint Pierre Title: President and Artistic Director Company: Maison Marie Saint Pierre Study Program: DEC in Fashion Design Degree obtained in: 1986
What position do you hold and what are your main responsibilities?
I have been the president and artistic director since the Maison was created 30 years ago. My creative team and I develop six collections per year: spring, atelier summer, fall, atelier winter, cruise and a collaboration. A large part of my responsibilities are also related to business development and communication.
Could you describe a typical day in your professional life?
These days, my role is to support the various teams in their work, from idea to implementation, which includes the creative process, production, communication and marketing.
What is your fondest memory of your days at LaSalle College?
What was your favorite subject in the curriculum? Do you use what you learned now in your career? Do you have any stories to share?
My favorite subject was patterns and molding. I still use this knowledge today as I develop my products. I’ve always loved the technical aspect of my work. I’ll always remember my first pattern project. I was supposed to make a skirt. The only requirement was that it could not have draping. And guess what I made: a skirt with two asymmetric drapes. I already wanted to challenge the norms!
Could you describe the general impression you had when you started at LaSalle College?
I was happy throughout my studies and honestly, I loved all the subjects. I felt like I was fully in my element.
What surprised you the most when you entered the job market?
I graduated in May 1986 and I found that the job market wasn’t interested in training creators. People were looking more for technicians, pattern makers and the like. I think it’s still the same now. That said, it’s important to emphasize the technical work for students.
What advice would you give to a student currently enrolled in the same program that you completed?
It’s crucial to do internships to learn more about the various related professions and to realize that these are often creative and rewarding, and are sometimes even better paying.
What are the essential qualities required to succeed in your field?
In addition to being fully committed every day, you have to know how to equip yourself in order to visualize the next steps. You have to be resilient, as well as daring. You have to believe in yourself and your idea, while still keeping an open mind.
Who are the role models that inspire you?
Artists, visionaries, businesspeople.
Something to add that could inspire the next generation?
You have to be dedicated to your passion, be patient, accept that you’ll make mistakes along the way. You have to stay up-to-date. It’s essential to understand culture in general in order to develop your vision.
