We’re excited to have Clare Vivier, founder and designer of CLARE VIVIER, her eponymous handbag line, guest curating an exclusive collection of art as part of our ongoing series. Having collaborated with Theory, Steven Alan, Refinery 29, Commune, Wren, and Jasmin Shokrian, Clare’s point-of-view is highly sought after. Read on to learn about the first artwork she bought, what’s on her inspiration board, and the role art plays in her life.

Check out Clare’s collection of art, curated especially for Saatchi Online

Photo credit: Rebecca Hill

Born of Clare’s need for a stylish laptop case, CLARE VIVIER is now a global brand of ethically and locally-manufactured accessories that are truly as chic as they are utilitarian. Like her handbags and clutches, Clare’s collection of art is timeless yet bold, mixing French glamour with California cool, clearly a reflection of the “elegant tension” she conjures “between modern detail and classic shapes.”

Getting to Know…

Clare Vivier

Founder & Creative Director, Clare Vivier

How do you describe your personal style?
My style is a mix of high and low, contemporary and vintage.

Portrait of Clare by Louise Bonnet

How would you describe your taste in art? What are you most drawn to?
I am drawn to color and abstract paintings. I am lucky to have a best friend who owns a gallery, Heather Taylor of Taylor de Cordoba, to point me in the right direction!

What role does art play in your life?
It inspires my design and brings life to my home and office!

How does art inspire you?
The colors I see, the shapes, and the history, all of it informs my design.

What do you collect?
Simone Shubuck, Frohawk Two Feathers, Louise Bonnet, Jeana Sohn, and Deedee Cheriell, and flea market finds.

If you could only have one piece of art in your life, what would it be?
I would be content with having one of my son’s drawings be my only piece, he is a great artist.

Which artist would you most like to meet?
I would have loved to meet Louise Bourgeois. I heard she held weekly salons full of interesting women, and I would have loved to attend one!

What was the first piece of art you purchased?
A small photograph from a photographer in San Francisco for a couple hundred dollars, which was a lot of money to me at the time. It was of a woman but it was an obstructed view, I loved it.

Clare’s inspiration board behind her desk. Photo credit: Michael Edwards

What does the art in your home say about you?
Most of the art in my home was made by friends. I think that says a lot about how lucky I am to have such creative people in my life!

What was the last museum or gallery you visited?
I visited the Walker Art Center to see Cindy Sherman’s exhibition, it was incredible.

If you could paint, draw, sculpt, photograph, etc. what skill would you most like to possess?
I would love to be able to paint. To be able to zone out and create something would be so nice!