Family
A Stay in London with the Co-Founder of Vestiaire Collective.
At
Fanny Moizant, Louise 9 and Jeanne 8 years old
Fanny Moizant is co-founder of Vestiaire Collective, the luxury resale store that needs no introduction, and decided to move to the bustling centre of London with her family. This marks the start of a new life for her two daughters, who didn’t speak a single word of English before the move. Four months later, they have made a life here. The girls are bilingual, and Fanny seems to have forgotten about her past Parisian life. Busy and delighted with her new life, Fanny is a mum with a hectic schedule! Her typically English house is set out over three floors, and reveals a bit of her mix & match style. This wonderful life with her family almost made The Socialite Family wants to move as well!
Location
LONDON
Author
Constance Gennari
Photos and videos
Constance Gennari
TSF
Fanny, what do you do?
Fanny
I founded Vestiaire Collective five years ago. It’s a market place focussed on high-end and luxury fashion. Today I’m more specifically involved in the communication side of things, as well as developing the English and German markets based in London.
TSF
How long have you lived in London?
Fanny
My family and I all left Paris 18 months ago to move to London. It’s a fantastic city! It’s full of energy, people come from all over the world, and on top of everything there’s the typical English composure and humour. It’s a perfect mix.
TSF
What education did you recieve in interior decoration?
Fanny
My education was indirect. We never really discussed it at home, but I saw my mother buy beautiful pieces. As as a child I sometimes loved them, and sometimes found them very odd! I remember the imposing solid wood table from Cassina, and the Pipistrello lamp.
TSF
Are beautiful décor and family life compatible?
Fanny
Not always. I’ve put functionality above beauty for a long time. At least when the children were small. When they were 5 or 6, I was able to go back to a décor that suited us!
TSF
What pieces, works or furniture do you prefer at home?
Fanny
Without a second thought, those with a story, those that remind me of something or someone. Like this barber’s cabinet. I have no idea why, but it was in my parents’ garage since I was a child. It now means so much to me. It’s a little slice of that time, and I live it again and again every day.
TSF
What is the craziest piece you dream of?
Fanny
A giant scupture by Nathalie Decoster that I would put in the garden I don’t currently have!
TSF
Where do you feel best?
Fanny
In my kitchen. Since I was little the kitchen has always been a meeting point for the family, a place filled with warmth and sharing.
TSF
What piece of décor advice would you give us?
Fanny
Think about big buys beforehand: always take the time before purchasing a beautiful piece. It’s important to know if it’s just an impulse, or if you are going to love living with it for several years. For everything else, just do it! Impulse buys are are often the most successful.
A house is not a hotel. Not everything has to be perfect. The house should adapt to you, and not the other way round. You need to feel good living there!
TSF
What poor taste mistake should be avoided?
Fanny
Doing too much! A house is not a hotel. Not everything has to be perfect. The house should adapt to you, and not the other way round. You need to feel good living there!
TSF
Which cheap piece are you most proud of?
Fanny
My pink pig with wings. I got it for a few euros at a car-boot sale. It makes me smile every morning when I see it.
TSF
Which restaurant would you recommend in London or elsewhere?
Fanny
I’m a fan of Roka, a Japanese restaurant literally opposite my home. The food is excellent, and you can watch the chefs working in the open, central kitchen. I love it!
TSF
Which two décor addresses would you recommend online or in London?
Fanny
Shop Good Mood: my friend Camillo launched a brilliant concept. He coaches people for their interior decoration for free, and offers a specialised catalogue of designer pieces. Modes d’hier: Simon and John, two English guys living in the south of France have two second-hand shops in the pretty village of Cotignac. They found me lots of beautiful, bargain pieces for a family home in the south of France. They’re real gems! Forest London: a selection of Scandinavian vintage objects and furniture to die for, with a boutique in London just next to my office. I daydream in front of the shop window every day.
