Meet Faustine Martin, our photographer for Liberté Through the lens of Faustine Martin

Faustine Martin photographed our “Liberté” collection.

We took the opportunity to talk to her about her career, what inspires her, and her future plans.

Could you tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Faustine, I’m 31 years old and I was born in Marseille, where I still live. 

How did you get into photography?

Before becoming a photographer, I studied Pharmacy and worked as a pharmacist for a year. But it wasn’t right for me. I had been passionate about photography since I was a child, and I finally gave up my career in the healthcare industry to devote myself to it… I’m self-taught, I didn’t receive any specific training – I trained myself, on the job. I started with shoots for modelling agencies, and then posted my work on Instagram, that’s how I got my name out there…

What was the shoot for the “Liberté” collection like?

It was a shoot in which I felt very free. Alix de Moussac (Co-Founder of the brand) had clear and specific references when it came to the inspiration for the collection, but I was able to let myself be carried away by the sets we had on location, working with the natural and sun-drenched atmosphere of Morocco, where we shot the collection. The idea was to emphasise the light and the colours, but also to experiment and work with the breeze. We wanted to create images that were very free, light and open… 

What is your creative process?

I work very much on instinct. I like to work with natural light and not be too confined by prerequisites. It allows me to deal with the unexpected, and to look for imperfections, so I can avoid an execution that seems too polished or static. I like the images I create to be full of life, and this was particularly important for the “Liberté” collection shoot.

What are the influences that inspire your work?

 I’m very much influenced by the Mediterranean. It’s present in my work, but also in my daily life. It’s a way of life, or an “art de vivre” (the art of living well), that I love. The chiaroscuro, the textured walls, the pine trees and the sea are all part of this environment that moves me and that I love to photograph. 

What do you think of when you think about La Nouvelle?

When I think of La Nouvelle, I think of the world of The Serpent, the TV series. In this series you have tropical countries, the 70s, heroines. La Nouvelle also reminds me of some of Guy Bourdin’s work…

How would you describe the La Nouvelle woman?

The La Nouvelle woman for me is a feminine woman, who is both fragile and cool at the same time. I can imagine her being a great girl who I’d like to go for a beer with! 

What is your favourite piece from the “Liberté” collection?

I really like the one-piece swimsuits, especially the Black Liberty one.

What are your plans for 2022?

I’m currently working on a book of personal photographs, which includes lots of still life and references to the Mediterranean.

Chinese portrait of a Mediterranean woman

If you were…

• A city, you would be: La Ciotat, for its authenticity and intimate feel
• A material: Linen, which is sensual and raw
• An object: A vase, so someone can give me flowers 
• A smell: Amber
• A dish: Italian-style pizza with salad on top
• An item of clothing: Jeans
• A song: Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac
• A movie: Notting Hill, for how chic Julia Roberts is in it 
• A photograph: A still life by William Eggleston