Woman Particolare: Inès Mélia
Here’s a tip from us - don’t underestimate Inès Mélia. She may be Paris fashion week’s favourite DJ and possess an enviably cool style but, more recently, this creative is getting attention for her mesmerizing paintings. Her works, in pastel hues and bold primary shades, are pure wall-candy and have been celebrated by brands and curators, alike. We’ve been so inspired by her new artistic vision that we’ve partnered with Inès to celebrate the launch of our upcoming bag, the Brera. We spoke with Inès about her multi-hyphenated career, musical inspiration and what beauty means to her.
You have a diverse career that encompasses art and music – what sparked this interest and how do you make these two artforms work for you?
When I was 10 my mother used to take me to art classes. That is when I realised I would pursue a creative career in life. The time I spent at university was a truly fun period and I was fortunate enough to spend that time side by side with exceptional professionals, like the curator Jérôme Sans. To earn some extra money I used to do DJ sets in clubs. It wasn’t a vocation, but it was great fun. When I finished my studies I remember thinking I could take a year off and see if I could live by mixing music. Eight years later I’m still a DJ, even though my main interest is sound design. All the while painting has always been on my mind, and 18 month ago I really started taking it seriously. Today I find my equilibrium between these two very diverse forms of artistic expression, and it’s fantastic not to have any limits.
Does your art ever inspire your music or vice versa? How do the two disciplines work alongside each other?
There’s a very permeable border between music and painting, it’s all a question of rhythm. Music is a real catalyst and it’s impossible to paint without music. Sometimes it takes me forever to find the right rhythm. In music and in art you need to be in the groove.
You’ve played at some of the best clubs around from Le Baron to Les Bains - where’s the best party to go to right now? And what’s the best track to dance to?
Shifumi is an event organised by my friend Tristan. We call up friends who are creative and passionate about music, even though they are not professional DJs. The idea is to pair them up to create amazing musical combinations and discover new pieces while spending a nice evening all together. As for the best track, these days I listen a lot to this piece by the Neapolitan duo, Nu Guinea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfhW4czMJtI
You’ve just had an exhibition in Paris - what inspires you to paint?
My last exhibition was in Paul Smith’s boutique on rue Grenelle in Paris. Paul is a fantastic person and really interested in art. It all happened in the Agafay desert in Morocco. Everything became evident one evening when I wanted to capture the harmony, the feeling of joy and power that those wide open spaces were conveying. I frantically painted those landscapes on wood slabs using stones and coloured powders and they were shown at the store.
The Brera bag pushes boundaries design-wise and feels very artistic - is that what drew you to the bag?
It’s a bag I love as it can be worn everywhere. It’s beautiful and practical at the same time. Isn’t that what all women want?
What was it about the Brera bag that made you want to work with Object Particolare?
I was instantly seduced by its soft with fluid lines combined with a contemporary and minimalist feel.
There are so many new brands popping up - how can you determine which works for you and what sets Object Particolare apart?
My fashion choices are simple. Everything needs to be functional and I try to buy only what I need. I love it when the things that surround me age with time and tell a story. I am very susceptible to simple aesthetics, modern forms and, paradoxically, to classical design.
You travel a lot for work and pleasure - where are some must-visit spots on your list for this year?
I never get tired of Palm Springs. I am fascinated by design from the 1950s and by its architecture.
Finally, tell us what beauty means to you - and where you find particular, unique beauty?
My definition of beauty is very close to the Japanese Wabi Sabi concept. The idea is to find beauty in the imperfection of modest and humble objects.