A dear friend and dream collaborative partner, Clare Vivier has long inspired us. The cult-favorite LA-based accessories designer just knows how to create an instant classic. That's why when we set out to design the ultimate cocktail soirée gift box, we knew Clare's highly personalized leather goods would elevate the gift to a new level of luxe, making it the ideal gift-everyone-on-your-list piece.
Read on for an exclusive interview where Clare tells us about the inspiration behind the box, the best gifts to give and receive, and her go-to card game.
Simone LeBlanc Studio: Tell us about how you and Simone first met.
Clare Vivier: It was years ago and we were working together on a custom gift project that was themed around California "makers." I loved that she was quick to swap the bag she was wearing for a new CV style without hesitation. She's been a fan, supporter, and friend ever since.
SL: What excites you the most about this collaboration?
CV: I love the chance to work with friends where we can both bring our different items and skills to the table. This box brings together the best of our respective worlds, with a beautiful Simone LeBlanc curated box featuring some new, exclusive CV items just in time for the holidays.
SL: What types of gifts do you like to give during the holiday season?
CV: I always try and give personalized items when I can, taking into account what the recipient likes most. I'll never buy the same gift for everyone. I love to give bottles of wine that I know a person loves, candles with fragrances that are a favorite, or a giftable CV item like the tassel or catch-all.
SL: Can you tell us the inspiration behind the custom CV items in the box?
CV: It's some of the items we thought would make an incredible cocktail experience, especially over the holidays. I think the cocktails are just the first part, but what goes along with it, to make a great party, is essential. We wanted to provide all of those items in one easily giftable box.
SL: What's your favorite card game to play with friends? With Oscar?
CV: We play a lot of Tarot at our house - the French Tarot, not fortune telling Tarot. I think it’s like Hearts, or so I’ve been told. My son Oscar is a fanatic of the game, but you need 4 or more people to play so when it is just the two of us we play Crazy 8s, Kings in the Corner, Gin, or Spit.
SL: What's your favorite gift you've ever given or received?
CV: Probably the vintage Rolex watch from my father. But, I also loved getting a box set of Motown records when I was about 9. It felt like a very mature gift for me and I really appreciated it.
Shop the Simone LeBlanc x Clare V. Cocktail Gift Box here.
