Altruistic Voices In Fashion: French Creative Director, Angelique Bohbot
Written by: Alondra Nicole
In the South of France, a small rural village teeming with sunflowers served as the backdrop of Angelique Bohbot’s adolescence. Growing tenderly alongside perfumed shrubs of lavender, Angelique reminisces that her childhood village was “like a painting by Van Gogh, with morning wake-up calls generously given by the mighty crow of a rooster. In the South of France, I was raised by my grandmother in nature: blessed with the freedom to think, dream, and express myself. It was magnificent.”
Vivid conceptualizations of artful ensembles occur in the minds of sage designers. It’s the character present within a collection of clothing that resonates far past the physical fit of a flattering Charmousse dress, and many fashion aficionados vouch for the transcendental feeling of an outfit new in rich essence. Angelique Bohbot has traveled the seven seas observing the landscape of international fashion, working alongside esteemed clothing labels to deliver world-class creative direction. Today, Angelique serves as the Creative Director of Hale Bob Los Angeles, stirring the movement of sensual femininity onto the world canvas of stylish women. At its core, Hale Bob Los Angeles is a haven for the woman who dares to be seen in the colors of vibrance that reflect her spirit. Bohbot hones this very message into the artistic development of modern campaigns at Hale Bob, looking inward towards her memories; often reliving the sacred moments of watching her very own grandmother make ravishing dresses from scratch.
“My earliest link to fashion was through my grandmother,” expressed Angelique. “In my mind, I still see her docile hands cutting fabric, creating dresses more beautiful than any other I had ever seen during our visits to town. The color palette for a single design aligned perfectly with the materials she gathered, which danced well with the eye she had for buttons and rare rhinestones. The full ensemble she could create was like a fireworks display.” Bohbot, a French native, would play imaginary games using the leftover fabric pieces that her grandmother set aside for her. Sensing early on that the immensity of fashion would be her heavenly hideaway, Angelique pursued the reigns of a career in the global landscape of clothing design.
Angelique Bohbot (in a lace ensemble)
On a personal level, fashion symbolizes a larger set of virtues than simply trend and style for Angelique. A deeply held philosophy that Bohbot champions is that fashion connects the principles of womanhood to the balance of an empowered life. “Fashion teaches the culture about confidence, autonomy, and self-acceptance. I have to engage with this art form daily to nurture my self-perceptions. I select my outfits based on my mood, and when I’m exploring different styles that means I am becoming more comfortable with pushing into new boundaries,” conveyed Angelique. Using her passion for creativity as a mirror to herself, the French fashion expert views the natural compatibility between clothing and flesh as a vehicle for forming new ideas about the meaning of life itself. She is as complex as she sounds on paper: being in proximity to Angelique is a warming experience that all senses take part in enjoying. Her French spontaneity is contagious and sincere, inspiring and blithe.
Though the storied fashion figure is moved by each stitching that forms a luxurious Hale Bob piece, her greatest passion in life remains pledged to being a present mother to her children. “Observing my kids as they grow is cinematic. I envision a brighter future through their eyes. Witnessing their growth is completely renewing for me every day as I realize that I must continue to lead them in confidence, through everything I put my name to,” said Angelique. “As a single woman, I've had to sacrifice important moments in my children's lives to excel, yet they have always been supportive of me - they know that everything I do is out of devoted love for them. I've done photoshoots in Brazil while eight months pregnant with my son, for Ed Hardy - even before he was born, he’s been at my side giving me courage.” Further, the legendary creative director revealed that she has even participated in the full direction of fashion shows with her baby daughter nearby… in a stroller backstage.
Angelique alongside Founder of Hale Bob Los Angeles, Daniel Bohbot.
ALONDRA: As a woman with a strong relationship to the fashion world, what advice would you give to other women who are considering a career in fashion?
ANGELIQUE: Never give up. Listen to your passion and don't let people discourage you, because you'll encounter many who will try. Use criticism to propel yourself forward and see obstacles as opportunities to learn and grow. Many of the most famous figures in fashion that I've met didn't have a formal education or come from modest backgrounds. In life, there are challenges like divorces, illnesses, and various other obstacles that we inevitably face. What's most crucial is to approach these challenges without fear, knowing that you’re giving your best effort even in the face of unfavorable circumstances. You make your life a favorable circumstance; waking up was a favorable circumstance. Tomorrow always holds the promise of a brighter day. It's important to cherish each day like it’s your last, to express love openly, and to embrace life with laughter and joy, no matter the circumstances.