What is the fondest memory you have of your mother?

ASTRID: Definitely our shopping travels. Our mom just adores traveling, and because our father actually dislikes it, she would often take us. During the weekend, we would storm into the nearest city, see exhibitions, eat at beautiful restaurants, and always finish the day with some shopping. 

AUDE: Our family loves spending holidays by the ocean. I remember those days very dearly: swimming, surfing in the waves and reading, until the sun would set, after which we would typically enjoy an aperitif on the beach. Wild and outstretched beaches, salty hair, wrapped up in big sweaters. Simple moments, but so memorable. 

How old were you when your mother founded Rue Blanche? 

AUDE: I was born in 1988 and Rue Blanche was founded one year before that.

ASTRID: My mother was pregnant with me when she created Rue Blanche. So, the brand has always been part of our lives.

Was Rue Blanche very present when you were growing up?

ASTRID: Our mom would often bring us to the office, but it never felt overbearing. We would just create our own world. I always loved drawing, so it was actually an exciting place, as there would always be pens, scissors and cart board lying around. Besides, our mom never made us feel that work was hard. It was her passion, so it felt like a fun place.

AUDE: Our mother has always known how to balance things between her family and career. There was never a moment when I felt she was spending too much time at work, although her job was very central for her. In truth, she made it possible for us to discover Rue Blanche in a fun way. On top of that, imagine: having two daughters when you work in fashion. That’s every mother's dream, no? We couldn't escape from it (laughs).

What do you appreciate most about your mother?

AUDE: She has a really positive outlook on things. When I go through a rough patch, she always manages to reassure me by putting things into perspective. I think she helped me realise that trying your best and staying positive is all you can do. Life is what you make of it. 

ASTRID: I admire our mother’s amazing creativity and positive energy. In this way, she is extremely talented in finding ways to brighten up everything around her. A whole other skill in itself – I guess this says something about her natural ease – is that she makes everything look easy. It’s inspiring.

Since when have you and your mother been working together at the company? 

AUDE: I started working at Rue Blanche in 2014, part-time. The company was looking for a person who would launch the online store and social media platforms. I jumped on the opportunity! After a year, my sister joined the team, it was “the big take-over”.

ASTRID: I joined my mom and sister in November 2015. Since the beginning, it’s been a healthy collaboration. We each came with our own ideas but aligned super well. Our Mom is a firm believer in youth and new ideas, so she never made us feel inferior. Working together probably even got us closer together as a family, since we are sharing more parts of our life.

AUDE: I think my curiosity indirectly brings me closer to people. Being around mum almost every day and seeing her in her element just always attracted me. When she is working on the collections and playing with fabrics and colours, I like to interrupt her and ask her about her methods. She also likes to share and asks for my opinion. I believe we have created a more symbiotic relationship since working together.

Astrid, has something changed between you and your mother, since having kids yourself?

ASTRID: From the moment you become a parent, you are instantly thrown into this zone where you are questioning everything about your education. This made me realise I was so lucky with my parents. Having kids definitely made me understand my own mother better. I am even more amazed by her. How did she build a business and still managed to be present for her 3 children? 

How will you be celebrating Mother’s Day this year?

ASTRID: According to her, Mother’s Day is the most beautiful and most important holiday of all. So it speaks for itself that we don’t forget about it (laughs). Mostly I celebrate it by calling her on the day itself. And a big bouquet of flowers, naturally!

AUDE: After receiving a kind reminder from my phone, I generally send her a text message. And if I have nothing planned on that day, I usually come home to hang out.