Home JOURNAL Behind the Label | Simone Harouche

Behind the Label | Simone Harouche

A longtime stylist for A-listers like Jennifer Lopez and Miley Cyrus, Simone Harouche has always looked to antique textiles and clothing for inspiration for her clients wardrobes. After client Nicole Richie was spotted carrying a handbag Harouche had designed from her own collection of 19th century patterned fabrics, a new business was born-Simone Camille handbags. Each handcrafted clutch, hobo, and tote is pieced together from one-of-a-kind boldly printed textiles hailing from far-flung locales such as India, Pakistan, and Morocco. Simone then embellishes all of her eponymous creations with ancient coins, tassels, and beads sourced from her own travels. Each bag has a unique exotic meets urban flavor that mirrors Simone ?s own unique jet-set life style Shop Simone Camille?s lustworthy wares and read more about the prints that inspired the collection below.

How would you describe your style?

My style is either classic with a rock and roll edge or bohemian flair, depending on my mood!

Photo Courtesy The Coveteur

How has your love of travel impacted your design work?

My love of travel impacts my designs, because my travels act as my muse. I am constantly inspired by the sights and souls of every place I visit.

How has your work as a stylist informed your work as a bag designer?

As a fashion stylist, I am constantly exposed to new trends and designs. My eye is constantly studying and taking everything in. I am constantly thinking how the things I see and use in styling work can relate to my work as a designer. I always store ideas and references in my notebooks. I try to take note of things I like?such as new techniques, colors, fabrics, etc.?and somehow am able to translate that into my handbag line.

Where are your favorite destinations to travel to for inspiration?

My favorite travel destinations for design inspiration would be Tokyo, Paris and Rajasthan.

Since you often source fabrics from India, what are your top must-see Indian locales?

The Taj Mahal, Agra?the ?jewel of India,? and an incredible sight that inspires awe in all who visit it (it was built in the 1600s!)

The Taj Mahal

, Agra

, Uttar Pradesh 282001

The Rajvillas Hotel, Jaipur?it?s one of the most amazing hotels in the world! I love lounging poolside and gazing at the hotel?s beautifully manicured landscape?but you can also indulge in yoga or an exotic elephant ride throughout the Jaipur countryside.

The Rajvillas Hotel

, Goner Road

, Jaipur, Rajasthan 303012

Ganesh Imports, Udaipur?they have a beautiful selection of antique textiles; I always make sure to visit when I?m designing a new collection for inspiration.

Surashtra, Jaipur?it?s a great fabric store that sells every Indian good you could ever want: shawls, jewelry, fabrics, home goods, and more!

No. 3-4

, In Jorawar Singh Gate

, Amer Road

, Jaipur 302002

Gem Palace, Jaipur?this store has an unmatched collection of dazzling new and antique jewels, and is a royal favorite (Mick Jagger, Jackie O, and Princess Diana are among the store?s A-list clientele).

The Gem Palace , M. I. Road , Jaipur 302001

Hot Pink, Jaipur?this contemporary boutique stocks quirky printed maxi dresses along with traditionally crafted Indian home goods; it?s the perfect mix of old and new!

Hot Pink, Narain Niwas Palace , Jaipur 302001

Since you live in L.A., can you share your favorite places in the city with us?

Just One Eye Boutique

7000 Romaine Street

, Los Angeles, CA 90038

Soho House
9200 Sunset Boulevard

, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Asanebo Sushi

11941 Ventura Boulevard

, Studio City, CA 91604

Curve Boutique

154 North Robertson Boulevard