Clémentine Desseaux
As a founder of the All Woman Project, we are lucky enough to call this French beauty—and Muse NYC model—a member of our #GOODSQUAD.
To you, what is the biggest difference between living in the US vs. France?
The culture and the people are very different. The food culture especially is so different. I miss going to the food markets and picking up fresh produce from local farmers and chatting with old people about recipes and life in general. The slow life is worshipped in France, I can’t find that here yet...
The French want to live in America and Americans want to live in France. That’s the one thing they share.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
I loved traveling the world. Every trip is a great experience. Growing up, I just wanted to travel for work and that’s what I have now. Working with Vogue was also a really cool time!
What is your dream meal?
Anything with cheese is ideal. I am obsessed with cheesy and creamy and buttery. I don’t eat much of that but a great carbonara, cheese fondu or gratin will win my heart.
You love to cook – what are 3 ingredients that every girl should have in her kitchen?
Olive oil. Pastas. Herbs.
If someone from our #GOODSQUAD were traveling to France, where do you recommend she goes?
Stop in Paris and walk the streets for a full day, stopping by some food markets, cheese shops, patisseries and old book stores and vintage clothing shops. Go down to Lyon, where I studied and do the same thing with one stop at the Bocuse Restaurant right outside of the city.
Describe your go-to uniform…
A pair of comfy jeans. A French-tucked tee or button up. Some flashy loafers or flats and a really cool, men’s jacket with a scarf in my hair. Simple, stylish and super comfy.
Tell us about the All Woman Project – how can girls be involved?
Girls can be involved by emailing us at hello@allwomanproject.com. We’d love to hear from them so they can be featured on our page and learn more about the many actions we’re planning for 2017.
As a founder of the All Woman Project – who are a few ladies that you think are doing amazing things and are on the cutting edge?
I love Cameron Russel for her beauty, brain and heart as well as Lydia Kedebe for the same qualities. I am also in awe of Michelle Obama like 90% of us...
Who is the most inspiring woman you’ve met through your work on the All Woman Project?
There’s not just one. It is an amazing adventure that had me working with a ton of inspiring women, all different and unique.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 5 years?
I hope to be able to sustain a rich, healthy and kind life for me and my family while traveling the world to help people and animals. My dream is to retire at 40. Let’s see how that pans out!
You recently traveled to Cuba for the first time—how cool! Tell us all about it – what were some of your favorite parts?
Cuba is a surprising, fantastic and also sad place. There’s the best and the worst there. Communism brought amazing values to the people of Cuba but took away their hope for improvement and development as individuals… It’s a complex country full of amazing people. My favorite city was Trinida. Cleaner and more Creole than La Habana, close to the beach. The music is everywhere, the art and the food is also making it a hit spot for both locals and tourists alike.
Have you found any differences in how body image is approached in the US vs. in France?
In France, it wasn’t even a subject or a focus before a year or 2 ago. We didn’t want to think or believe women had issues. Not because of society, not because of magazines, they just refused to take responsibility… The US, as often are way advanced and France is slowly following the pace and starting to address the subject.
Do you have a morning ritual? Tell us about it.
I wake up at 6:30am or so with Baguette, my puppy. I am doing the morning duty so I am done sleeping when she is. After her walk I get home, clean my face, apply serum and oils and start my day with both of our breakfasts and some more working out.
What does a ‘good American girl’ mean to you?
A good American has to be proud of her country, eat corn dogs and do BBQ’s in the garden. Also she has to love everything French!
