Lisa Chavy created LIVY (notice the mash-up between the first two letters of her name and surname) with the support of giants like Etam and of the general manager of Ba&sh. It offers comfortable and sexy undergarments that combine affordability without forgoing the craftsmanship traditionally used in the making of luxurious corsetry. PLEASE magazine was curious to meet with this successful businesswoman and mother of two who is unquestionably comfortable in her own skin. We first met Lisa at her place in Boulogne-Billancourt and then followed her right across the street into a former catholic private school she has since converted into her HQ. We can’t think of a better setting for this seductive line of lingerie.
What do you do?
I’m a lingerie designer and the founder of a brand called LIVY. I’m also the mother of two children named Colette and Marius.
Where do you live?
I live in Boulogne, just outside of Paris. I’ve always had a great affection for Paris, for its art, its modernity and its charming vintage inspiration. I love its crazed energy, its nightlife and the incredible encounters you can have. It’s a city that sparks the imagination. As a matter of fact, LIVY has a whole collection dedicated to Paris.
Who are your fashion icons?
I’m a huge fan of Coco Chanel, a woman who transcended the fashion norms of her time by creating androgynous silhouettes and who carved a unique place for herself in a mostly male dominated industry.
What’s your favourite colour?
Nude. It’s a modern and timeless colour. It feels intimate and carnal, very close to the body. It’s effortless and chic and compliments any silhouette. I like to play around with it, outlining it in black to bring out a level of intensity, or having it near invisible using transparent tulle. I actually chose nude and black as the signature colours at LIVY.
What’s your style? Day or night?
There are many different sides to a woman. Depending on her mood a woman can choose to look casual during the day and at night, decide on something more singular and striking. LIVY is there to accompany women whatever the mood or time calls for. I spend many sleepless nights working away on a new collection or dreaming up new concepts, night time inspires me. I love to marvel in the agitation of Parisian nights, the neon lights, the show of colours, the secret spots that only a few tend to know about and the neighbourhoods that transform as night falls. Upon waking, I feel fulfilled, both as a mother and as a businesswoman. I live life in the fast lane. I thrive in it.
What three words or short phrase best describes your style?
One word. Multifaceted. I love playing around with different styles depending on my mood, I like mixing casual and sexy pieces, pairing lingerie with ready to wear and accessorizing my outfits. I love black, very structured cuts, the small details that make all the difference in a garment and beautiful textiles.
You never leave home without…
I never leave home without my LIVY bra. I have a true passion for lingerie. I also collect vintage pieces. I see it as an indispensable accessory that can be used to complete any outfit. It can be sheer or transparent under a shirt or worn as a feature to enhance and adorn a bare back.
Addicted to Paper or Web?
Having a web presence nowadays is no longer an option. Everything happens online. Brands must be connected 24/7. The web is an inexhaustible source of inspiration but still I feel some nostalgia when it comes to printed press. At LIVY we team up with a host of talented photographers and as such, we also naturally privilege printed material. Print transmits a distinct know-how and creates a unique narrative. Most importantly, paper is a format that aligns perfectly with the signature universe LIVY wants to establish. Overall I would have to say that both mediums are interconnected and indispensable.
