3.PARADIS, Emeric Tchatchoua

What is the theme of this collection?

I have been working on it since January. I thought I understood the theme, but I only fully grasped it two weeks ago. For the previous collection, I wanted to celebrate a moment of pause through “Quiet Storm.” It was an exploration of slow time, taking a step back, breathing, and contemplating. The obsession remains. I decided to take the opposite approach. I translated this theme into the metaphor of the desert: a place where time seems infinite, where we are all travellers in search of an oasis. I chose to explore the illusion, the ephemeral nature of existence. To accept life, we must accept death. It is an existential question. I explored forms in motion, I worked on textures, draperies that evoke wind-sculpted dunes, colours inspired by those of the Tuaregs, the sky, sand treated allegorically, with sparkles, crystals and pearls embroidered by Atelier Latour. One character, “The Watchmen” appears as the thief of time. We created clothing from recycled watches.

What explains the motto, “I speak to the inner child that lies dormant in each of us”?

The child represents the sense of wonder we tend to lose as adults. My favourite book is The Little Prince. It helps me see life from a different perspective. We even collaborated with Saint Exupéry’s great-nephew to create a Little Prince clothing collection, which is featured in the show.

You were born in Paris, spent your first 12 years in Montreal, and later discovered Japanese fashion. How has such a cosmopolitan upbringing shaped your career path?

It gave me an incredible sense of open-mindedness. I had the chance to experience life in very different ways. I see myself as a citizen of the world, and that sense of universality is deeply embedded in the brand’s DNA.

Why is Paradise so necessary today?

It represents a better world, one that’s full of dreams and promise. It belongs to everyone, not just to the religious sphere. I want to use my brand to celebrate a better world through this quest for the ideal. If we want to survive as a species, it would help if more people carried a positive message in this chaotic world.

You launched your brand three years ago with menswear. What about today?

Each of my collections has always included six or seven womenswear silhouettes. Paradise belongs to everyone. I was raised by two women: my mother and my grandmother.

What does France represent for you?

Home. It is where I grew up, it is my culture, even though I feel very American. France stands for excellence, good taste, refinement and a kind of epicurean spirit. Thanks to France, I see life through the lens of Enlightenment ideals, which it still embodies, despite the current climate, economic pressures and this difficult time when so many values are being questioned. We just have to wait for the storm to pass and for the sun to come back.

This interview has been lightly edited.