To assume that Mignon Faget relies on nostalgia would be a mistake. While undoubtedly a legacy brand and storied part of New Orleans’ social zeitgeist, its approach to design is constantly evolving. The recently launched Atelier Collection features handmade pieces inspired by the “tools and rituals” of an artist’s studio; think thimbles, needles and thread. The focus is on quality and longevity rather than trend chasing disposable consumer goods. In an ever faster moving world, Mignon Faget shows us that slowing down is the most radically modern thing of all. CEO Maghan Oroszi tells us more.
Avenue: How do you describe the personality of the brand to someone who has never seen your jewelry before? Has that changed over the years or remained static?
Maghan: Intelligent but doesn’t take itself too seriously, distinctly New Orleans, confident, and deeply human. The Mignon Faget design perspective has always been rooted in observation. What changes is New Orleans itself. Sometimes subtly, sometimes dramatically, but always falling back on its creators. This is what allows our brand to evolve while remaining true to its origins.
Avenue: Can you tell us more about the Atelier Collection?
Maghan: The collection celebrates the creative process itself, the tools, materials, and gestures of making transformed into jewelry. It is locally inspired, not through traditional New Orleans imagery, but through the city’s enduring culture of makers and the belief that what is made by hand carries the story of the person and place behind it. Look out for the second tranche of elevated designs dropping on October 9th.
Avenue: How does the local community influence your work? Let’s discuss recent collaborations.
Maghan: We are part of the greater New Orleans community, so it is impossible for the brand not to be influenced by it. In our collaborations, we seek out other like-minded creators. Sometimes they seek us out. Specifically, we’ve recently collaborated with Bonfolk, NOLA Boards, Hazeltine and k.iris pottery.
Bonfolk is an example. They donate a pair of socks for every pair purchased to local charities. We connected creatively with their team immediately and recognized that the reach of Mignon Faget could help amplify their impact. The coincidence of our fall campaign, a celebration of makers, process, and the value of thoughtfully created things, made the collaboration particularly meaningful.
Hazeltine is another great example of how our collaborations often emerge organically. Our visual merchandiser discovered the brand and was immediately drawn to their sophisticated yet deeply local approach to fragrance. We quickly recognized the opportunity to create something distinctive together.
Avenue: Which pieces do customers seem to connect with most?
Maghan: It depends, because our collectors are remarkably diverse. Some connect most strongly with more literal expressions of the culture. They continue to embrace our iconic fleur de lis and Louisiana-inspired designs. Halo has become wildly popular with every demographic. Its collectability and ability to layer effortlessly with our heritage pieces keep collectors returning to the collection. We also have collectors seeking something more unique and expressive. They are particularly drawn to our Limited Edition and one-of-a-kind necklaces.
Avenue: What’s something often overlooked that your brand offers?
Maghan: The breadth of our designs, beyond what is traditionally considered “New Orleans.” While place is always part of our perspective, many of our designs explore universal ideas of nature, architecture, form, and culture in ways that transcend geography. Also, we offer customized glassware, jewelry, and work with local events and businesses. We are doing a custom piece with the Saenger Theatre for their 100th anniversary.
Visit mignonfaget.com for more information.
