CAROLINE GAIMARI — You just got back from your first trip to New York. What did you think?
SIMON PORTE JACQUEMUS — I’m not a big fan. I prefer France, and Mediterranean people. I was never fasci- nated by or curious about the US. Really, never. I don’t have any kind of “American Dream.” I really love France. I’ve been fascinated by France and French culture since I was a little boy. I think it’s not that popular to be a Francophile. I don’t think there are any other designers that consider France in this way. Of course there is this “blue, white, red” trend, but I’m not focused on the flag; it’s about the spirit of the French girl.

CAROLINE GAIMARI — Are your parents both French?
SIMON PORTE JACQUEMUS — Totally. They…