“ Calligraphy is the ultimate synthesis of what I love: language, art and human connection”
The invitation came to me on my iPad. Black letters in a straightforward, standard business font: “You are invited to meet Nicolas Ouchenir, the calligrapher who creates the invitations for Fashion Week, for a private appointment.” I thought it a strange invitation with only a tenuous connection to fashion. But, then I thought it was just oddball enough that I was intrigued and responded: “yes, I would like this peek behind the glitz and glamour.” Plus, I’m interested in the skill and art form of calligraphy (and perhaps I could learn to improve my writing), so, why not?
Sometimes in life we are lucky enough to meet someone with whom we instantly feel simpatico. Nicolas was one of those big, beautiful spirits for me. He simply dazzles with energy and bonhomie. He threw open the door to his tiny atelier-cum-home with a big smile, arms outstretched in welcome and exclaimed: “welcome to my Cabinet of Curiosities”!
Indeed, his small space is filled with all things that interest, please and inspire him: plants and flowers in various stages of their life cycle, pottery, coral, baskets, stacks of books, globes, photos, bottles of ink, brushes, works in progress and the walls covered in drawings. He set out a plate (plates he’d made himself) of croissants and as he turned to make coffee, I saw the back of his T-shirt, which read “Hotter than Hell!” How could I not immediately like this guy? He – his place – was just FUN! Nicolas never stopped. He’s a whirling dervish of enthusiasm for everything.
I had been prepared to meet a rather serious, older gentleman focused on producing work and rather grumpy about my intrusion. I thought I’d be shown a couple of examples and allowed to ask a few questions, then ushered out. Not at all — this was a party, a feast of life and joy!
The sheer scope and breadth of his projects staggered me! Many are areas of specialization on their own — logo design, book creation and storytelling, signage for restaurants, hotels, boutiques, invitations, private commissions for portraits, poster design, CD and album design, even pavilion design for special events. He embraces each project with a joy and energy that show in the results. He is often tasked with designing something for a detail in marketing campaigns. For example, Cartier requested that he create “scent cards” for clients to test fragrances. Usually, these are simple strips of paper, but Nicolas came up with an entire series of die-cut and perforated animal shapes inspired by the Panthère fragrance – there are dragon, peacock, alligator and, of course, panther shapes, each with the word “Cartier” discretely imprinted on the cards. An unforgettable impression is forged in the mind! I loved them and he immediately responded with his innate spirit of generosity and handed me a collection to keep!
As he bounded from showing project after project, he regaled with a steady stream of stories, gossip, ideas and experiences, switching from French to English as quickly as designs flowed from his brushes. Always creating shapes, forms, combining colors all rendered with a confidence that comes from the heart — working, flowing “in the zone.” Sometimes he would get so involved in a story he would stop his drawing but then suddenly grab paper and brush and begin another design as if he simply had to get a new form expressed onto paper. He punctuates each design with a snapping flourish of his brush, framing his work in a random pattern of splatters —a stylistic signature.
Though his calligraphy flows quickly and fluidly, his temperament also allows for long, thoughtful engagements with certain projects. He is, for example, working on a book to express “dreams and nightmares.” Already in a book format with many detailed ink drawings, the book will be a year in the making. Also, just completed is a two year journey to create his own fragrance – “Fantasia”- that is for sale.
This is the art of calligraphy. The same creative impulse and expression of the spirit that exists in all design: balance, proportion, harmony in colors and even a textural quality. The connection to fashion, I realized, is not his event invitations, but the designing itself, the impulse to create and express. Nicolas is a unique and very special personality who raises the spirit with his singular Purely Personal style.
