Laetitia Wajnapel is a Parisian jounalist, photographer and founder of the fashion and lifestyle blog Mademoiselle Robot. Now living in London we take a look around her cool Notting Hill pad and find out how she dresses her denim. Laetitia is the perfect Donna Ida girl, she's cool, relevant and a true denim lover...and it turns out that the feeling was mutual as she explained on her Mademoiselle Robot blog last week. "A few weeks ago, Donna Ida asked if we could sync our watches and find a day to shoot a denim story. Of course, I didn't even have time to say "let me think about it" and try to play it cool that I had already blurted out 'yesIwilldoitcomeovertomyhouseIllbakeyoucookiesjustmakesureyoubringallthedenim'." So here our interview with Laetitia and a few extra behind the scenes photos from the shoot including the lovely Brak the Cat (yes he is a bit of a star in front of the camera).
Laetitia wears IDA Margot Cullottes and 360 Laurie Jumper
DONNA IDA: Where are you from and where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Paris, Le Marais.
DONNA IDA: How did you get started in the fashion world?
Good question - I am still not sure whether or not I have started in the fashion world, but I launched my fashion & lifestyle blog MademoiselleRobot.com 8 years ago.
Behind the scenes - Mademoiselle Robot with Donna Ida's Kate Gorbunova
DONNA IDA: What inspired you to start your blog Mademoiselle Robot?
I just wanted to start writing in English as my entire journalism portfolio was in French before 2007.
DONNA IDA: How did you get into photography?
I've always been a pretty visual person and a bit of an amateur photographer, but I started taking photography more seriously and using it as a work tool in its own right about 3 years ago I would say. It all happened because of the blog.
DONNA IDA: What are your tips for taking a great photo?
Open your eyes, be curious and methodical. Trial and error is how I learned. I am also naturally curious and drawn to unusual situations, so my camera has become an extension of my eyes/memory.
Laetitia wears IDA Walk On By Blouse and IDA Kitty Ankle Swinger Jeans
DONNA IDA: Tell us about Fashion Week; what are your show highlights, what are you looking forward to and what are your survival tips?
I tend to keep Fashion Week attendance to the bare minimum, I only ever attend if I am commissioned to do so by a client. I think you could safely say fashion week is the part of my job I find the least interesting. My survival tip? Don't go if you don't have to. Also: it is only fashion week, not the jungle so I am pretty sure nobody needs my survival tips ;).
DONNA IDA: What are your wardrobe essentials and how do you wear your jeans?
My wardrobe essentials are pretty boring: skinny jeans, biker jacket, linen tee-shirts, white shirt, black sweatshirts, cashmere jumpers, trainers and a extensive collection of black ankle boots. I wear jeans every single day and I find it really hard to swap them for anything else! I really am a die hard denim girl. I have even attended black tie events with black jeans and a tuxedo jacket...
DONNA IDA: Why do you think jeans are such an iconic item?
Because they are so damn easy to wear, durable, versatile and cool.
DONNA IDA: Which are your favourite jeans from our shoot and why?
I like the Rizzo, they are the perfect pair of skinnies, sit nicely on the waist and skim the legs without being too tight. I also liked the cashmere jeans, the cut isn't the most flattering for my body shape, but they are super cosy.
Laetitia wears IDA Rizzo Jeans and Ulla Johnson Margot Knit
DONNA IDA: Where in the world are girls best dressed? What kind of style do you admire?
I don't think there is anywhere in the world where girls are better dressed in general. Style is a very individual thing and can't be judged according to a location. I don't admire a specific kind of style as much as I admire a general attitude towards life. I enjoy being around positive, confident and smart people, whatever their style is, their attitude makes them the most stylish.
Behind the scenes - Donna Ida's Kate Gorbunova shooting Mademoiselle Robot
DONNA IDA: Describe your style highs and lows?
My style is very casual, which means it is easy to get dressed in the morning as I don't think too hard about what I put on. This is the high! The low is that I sometimes have to dress up for events and it becomes a bit of a headache.
Laetitia wears Army Fur Classic Parka, Sundry On Tour Tee and IDA Rizzo Jeans
DONNA IDA: What’s your favourite restaurant?
For casual, everyday dining I love the Electric Diner, it is my local and they can do no wrong.
DONNA IDA: Where’s your ultimate holiday destination?
At the moment, Los Angeles.
DONNA IDA: What is your favourite fashion magazine?
Violet, The Gentlewoman, L'Officiel.
DONNA IDA: You live in the beautiful area of Notting Hill, what are your favourite hot spots there?
See above (Electric Diner) + Couverture & The Garbstore for shopping, Portobello during the week for fruit and veggies, Coffee Plant for a non-fussy coffee fix, Westbourne Grove for shopping.
Laetitia wears IDA Kitty Ankle Swinger, Mes Demoiselles Sasha Blouse and Ulla Johnson Quintana Wrap
DONNA IDA: What do you do to keep fit?
I have a personal trainer and we train twice a week for an hour.
DONNA IDA: What advice would you give to a younger you?
Keep dreaming, things will fall into place.
Behind the scenes Donna Ida's Claire Etchell and Kate Gorbunova with Mademoiselle Robot
DONNA IDA: What’s next?
Can't really tell you yet, but it is going to be a pretty major life change...
Laetitia wears IDA Rizzo Jeans and Ulla Johnson Margot Knit