Creators No 1: Hortense Pontabry
What’s inside your Noa Tote Bag? Show us your creative essentials!
A peek inside my Noa Tote? It’s a curated little world of comfort and creativity: a compact mini wallet, always. Sunscreen — year-round protection is non-negotiable. Sunglasses, because Parisian terraces demand it. My LA Bruket lip balm (I’m honestly addicted). AirPods — the best invention ever. I’m a podcast lover.
What are your go-to places in Paris that inspire you?
My favorite area is Saint-Germain-des-Prés. I truly love everything around the Luxembourg Gardens: the vibe from le “Café de la Mairie, la Croix Rouge ou chez Judy,” stop by Bread & Roses for the best bakery on the Left side of the river. You can easily pick up a book at La Procure bookstore, then spend time with my son Oscar at the kids garden. My peaceful haven is Bandha Yoga – Rue Bonaparte, by myself, to regain mental strength. Future obsession: Pilates Reformation studio – also on Rue Bonaparte, to work out my core. Meet me at Laize Café for matcha lovilova.
When do you feel most creative? (Moments, rituals, or places that nourish you.)
When I’m traveling, when my brain switches off. When I’m surrounded by pure beauty. I created my first brand after a trip to Australia and a long stay in Baliiii. My second project was born on a Greek island last summer. So the takeaway? Travel every trimester, no hesitation.
How would you define beauty?
Beauty is personal. No judgment needed. But for me, beauty comes from nature — when it coexists with buildings, with art, objects, exhibitions… that’s when it makes sense. For my personal beauty, I’m a “less is more” kind of person. Thank you, Mies van der Rohe, 1929.
What’s your current creative crush — a designer, artist, or space?
At the moment I'm awakened by product design and the vision of the fashion industry. Fred Eerdekens is a contemporary artist I love, with his poetic lightness, mixed with my friend Helena Soubeyrand who creates some amazing windows for brands and exhibitions. It's so inspiring and beautiful, as is my passion for TOTEM, and I absolutely love the work of Alice Damien: Romie.
If your life were a soundtrack, what song would it be?
Bitter Sweet Symphony. My closest friends know exactly why.