Meeting with Virginie De Vinster

An explorer at heart, Virginie de Vinster shapes her world nourished by travel and encounters. For several years, she forged her vision across West Africa, in contact with weavers, dyers, and markets vibrant with color. From the Ivory Coast to Ghana, she immersed herself in gestures and symbols, fascinated by the creative power of local cultures. Then, through her explorations in India, Southeast Asia, and the Andes, she refined her sensitivity through listening and transmission. Her approach to creation is instinctive, rooted in the material, in the connection with others, and in a poetic vision of craftsmanship, imbued with humanity and elsewhere. Meet.

Virginie de Vinster, who are you?

I'm Virginie de Vinster, 55 years old, founder and designer of the VdeVinster brand, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. The brand draws its inspiration from my travels and encounters around the globe. From my beginnings in West Africa, through South America, to India and Indonesia today. I was a pioneer of ethical and eco-responsible fashion—slow fashion—in Europe. I'm distributed all over the world, from Printemps Haussmann to my own boutique here in Bidart. That's for the CV, but apart from that, I recently renovated and fitted out a house/showroom in Guéthary. I'm the mother of two grown daughters, and more recently of a dog, Vishnu, who is adorable. I surf. I participate in the life of my village. Quite simply.

What environment did you grow up in? How did it shape your taste?

I grew up surrounded by movement, and travel has shaped my taste. I have always had a desire to discover the world, its people, and its cultures.
I was a photo stylist in the 90s and a director for a fashion magazine.

How did the VdeVinster adventure begin?

VdeVinster was initially an extension of my work as a stylist. I thought to myself at one point, "Hey, if I add some wax and sequins to a tank top, it could work," then it took off suddenly; sometimes it starts with a good idea. The hardest part is keeping going.

Which artists/people have marked your career and influenced your vision as a fashion designer?

Yves Saint Laurent, Loulou de la falaise, Jane Birkin and Mailk Sidibé

Where do you find the strength to get through difficult times?

Surfing is a great outlet. It allows you to turn off your brain and reconnect with the present, with your body... but it's yoga and meditation that give me the discipline and strength to face life's challenges. I'll also soon be offering mini-retreats and meditation sessions here in Guéthary. I'm a certified yoga teacher!

What is fashion for you?

A fashion that doesn't require thinking in the morning! Simple, chic clothes.

For you, what are the essential pieces to have in your wardrobe?

Without hesitation, a well-cut pair of jeans. A pair of designer shoes that boost your ego. Quality pieces that make you feel good and that you'll keep for a long time. In my wardrobe, I recommend choosing an embroidered cotton khadi blouse, a quilted kimono, or an ikat dress. Never overthink your choices. Fall in love!

A piece/jewel/object that you never leave without?

My mala (wooden bead bracelet), my rose quartz.

Tell us about your discovery of this house. How does it resemble you?

I was coming out of surfing and she introduced herself to me at the traffic light! It was a no-brainer! It took a lot of renovations but I was very well supported (thanks to Dominique Cha and Fabrice Le Roux, my architect friends). Today it's my home but also a showroom and a work studio. Iparaldea, which in Basque means "the north side."

How much of your travels are in you?

Travel makes you a better person. Encountering cultures and people different from yourself opens your horizons and dismantles prejudices. In my work, I've learned a lot from working with artisans from all over the world. They've always welcomed me and shared their experiences. I am the sum total of all my travels and encounters.

Are you sensitive to energies?

Everything is energy. We all have an intuitive understanding of energy, whether it's between people, our relationship with nature, or even cosmic energy if you're interested in astrology. For the past ten years, I've been exploring this subject in depth through Kundalini Yoga, a yoga of consciousness.

What do you want to offer women through your creations?

The VdeVinster wardrobe is chic, bohemian, and full of style.

What does the word transmission mean to you? And the word freedom?

Transmission: I associate this word with creativity and my travels.

Freedom, for me, evokes the right to be who I am!

Your beauty ritual

At my age it is important to provide quality care to my skin, I am very difficult with myself, even uncompromising. So I rely on very good hydration with the Anti-aging Cream and the Intense Hydration Mask , which I leave on during my long flights. Essential for my travels!
To smooth my features and for a radiant complexion, I alternate between the Anti-Imperfection Solution (enriched with retinoid-like active ingredients) and the Fruit Acid Peel, which makes the skin luminous from the first application.
I am a fan of the ALAENA brand because I feel safe with their impeccable formulas.

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This season, Virginie revisits VdeVinster classics (Tie & Dye, Ikat, Tartan) with a light touch. Inspired by her youth in the 80s, the collection plays on pastels and bold patterns, embellished with unexpected elements: metallic sequins, shells, and appliqués. The pieces humbly bear the names of Indian deities, as a token of my gratitude for their support during this time. Find it at https://vdevinster.com