Diane's French-Inspired Collection is Here
When it comes to achieving the effortless French 'it-girl' look, we look no further than our brand new design partner, Diane Batoukina, to pull inspiration from. Paris-based and known for her minimal and refined taste, Diane uses her accessories to bring a level of luxury to every look; thus, making her the perfect Aperçu partner.
We came together to create a capsule that is both extremely wearable and polished no matter the occasion— whether you're taking on the streets of Paris or going for a drive in the countryside, these will be your daily go-to's. Keep reading to get a glimpse into Diane's design process and see what makes this silhouette so irresistible from a sunglass-lover herself!
What was your main goal in developing the shape of your signature sunglasses silhouette?
I’ve always been incredibly passionate about sunglasses— I actually have a huge collection. The way Carrie Bradshaw feels about shoes is how I feel about eyewear. I’m a total fan! So when the team approached me with the idea of creating my own design, I immediately thought of a minimalist base... something clean and versatile that could suit many different face shapes and personal styles.
Could you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the colorways and the meaning of the names?
Just pure French chic— timeless, elegant, and effortless.
When shooting the campaign for this collection, what was the main mood/message you wanted to convey in the images?
I wanted to show how my sunglasses can be styled with a variety of summer looks. They can easily become part of different moods, outfits, and moments throughout the season (and onward)!
What role do sunglasses play in your wardrobe?
A big one— as I mentioned earlier, they’re essential for me. They’re not just accessories; they’re part of my everyday look & identity.
What is your favorite way to style these frames?
My absolute favorites are the black Noir Héritage and the soft beige Taupe Élégant. I can wear them with literally everything— no exaggeration. The black ones are a total must-have for me. I just toss them in my bag and they work for a daytime meeting or an evening apéro with a dress or a tailored suit.
The beige pair reminds me of summer— they give me that instant vacation feeling, like you’re already heading somewhere sunny. They carry that quiet joy of 'it’s finally summer,' and I love that.
How would you describe your daily ‘uniform’?
Minimalistic— mostly black and white tones. Effortless and clean.
What originally drew you to fashion and content creation?
Me, myself and I! :-)
I’ve loved fashion ever since I was a child. I used to draw, cut, and sew little clothes for my dolls, and my grandmother was convinced I was meant to be a designer.
Later, I studied PR and somehow started working in content creation for a brand— and at the same time, I started experimenting with creating content myself, especially right after discovering Paris.
My inspiration comes from cities, the people I meet in them, silence, and aesthetics. I’m also quite old-fashioned— I love vintage style and timeless things.
If you could give some advice to your younger self who is just starting out in this industry, what would you tell her?
Believe in yourself no matter what.
Honestly, I’ve always repeated this to myself. I didn’t have anyone to rely on at the beginning— and so often along the way, too.
It was hard at first to hear people say I wasn’t 'worthy' like, “who are you?,” “why Paris?,” “no one from the industry will talk to you or work with you.” But it all worked out in the end, and I’m proud of that. So... one more time— just listen to yourself and believe in yourself!
What is your favorite way to get inspiration when you’re feeling stuck in a routine?
Honestly, I’m surrounded by inspiration every day. The people I connect with, the places I’m lucky enough to discover through my work— and of course, Paris, which is a visual dream in itself. I truly feel grateful for the path I chose, because working with such incredible people and brands is something I never take for granted. There’s always something new— a new experience, a new city, a new country, sometimes even week by week.
But since I’m quite introverted by nature, I often find myself craving quiet moments. Going to different quiet places I like, seeing people I love, etc. I need time alone or with someone who I love to recharge, to reflect, and to realign with myself— and that, too, becomes a form of inspiration.
