Our team is proud to present our latest innovation: the Filo library. You asked for it, we did it! To decorate your children's room in the Charlie Crane style, a library was missing... which exists today. Behind all our furniture, our designer Gaspard Tiné-Berès hides. Whoever works hand in hand with our founder Thomas Lépine answers our questions. Let's take a look behind the scenes of Charlie Crane together.
How did you become a designer at Charlie Crane?
Gaspard:I studied at ESAD in Reims, then at the Royal College of Art in London. After school, I co-founded the Re-Do Design Studio with Tristan Kopp. In 2012, at the very beginning of Charlie Crane, the brand became one of our first customers. After six years of collaboration, I chose to work solo while continuing to collaborate with Charlie. This collaboration has evolved over time and, since 2020, I have been in charge of the design and production of Charlie Crane products.
What are your sources of inspiration?
I am quite classical, even if I am always on the lookout for trends! With Thomas, the founder of Charlie Crane, we share a deep admiration for iconic figures. Jacques Hitier, a French designer who created a lot of furniture for children in the years 50 to 70, is one of our inspirations. Among my major references, there are also Jean Prouvé, Les Eames and Hans Wegner. Among contemporaries, I have great respect for the work of Jasper Morrison and Naoto Fukasawa. The innovation and creativity of these designers influence my daily work.
FILO: is it a whim or a long-standing idea?
The creation of FILO was relatively quick. We had few prototypes compared to our other products like the Tobo high chair. The idea of a library had been on our minds for a long time... This is often how it works at Charlie Crane: a long period of reflection and theoretical design that then allows for rapid progress in the design process once the idea has taken shape.
What challenges did you encounter when designing the FILO?
As is often the case, the major challenge for us was controlling costs. We maintain long-term relationships with our suppliers and work closely together, but the balance between quality and price is always delicate. We had to find clever solutions to keep the FILO affordable. We are all very happy with the end result.
How do you select the next Charlie Crane pieces?
Gaspard: Our creative approach involves discussion first and foremost. Within the team, and with Thomas. He always has a very good sense of the market, which is crucial in the process. Exchanges are numerous, sometimes passionate, but our main objective is always to create pieces that parents will like. The pieces will be useful to them, rather than following trends. Authenticity and our personal satisfaction are very important to us. This is what guides our choices, beyond competitive pressures.
