Victoria Bonnamour
Victoria Bonnamour’s brand Bonâme is a timeless wardrobe for singular women. Rooted in the history of Art and inspired by the destiny of women artists who defy conventions. Making the world move forward thanks to their vision, guts, style, and passion. Obsessed by beautiful fabrics, timeless cuts, and elegant volumes. I try to capture the spirit of those women in a collection of unique silhouettes. Bound to give strength, confidence, and this “je ne sais quoi” that transcends ephemeral fashion. I’m deeply committed to sustainability by using only dead stocks fabrics. Producing locally and strictly in France to limit carbon footprint. In respect to that commitment, I’m an active member of Fashion Green Hub France, Une autre Mode est possible, and Mouvement Impact NPOs working for a more sustainable fashion.
IRK: Tell us your “Why”
Victoria Bonnamour: What drives me is my passion for fabrics, well and fairly made clothes. My anger for the lack of visibility of women in history and the need for transmission between generations. I’m convinced that a thin thread unites everywomen from past to present to future. That the clothes we wear can capture and express this link. I’m convinced that a good clothe that fits you well can be worn for decades.
IRK: What are you most passionate about with respect to taking care of people and the planet?
Victoria Bonnamour: I think we should respect more the apparel, the fabric. Clothes are very intimate, one of the most intimate things you put every day on your skin. Enveloping your sensations, and your moods, pampering you, or making you feel more confident at times. Hence the need to cherish them. Make them properly with respect, time and devotion, in good fabrics. With good processes and respect for nature we extracted this material from. Also, the person who made the cloth can be proud and satisfied with the work done.
IRK: What are some conscious actions you implement in your daily life?
Victoria Bonnamour: I’m committed as best as I can in my daily life, even if I’m sure I could do even more. I only drink tap water to avoid plastic bottle consumption. Use renting, and neighborhood exchanges for all types of objects and devices. I volunteer a lot in my district, organizing workshops and activities for children around culture and craftsmanship. Mostly I use public transport and ride a bike every time I can. This is faster, more practical and so much healthier for the planet! I never use express home deliveries. I’d rather wait, take my time, go to the shop next door, walk, and meet people on the way.
IRK: What’s your hope for the future of the planet?
Victoria Bonnamour: My hope is strong for the future of our planet. I hope we’ll come back to a greater consciousness of nature and wilderness. A sense that we have lost. Especially for those of us living in the cities and used to all sorts of conveniences like instant deliveries. I hope we’ll find a healthier pace of living, take our time to appreciate things. I hope we’ll reach a greater balance between southern and northern countries. Work as United Nations to slow down global warming.
What Sustainable Development Goal do you align with the most? (https://sdgs.un.org/goals)
Victoria Bonnamour: In my day-to-day job, I contribute most to goals 4, 5, 8, 11, and 12. Gender equality, as my brand puts women’s achievements forward. In an effort to spread light and singular women throughout the history of Arts. Quality education as my brand also brings content and knowledge so as to develop education about Art and women artists. Also decent work and economic growth, responsible production, and consumption. As I only use fabrics coming from dead stocks and already available materials for my work. My production process is also based on unique pieces or small series so as to avoid creating extra stocks. I produce everything locally, in a maximum of 30km distance. I’m also obsessed with designing clothes that are made to last. Clothes that you keep because they’re timeless and of high quality.
