Inés Sastre is a Spanish model and actress born in Valladoid, Spain, in 1973. At the age of 13 she made her film debut with director Carlos Saura and, at the age of 16, started her modelling career after winning the Look of the Year Model Award. An ambassador for international and luxury brands such as Max Factor, Chanel and Lancôme, Inés starred in films directed by Marcello Mastroianni, Gérard Depardieu, Michelangelo Antonioni, Wim Wenders and Andy Garcìa. For most of her professional life she has been based in Paris, where she studied French and literature at the Sorbonne University. Greatly involved in cultural events, the actress and model was awarded the French Chevalier in the Order of Arts and Letters by France’s Ministry of Culture and was honoured by the Order of the Star of Italy, an Italian order of chivalry that was founded in 2011. Passionate about music, Inés is a member of the Honorary Committee of the Opéra National de Paris, as well as an ambassador of the institution. Today she is based in Madrid, where she continues to be involved in cultural, social, fashion and beauty projects.
- What does craftsmanship signify for you?
- Craftsmanship is the ability to create unique designs and products entirely by hand. It is about handmade products, with a taste of history and culture, produced by talented artisans who put all of their passion and experience into everything they do. They use techniques that take years to learn, and are incredibly respectful of the materials and tools they use. These artisans have the ability to connect past and represent the value of a slower and more thoughtful way of living.
- How does it feature in your work and life?
- I have always been linked to beauty, both in my professional career and in my personal life. As a model and actress, I need to take care of myself, just as an artisan needs to respect their materials and tools. In my personal life, I like to stand out from the crowd by using unique designs, from handbags, to dresses and accessories. I love to wear something which was specially created for me, and the only way to satisfy this is to buy handcrafted products.
- Do you work with craftspeople and how?
- From haute couture and jewellery to perfumes, over the years, I have been an ambassador for luxury brands all over the world. I have always been linked to unique products where beauty and excellence work hand in hand.
- How would you define excellence?
- Excellence means greatness, the very best in quality. It is the result of caring about what we do, and putting our very best effort into it.
