Nathalie Seiller Dejean

Straw worker

©Catherine Vasson

©Nathalie Seiller Dejean

Straw jewellery for your crown

Nathalie is a self-taught straw artist
She was previously a press illustrator
She has designed accessories for haute couture shows

“I make art pieces to wear, to look at and to marvel at.” Nathalie Seiller Dejean introduces straw to the world of jewellery, transforming the humble material into beautiful ornaments. Nathalie became fascinated with straw when she discovered old models of Swiss straw craft. Thanks to her keen interest and extensive research into this art – historically and technically – she has gained exceptional know-how. In creating her one-of-a-kind head and hair jewellery, Nathalie also relies on her solid artistic background. Indeed, a graduate of the Beaux-Arts in Paris, she initially worked as a press illustrator. Driven by her love of fine craftsmanship, she then devoted herself to the creation of unique accessories, which quickly introduced her to the fashion world.

Interview

©Catherine Vasson

©Catherine Vasson

Why did you choose to pursue this craft?: First, out of historical interest, then out of passion by creating my own techniques and designs, according to my imagination. The material is humble and magnificent, perennial and historical, shimmering and simple.
Did you learn from a master?: I am completely self-taught, truly passionate about this material. I have done lots of iconographic research. I took an interest in all the anonymous craftsmen of the canton of Aargau from the 19th century. Switzerland has a true heritage around this craft.
What are your specialisations?: I have accumulated diverse but complementary experiences, from my Greta training in jewellery at École Boulle that taught me to adapt techniques to straw jewellery, to my training in an art school which brought me uninhibited approaches to creation, and my career as an illustrator which gave me a mindset that builds a thoughtful approach.
What do you like most about your profession now?: To provoke emotions, those of childhood, and to arouse wonder. To constantly create new stories and to find technical solutions to bring them to life.

Nathalie Seiller Dejean is an expert artisan she began her career in 1991