In Conversation With: Laetitia Rouget
The Art of Playful Elegance
Laetitia Rouget is a French artist and designer based in Lisbon, whose practice spans ceramics, textiles, print, glassware, and painting. A graduate of Central Saint Martins, London, she began her career in fashion before expanding into a multidisciplinary universe that blends craft, humour, and colour with an unrestrained sense of play.
Her work is defined by its tactile boldness and spontaneity, often celebrating imperfection while elevating the everyday into something joyful and unexpected. Each piece, whether a hand-sculpted ceramic, a richly layered textile, or a vibrant canvas, carries her distinct visual language: witty, fun, expressive, and alive with character.
Collaborating with global icons from Harrods to Net-a-Porter, Rouget has built a visual language that is recognisably her own.
Rouget’s studio has become synonymous with contemporary collectible design, leading to collaborations with global names including Selfridges, Harrods, The Conran Shop, Net-a-Porter, Moda Operandi, The Invisible Collection, SSense, and 10 Corso Como. Her pieces are held in collections and projects worldwide, admired for their ability to bridge the worlds of art, design, and lifestyle with an effortless sophistication.
At its heart, Rouget’s practice is about storytelling through materiality, a pursuit of beauty and absurdity in equal measure. Each new medium she embraces expands her narrative, continuing her journey as one of today’s most distinctive creative voices in the contemporary design landscape.
Please introduce yourself
My name is Laetitia Rouget -I’m a French artist living in Portugal, where I create playful and colourful pieces across ceramics, textiles, and glassware. My work celebrates humour, imperfection, and the joy of everyday life, blending traditional craftsmanship with bold, contemporary design.
What collection news do you have?
I’m currently working on an exciting new collection of textiles, glassware, and ceramics for Spring 2025. Alongside this, I’m collaborating with a fashion brand on a special project that will launch next year, and I am renovating my home and studio which is very exciting. These collaborations allow me to explore new mediums and creative directions, which I’m really looking forward to sharing.
What has been a continual inspiration throughout your career?
My biggest inspiration has always been human emotions and nature, the playful and imperfect side of life. I’m also deeply influenced by folk art, traditional craftsmanship, and the vibrant energy of everyday life and the people surrounding me. I love mixing these elements to create something both personal and universal.
Can you tell us about a life-changing travel experience?
Changing countries has been a life-changing experience for me. Living in a new culture always shifts your perspective and influences how you see the world. When I was 19, I moved to London, which was a huge turning point. I loved the freedom and eccentricity of the city, it felt like everything was possible, which was very different from where I grew up in France. Now, living in Portugal, I’m inspired daily by the nature, the light, and the incredible artisans and people I’ve met along the way. Working with talented people who create with their hands is a constant source of inspiration for me.
What travel recommendations can you share with our readers?
Portugal is a wonderful destination, especially in October or late spring. The weather is beautiful, the light is magical, and you can still discover places that feel untouched. Because the country is small, it’s easy to explore both the coast and the countryside. Plus, the seafood is incredible, simple, fresh, and full of flavour.
What’s your favourite restaurant?
One of my favorites is Taberna da Rua das Flores in Lisbon. It’s small, cozy, and full of character, serving traditional Portuguese dishes with a creative twist. Perfect for a long, leisurely lunch with a glass of local wine.
What's your go-to comfort food for snacking on at work/in the studio?
Nuts! I’m absolutely mad about all kinds of nuts—they’re my go-to snack when I’m working in the studio.
Where is your favourite cocktail bar?
I love Red Frog Speakeasy in Lisbon, it feels like stepping into another world. Their cocktails are beautifully crafted, creative, and always a little surprising, just how I like it!
What would you love to see more of in the design world?
I’d love to see more authentic, traditional craftsmanship being celebrated. We’re slowly losing so many artisanal skills, and I think that’s a real shame. These traditions carry history and soul, and I believe they deserve more attention.
What would you like to see less of in the design world?
Less AI. I think the beauty of design lies in human creativity, imperfections, and emotions, things that machines can’t truly replicate.