The Art of Storytelling and Style with Creative Consultant Cindy Palot
At LILYA, we’re inspired by the quiet forces behind the scenes—those who shape stories, nurture vision, and elevate the everyday into something more beautiful. Cindy Palot is one of those creatives. A LILYA collaborator and now someone I’m proud to call a friend, Cindy brings a sense of soul and refinement to everything she touches. Born in France and now living between continents, her work spans fashion, creative direction, writing, and brand storytelling. She’s collaborated with esteemed French houses like Saint Laurent and Courrèges, but beyond the names, it’s her poetic way of seeing the world that leaves the deepest mark. Cindy has a gift for quiet transformation—whether she's guiding a campaign narrative or helping to shape the emotional language of a brand.
In this journal, we explore Cindy’s creative journey, from the quiet countryside to the ateliers of Paris, from personal rituals to professional clarity. A conversation about home, heritage, beauty, and what it means to live a life deeply rooted in story.
In this journal, we explore Cindy’s creative journey, from the quiet countryside to the ateliers of Paris, from personal rituals to professional clarity. A conversation about home, heritage, beauty, and what it means to live a life deeply rooted in story.
Q: Your roots are French, but your spirit seems to stretch far beyond one place.
Can you share a little of your personal history—where you grew up, the cultural threads that shaped you—and how those early experiences planted the seeds of your creative life?
Can you share a little of your personal history—where you grew up, the cultural threads that shaped you—and how those early experiences planted the seeds of your creative life?
A: I grew up in a small town near Vichy, in Auvergne, a beautiful region known for its water and volcanoes. It was much more countryside than city life, and over time, I’ve become grateful for that kind of slower, quieter environment to grow up in.
But as a teenager, I knew I wanted to experience something different, something more stimulating. So I moved to Paris for fashion school, and later started my career there. I loved the energy of the city, my life there, and all the opportunities it brought, but after six years, I felt the need to shift.
Paris is inspiring, especially when you work in fashion, but it can also be consuming, and I’ve always known that I needed a slower pace, somewhere I can be surrounded by nature and feel at ease.
Since then, my life has been about finding balance, between the stimulation of the city, and a more grounded way of living.
It’s not always easy to find both in one place, so I’ve learned to create that balance in my own way. Sometimes it means spending a few years in a fast-paced city, then taking time away—living abroad, slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and exploring new cultures.
That rhythm of exploration and reconnection has truly shaped who I am, and it’s what fuels my creativity the most, always opening up new perspectives.
But as a teenager, I knew I wanted to experience something different, something more stimulating. So I moved to Paris for fashion school, and later started my career there. I loved the energy of the city, my life there, and all the opportunities it brought, but after six years, I felt the need to shift.
Paris is inspiring, especially when you work in fashion, but it can also be consuming, and I’ve always known that I needed a slower pace, somewhere I can be surrounded by nature and feel at ease.
Since then, my life has been about finding balance, between the stimulation of the city, and a more grounded way of living.
It’s not always easy to find both in one place, so I’ve learned to create that balance in my own way. Sometimes it means spending a few years in a fast-paced city, then taking time away—living abroad, slowing down, reconnecting with nature, and exploring new cultures.
That rhythm of exploration and reconnection has truly shaped who I am, and it’s what fuels my creativity the most, always opening up new perspectives.
Q: You’ve woven together such a rich and varied career across fashion, branding, and creative direction. Looking back, what have been the defining chapters of your professional journey? Were there key turning points that set you on this path?
A: Moving to Paris was definitely one of the defining chapters of my journey. When I moved there for fashion school, I knew I was in the right place. Paris was the ideal city to start a career in fashion, and I’m really grateful I had that experience.
Working inside couture houses gave me a strong foundation. Having the ateliers in-house meant I got to learn directly from so many different métiers and incredibly skilled people, and you pick things up fast in that kind of environment. Being part of the entire journey, from the very first toile to the show, gave me a deep, hands-on understanding of the creative process and pushed me to grow and learn quickly. Experiencing that across different houses is something I’ll always value. It really shaped the way I work today.
In a different way, Australia was also a key chapter, because it’s where I decided to go freelance. When I moved to Sydney, I started working with local fashion labels and quickly noticed how different their approach was when it came to design and building a collection. That contrast was really interesting, and having that distance gave me a clearer sense of what I could bring to the brands I’d collaborate with, and how I could share everything I had learned over the years in Paris.
That’s what gave me the impulse to start working independently and to create a new rhythm for myself, with more freedom and fluidity in the way I work and live today.
Working inside couture houses gave me a strong foundation. Having the ateliers in-house meant I got to learn directly from so many different métiers and incredibly skilled people, and you pick things up fast in that kind of environment. Being part of the entire journey, from the very first toile to the show, gave me a deep, hands-on understanding of the creative process and pushed me to grow and learn quickly. Experiencing that across different houses is something I’ll always value. It really shaped the way I work today.
In a different way, Australia was also a key chapter, because it’s where I decided to go freelance. When I moved to Sydney, I started working with local fashion labels and quickly noticed how different their approach was when it came to design and building a collection. That contrast was really interesting, and having that distance gave me a clearer sense of what I could bring to the brands I’d collaborate with, and how I could share everything I had learned over the years in Paris.
That’s what gave me the impulse to start working independently and to create a new rhythm for myself, with more freedom and fluidity in the way I work and live today.
Q: French style has captivated the world for generations. How would you define French style in your own words, not just in what one wears, but in how one moves through the world?
A: I think French people have a real appreciation for natural beauty and authenticity—both in how we dress and how we live. Details matter, things are often curated and well considered, but we like when they feel a little lived-in, a little imperfect. We value simplicity, but it still has to feel beautiful.
We also care a lot about quality time. There’s a way of turning everyday moments into simple pleasures: long debates, endless dinners, sitting down for a coffee and people-watching for an hour, or opening a bottle of wine just because…
People often mention the “nonchalance” of French people, and I get what they mean, but I don’t think it’s about being pretentious or distant. It’s more a kind of insouciance—being yourself, without pretending or needing to explain too much.
When it comes to fashion, it’s often about the silhouette. Most people know what works for them and stick to it, with little personal touches. The French have a quiet pride in trusting their eye and cultivating their own style. It’s more about building something timeless, and making it their own.
We also care a lot about quality time. There’s a way of turning everyday moments into simple pleasures: long debates, endless dinners, sitting down for a coffee and people-watching for an hour, or opening a bottle of wine just because…
People often mention the “nonchalance” of French people, and I get what they mean, but I don’t think it’s about being pretentious or distant. It’s more a kind of insouciance—being yourself, without pretending or needing to explain too much.
When it comes to fashion, it’s often about the silhouette. Most people know what works for them and stick to it, with little personal touches. The French have a quiet pride in trusting their eye and cultivating their own style. It’s more about building something timeless, and making it their own.
Q: Your aesthetic feels effortless, intentional, and deeply personal. How would you describe your style—through the way you dress, express yourself, and curate your world? And what are the roots of your inspiration?
A: I’d say my style is effortless and comfortable, with a sense of balance. I often like to mix a masculine, oversized piece with something more feminine or refined, or a vintage find with something more current.
I usually start with good basics and clean shapes, pieces that feel good and that I know work for me, and then build from there.
I also love wearing jewelry. I tend to wear the same pieces, usually vintage, and I see them as little markers of identity, a bit like perfume.
I’ve always loved taking care of myself and getting dressed, and I think that comes from the women in my family.
My mother, my grandmother, and my aunt all had a way of paying attention to how they dressed and carried themselves, always with a sense of elegance and effortless style. I think that showed me the way from a very young age.
I don’t put pressure on myself to follow trends. I enjoy watching fashion shows and street style, it’s part of my work, and I find it inspiring, especially to observe how fashion evolves over time.
But in the end, I think what we wear should simply reflect who we are and what we truly value. Wearing clothes that make you feel like yourself is what matters most.
I usually start with good basics and clean shapes, pieces that feel good and that I know work for me, and then build from there.
I also love wearing jewelry. I tend to wear the same pieces, usually vintage, and I see them as little markers of identity, a bit like perfume.
I’ve always loved taking care of myself and getting dressed, and I think that comes from the women in my family.
My mother, my grandmother, and my aunt all had a way of paying attention to how they dressed and carried themselves, always with a sense of elegance and effortless style. I think that showed me the way from a very young age.
I don’t put pressure on myself to follow trends. I enjoy watching fashion shows and street style, it’s part of my work, and I find it inspiring, especially to observe how fashion evolves over time.
But in the end, I think what we wear should simply reflect who we are and what we truly value. Wearing clothes that make you feel like yourself is what matters most.
Q: You’ve become an integral part of the LILYA story in 2025, working quietly behind the scenes to bring beauty and cohesion to the brand. I am so grateful to now call you a friend, I have learnt a lot from you, I feel more inspired to create and have learnt to think and see things differently. What do you love most about the work we’ve done together at LILYA?
A: Thank you!! It’s been such a beautiful and enriching experience, both personally and professionally!
What I love most about working with you is how much LILYA feels like a true reflection of who you are and what you stand for. There’s something really honest in the way you connect with people, whether it’s your community, your team, or the artisans you work with.
I think what I admire most is that even after 20 years (!!), you’ve stayed so true to your values. A lot of brands lose that along the way as they grow, that real connection with their audience or their purpose, but with LILYA, you can feel it’s still there.
The way you’ve built the brand over the years shows in everything you do. And for me, having the chance to learn from both your creative vision and your business approach has been such a gift!
What I love most about working with you is how much LILYA feels like a true reflection of who you are and what you stand for. There’s something really honest in the way you connect with people, whether it’s your community, your team, or the artisans you work with.
I think what I admire most is that even after 20 years (!!), you’ve stayed so true to your values. A lot of brands lose that along the way as they grow, that real connection with their audience or their purpose, but with LILYA, you can feel it’s still there.
The way you’ve built the brand over the years shows in everything you do. And for me, having the chance to learn from both your creative vision and your business approach has been such a gift!
Q: One of the most remarkable things about you is your gift with words—especially in English, which is not your first language. How did your relationship with storytelling begin?
A: It probably started with the fact that I’ve always loved reading or listening to people’s personal journeys or autobiographies. There’s something so powerful about hearing someone speak honestly about their path — it’s such a gift when someone genuinely opens up and shares their experience. From the outside, success can look smooth or easy, but when you go deeper, you realise that life never follows a straight line. And seeing how people have faced challenges or overcome certain obstacles is something I find deeply inspiring.
Writing has also always felt easier than speaking, especially in english. When you write, there’s time and space to choose your words — no pressure to respond quickly, no sense of being rushed or overwhelmed. As an introvert, it’s something I really enjoy and feel more at ease with.
I think over time, my relationship with words has definitely deepened. Slowing down, gaining perspective, and becoming more intentional has made writing another way of expressing myself — one that feels just right.
Writing has also always felt easier than speaking, especially in english. When you write, there’s time and space to choose your words — no pressure to respond quickly, no sense of being rushed or overwhelmed. As an introvert, it’s something I really enjoy and feel more at ease with.
I think over time, my relationship with words has definitely deepened. Slowing down, gaining perspective, and becoming more intentional has made writing another way of expressing myself — one that feels just right.
Q: You help me so much in the design process, creating a story that brings clarity to the creation of a range. Your writing carries a soft power—it’s evocative, feminine, and full of soul. What role does storytelling play in your creative life, and how do you approach it differently from more visual forms of expression?
A: For me, storytelling is really about creating meaning — it’s a way of translating a feeling or an emotion into something deeper.
It helps me give shape to what’s often intuitive, and make sense of what I’m creating — whether it’s a project, a collection, or just an idea that’s still forming.
In the creative process, it helps me slow down and find clarity. From there, everything starts to flow, and the visuals often come more naturally once the story is there.
And I actually think storytelling goes far beyond creative work. I really believe in the idea of shaping our own narrative — not in a way that’s overly romantic or artificial, but in a way that’s more intentional and present.
I think meaning isn’t something you find, but something you make — through your attention, your choices, your perspective.
It’s about noticing how we live, what we choose to care about, and giving value to even the smallest things. It brings a certain depth — and maybe even a little more beauty — helping to elevate the everyday.
It helps me give shape to what’s often intuitive, and make sense of what I’m creating — whether it’s a project, a collection, or just an idea that’s still forming.
In the creative process, it helps me slow down and find clarity. From there, everything starts to flow, and the visuals often come more naturally once the story is there.
And I actually think storytelling goes far beyond creative work. I really believe in the idea of shaping our own narrative — not in a way that’s overly romantic or artificial, but in a way that’s more intentional and present.
I think meaning isn’t something you find, but something you make — through your attention, your choices, your perspective.
It’s about noticing how we live, what we choose to care about, and giving value to even the smallest things. It brings a certain depth — and maybe even a little more beauty — helping to elevate the everyday.
Q: You often help others bring their vision to life, guiding the unseen layers of a brand’s voice or mood. What does it mean to be a creative consultant to you, and how do you hold space for authenticity in your work?
A: I think it’s really about bringing a vision to life in a way that feels true to who the brand is, and that brings out its natural light and unique identity.
Most of the time, it’s not about inventing something new, but revealing what’s already there, something that may have been forgotten a little along the way.
When I start working with a brand, I like to return to its roots. I try to understand the intention behind its creation, the values it carries, and how it hopes to connect with people, not just visually, but on an emotional level. I believe that’s where authenticity begins, both for the brand and for myself.
Once that foundation is in place, we can start shaping the rest: the creative direction, material research, color palettes, visual references for the shoot, and so on.
When everything is built from a meaningful and intentional place, the process tends to flow more freely, and with a sense of alignment.
Supporting a brand whose values I resonate with, and helping it bring its vision to life in a way that feels aligned, is something I find deeply rewarding.
Most of the time, it’s not about inventing something new, but revealing what’s already there, something that may have been forgotten a little along the way.
When I start working with a brand, I like to return to its roots. I try to understand the intention behind its creation, the values it carries, and how it hopes to connect with people, not just visually, but on an emotional level. I believe that’s where authenticity begins, both for the brand and for myself.
Once that foundation is in place, we can start shaping the rest: the creative direction, material research, color palettes, visual references for the shoot, and so on.
When everything is built from a meaningful and intentional place, the process tends to flow more freely, and with a sense of alignment.
Supporting a brand whose values I resonate with, and helping it bring its vision to life in a way that feels aligned, is something I find deeply rewarding.
A: Right now, I think what I’m really dreaming of is finding a place I can truly call home. These past few years of moving between places have been incredibly enriching, and I’ve learned a lot through each transition, but I’m starting to feel ready for a bit more stability. Even though I know I’ll always travel, both for work and personally, I’d love to have a more permanent base. There are still so many places I’m excited to explore (Japan and New Zealand are high on the list), but I’m beginning to want somewhere I can come back to and feel grounded.
There’s also a quiet desire to build something of my own. I’ve never started a project entirely from scratch, but it’s something I’m naturally drawn to. The idea of creating something that brings together everything I’ve learned and love, it feels both exciting and meaningful.
There’s also a quiet desire to build something of my own. I’ve never started a project entirely from scratch, but it’s something I’m naturally drawn to. The idea of creating something that brings together everything I’ve learned and love, it feels both exciting and meaningful.