For Clare Vivier, founder and designer of Clare V., getting dressed in the morning is a self-care ritual. It’s time to look at how you feel that day, embrace the feeling of playfulness and push your creativity forward for the day ahead. As Clare shows me her closet, which is well-organized and overflowing with colorful clothes and accessories, it’s clear that the art of dressing is rooted in her love of storytelling. This passion guides all his efforts, and is especially evident in the subtle messages that characterize many of his designs. His playful mixture of French and colloquialisms in popular clothing speaks to his own cultural fusion.
Our team spent a recent Thursday with Clare at the Silverlake home she shares with her husband. Feminine and vintage, it’s filled with books, family photos, and collectible tabletop pieces that speak to a home full of living experiences. Originally from Michigan, Clare has a soft-spoken confidence that puts you at ease quickly—she’s an innovator who leads with the power of her unique vision. Read on to learn how Clare Vivier starts her day and lives life in unparalleled style.
In an interview with Clare Vivier
What have you learned the most in the past year?
That I have to plan more than ever. Especially at work—I have to schedule time away from meetings so I can do real work. As the company grows, there are more things to attend to.. leaving less time to actually do the work!
In a few words, how would you describe your personal style?
Male/Feminine
How Clare Vivier Does It All
What does a typical day look like for you?
- 6:30 AM: Get out of bed, put on my dress and let my two dogs Paco & Coquette out into the back yard.
- 7:00 AM: Make coffee and head upstairs to shower and get dressed
- 8:00 AM: He walks out the door and drives to work.
- 8:30 AM: I make my breakfast and usually an espresso and sit down at my desk.
- 9:00 a.m.: meetings begin.
- 1:00 p.m.: make lunch and take a short walk outside along the LA river (did you know LA has a river?). Our office is located in Frogtown right on the riverwalk.
- 4:00 p.m.: I make myself snacks, usually popcorn or nuts and chocolate.
- 6:00 p.m.: Pick up and go home.
- 6:30 p.m.: Chat with my husband, and cuddle with my puppies before dinner. My husband likes to cook and usually makes dinner for me. What luck.
- 8:00 p.m.: Watch a game together while doing laundry or doing a little cleaning.
- 10:00 PM: Head upstairs to start my nightly skin routine, which includes my Shani Darden products. Sometimes I have travel supplies the next day. Otherwise, at 11 PM I go to bed and read.
Clare Vivier’s Morning Round
What morning rituals set you up for success?
I make a pot of coffee and listen to a podcast, then go upstairs to shower and get dressed. My closet is my happy place. Sometimes it’s clean, sometimes there are clothes and bags everywhere.
This time in my room, trying on clothes, is my morning routine.
Describe your morning beauty routine:
I have a very small beauty routine in the AM. I apply Japanese Curel face cream, REL blush n Devon cream, and Thrive Liquid Lash Extensions mascara. That’s all. Almost zero time is spent on beauty.
What do you eat for breakfast?
On the weekends, I have an egg on a Guerrero corn tortilla with my cousin Nikki’s hot sauces, her company is Hot Mama Salsa and everything she makes is delicious.
What will we always find in your fridge?
A few french cheeses and a cold red wine
What are your favorite books?
More recently, I’ve loved All Fours by Miranda July and Bee Sting by Paul Murray. I am currently reading God of the Woods by Liz Moore which I am enjoying.
What’s always on your nightstand?
An eye mask, and a few books I’m reading.
What’s your favorite song to get ready for?
I listen to podcasts in the morning. On Mondays, I listen They are not smart. On Tuesdays and Fridays, I listen The Pivot. On Wednesday and Thursday there is a little outside, but usually Keep up with Kara Swisher.
Do you exercise in the morning?
On weekends and when I’m on vacation, I always go hiking or jogging. I also take tennis lessons once a week.
Clare Vivier’s Personal Style
What is your daily uniform?
Oh, I don’t have a uniform. I dress very differently every day depending on how I’m feeling and what I’m doing that day, but I wear button-down shirts a lot. I like Les Prairies des Paris and Clare V.
I wear flats to work—a few favorites:
What are one or two things you do every day to live a happy life?
Enter Oscar, my son, who is in college at CalArts. Play with my dog.
If you could put your success down to one thing, what would it be?
My parents. They always instilled in me the importance of independence, creativity, hard work and giving back to our community.
Sentence completers:
I never leave the house except:
…extra material if I want to change it.
If there were more hours in the day, I could do it:
…go for a walk every day.
One thing I want to be known for is:
…being a kind and supportive mother, partner, friend, company leader.
One thing I fear the most is:
…to fail
When I feel that fear, I:
…do something creative
One sign you need to be successful in life is this:
…patience.