Swiss designer Kevin Germanier redefines sustainable luxury with Caran d’Ache in Les Fulgureuses—a bold, iridescent collection where upcycled beauty and Swiss precision collide.
Before you log off for the day, StyleLujo.com has breaking news from the heart of Paris: fashion’s rebel genius, Kevin Germanier, and the legendary Swiss Maison, Caran d’Ache, have joined forces to launch one of the year’s boldest creative collaborations—Les Fulgureuses.
For over a century, Caran d’Ache has exemplified the kind of craftsmanship that turns everyday objects into heirlooms. From their Geneva-based workshops, the Maison has consistently delivered writing and drawing instruments that reflect the precision and integrity of Swiss design. But what’s even more impressive is their unwavering commitment to sustainability—utilizing solar energy, FSC-certified wood, and forward-thinking production techniques that prioritize environmental responsibility without compromising aesthetic excellence. Caran d’Ache isn’t just a legacy brand, it’s a creative institution—one that has quietly shaped the visual language of generations.
Enter Kévin Germanier, a force in fashion who is rewriting the rules of luxury through upcycling and unapologetic individuality. Since launching his namesake label in 2018, Germanier has carved a space where experimental glamour and conscious design can coexist—and thrive. Whether it’s Beyoncé on stage, a custom piece for Emily in Paris, or his now-iconic upcycled couture dress made from Caran d’Ache materials, Germanier’s work is proof that the future of fashion doesn’t have to sacrifice creativity at the altar of sustainability. He’s not just pushing boundaries—he’s redrawing them.
At just 32, Germanier is already reshaping the fashion landscape. With designs worn by Lady Gaga, Rihanna, and K-pop icon Sunmi—not to mention styling appearances on Netflix’s Emily in Paris—his reputation as a global fashion force is undeniable. And now, fresh off designing over 120 costumes for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games closing ceremony, he’s fusing couture artistry with Swiss precision in a limited-edition capsule that’s anything but conventional.
The Les Fulgureuses Special Edition bursts with color and intention. At its heart are two electrifying 849™ ballpoint pens—also available as mechanical pencils—drenched in neon pink and green, Germanier’s signature hues. Each is etched with pearl-inspired patterns and his name boldly engraved opposite the clip. Even the packaging has gone luxe-sustainable, with inserts crafted from paper.
But that’s just the beginning. The Ecridor™ ballpoint pen is jewelry-worthy: an opulent guilloché motif, inspired by pearl weaving, topped with a holographic glass crystal that shimmers with movement. It’s elegance in motion—and yes, it’s customizable. Paired with a neon yellow leather pouch, upcycled from luxury stock, it’s proof that sustainability can sparkle.
Also part of the collection is the exclusive Les Fulgureuses Color Set, a handpicked selection of 13 pencils curated by Germanier himself—neon tones, metallic finishes, and water-soluble pigments designed to dance with detail. A complimentary Creative Class, led by Germanier, invites fans and fashion illustrators to step into his artistic universe.
And for collectors with an eye for the extraordinary? Les Fulgureuses Exceptional Pieces raise the bar. From a Fine Writing instrument bedazzled with 528 crystals and a semi-precious stone to an iconic Caran d’Ache sharpener transformed into sculpture, and a color pencil vault wrapped in over 1,500 handwoven beads, this is haute couture meets high design. Only nine unique sets exist, each set to be auctioned to the most discerning collectors.
“Germanier entered Haute Couture at the beginning of the year, and we have also created Haute Couture pieces for this collection with Caran d’Ache.” — Kevin Germanier
It’s more than a collection. It’s a manifesto of creative freedom—a celebration of shared values between two visionary houses. And it’s officially available for pre-order now, launching July 1st in Caran d’Ache boutiques and online.
StyleLujo.com Exclusive Interview: Les Fulgureuses – A Fusion of Artistic Expression and Precision In a vibrant collaboration that redefines the intersection of couture and craftsmanship, StyleLujo.com Editor-in-Chief Joseph DeAcetissits down with Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache, to explore the radiance and intention behind Les Fulgureuses. This imaginative collection—co-created with visionary fashion designer Kevin Germanier—is a testament to the boundless possibilities when Swiss design excellence meets avant-garde fashion. From pearls as emblems of identity to packaging as the first whisper of storytelling, each detail in Les Fulgureuses reflects a shared commitment to creativity, sustainability, and expressive color.
Joseph DeAcetis: Les Fulgureuses is a radiant celebration of color and creativity. What was the first spark of inspiration that ignited this collaboration with Caran d’Ache?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: The first spark of this collaboration was the alignment of vision and values between Caran d’Ache and Kevin Germanier. Both deeply rooted in Swissness, we share a commitment to excellence, precision, and uncompromising quality. Colour, a fundamental pillar for both our houses, is not only a creative tool but a language of identity and self-expression. This natural convergence—between Caran d’Ache’s heritage of fine colour craftsmanship and Germanier’s bold, forward-thinking aesthetic—laid the foundation for Les Fulgureuses.
Joseph DeAcetis: Pearls are a central motif in this collection. What do pearls symbolize and how did you translate that symbolism into design?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: This motif traces back to a print Kévin Germanier designed in 2018 for his very first collection, one that remains emblematic of his artistic identity. Through this collaboration, we didn’t just apply a visual theme; we entered Germanier’s universe and reinterpreted it through our lens.
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Joseph DeAcetis: Your work often blurs the line between fashion and art. How did working with Caran d’Ache’s iconic writing instruments challenge or expand your creative process?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: It was an exciting shift. Kévin is used to creating with textiles and movement, so working with writing instruments introduced new constraints—and new freedoms. The result is a collection where haute couture meets the precision of Swiss design.
Joseph DeAcetis: The Les Fulgureuses Color Set includes 13 shades Kevin Germanier personally curated. Can you walk us through the process behind the color choices?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: The Les Fulgureuses Colour Set is a true extension of Kévin Germanier’s creative universe. Each of the 13 pencils was curated by Kévin to reflect the key elements of his aesthetic. Four neon shades—his signature tones—were chosen to mirror the energy of the ballpoint pens and mechanical pencils. Four metallic hues evoke his love for shimmering, radiant textures. The remaining five are water-soluble colours, designed to harmonize with the intricate patterns of the 849™ Special Editions.
Joseph DeAcetis: Sustainability is a cornerstone of your brand. How did you ensure that this collaboration remained true to Caran d’Ache’s eco-conscious values?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: Being responsible is important and has always been a priority for our Maison. From sourcing FSC-certified wood to using water-based varnishes and minimizing plastic in our packaging, we strive to do as much as possible. For this collection, for example, we reworked the insert of the 849 ballpoint pen in cardboard, and the leather pouch of the Ecridor is sourced from end-of-stock items from luxury fashion Houses. At Kévin’s request, it was a true collaboration.
Joseph DeAcetis: The Exceptional Pieces are breathtaking works of craftsmanship. What message do you hope collectors take away from these one-of-a-kind creations?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: These 9 Exceptional Pieces are a manifesto: they celebrate the union of artisanal savoir-faire and visionary design. We hope collectors feel the emotional charge embedded in each creation—a fusion of audacity, precision, and purpose.
Joseph DeAcetis: The holographic metallic case is a stunning nod to Kevin Germanier’s aesthetic. How important is packaging in storytelling, especially when merging fashion with fine writing?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: Packaging is the prelude to the experience. The holographic finish, reflective of Kévin’s futuristic couture, sets the tone before the box is even opened. It bridges the codes of high fashion with the tradition of fine writing.
Joseph DeAcetis: How does Caran d’Ache’s Swiss heritage influence its collaborations with creatives like Kévin Germanier?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: Swiss heritage is the cornerstone of everything we do. It informs our precision, our attention to detail, and our dedication to timeless quality. Working with Kévin—who also shares this cultural DNA—meant that the partnership was grounded in mutual understanding and trust from the very beginning.
Joseph DeAcetis: What lasting impact do you hope Les Fulgureuses will have in the creative industries—from fashion to design and beyond?
Isabelle Clerc-Gippet, Chief Marketing & Commercial Officer of Caran d’Ache: We hope Les Fulgureuses will inspire creators to explore the spaces between disciplines—to embrace color, sustainability, and expressive design without boundaries. It’s a celebration of collaboration, and of boldness, in every form.
Where Luxury Evolves: The Legacy of Les Fulgureuses:
In a time when artistry and purpose are more interwoven than ever, Les Fulgureuses stands as a powerful statement of how craftsmanship, sustainability, and fashion-forward thinking can coexist and inspire. This collaboration between Caran d’Ache and Kevin Germanier transcends product—it’s a celebration of what happens when two creative forces share a vision and dare to make it tangible.
With each pearl-inspired detail and iridescent flourish, Les Fulgureuses leaves an impression not only on the eye but also on the industry itself. It’s a call to elevate design with integrity, to push boundaries fearlessly, and to embrace innovation without compromise. For creatives, collectors, and change-makers alike, this collaboration is more than a collection—it’s a blueprint for the future.
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