who is Frederique Dessemond...
History, theories... they do nourish the spirit, however the need to create is more attractive, it's a true passion.
Frederique Dessemond, ginette_ny owner/designer
Originally from Marseille, France, Frederique Dessemond studied art history in Aix-en-Provence and later at La Sorbonne in Paris. Her passion for art began at an early age, where she began painting while living in a building designed by the world-renowned architect Le Corbusier. The building was so unique and different, with its clean lines and city-within-a-city concept, it allowed Frederique to be inspired and creative in her own right. To this day, painting remains her true passion, which she cannot resist to do a few nights a year.
Her collages and paintings were also inspired by a fortunate meeting with notorious painter, Jean-Paul Cleren. He shared with Frederique a few recommendations and secrets during the time she spent working in his Saint-Tropez studio. Since then, Frederique has exhibited her art worldwide, from Marseille and Paris to New York.
While in France, she started working as an interior designer by recycling old furniture. In fact, she transformed industrial and factory furniture so as to give them a new life, yet still remaining pure and simple. While making a living doing what she loved, Frederique felt there was still so much more out there for her.
In 1999, Frederique packed her bags and headed to New York, a long awaited departure. She had always longed for the city's creative energy, its urban beauty, and the artistic inspiration only New York could offer. A young designer, Joelle Klein, from Frederique's Marseille hometown had asked her to work with her, which was her first opportunity to approach New York professionally, and get her feet wet in the fashion industry.
Then from 2000 to 2001, she worked alongside an up-and-coming accessory and fashion designer, Paige Novick. The "Frou by Page Novick" collection won the Genart contest, which resulted in a fashion show in Bryant Park during Olympus Fashion Week, putting Frederique alongside many of the world renowned designers.