She first worked in fashion with renowned houses (Dior, Ferré, Gaultier…) then in jewelry.
Driven by the requirement that make the best signatures and the passion for beautiful fabrics, Karin Sajo now uses her creative energy for her own brand: a collection of upholstery fabrics very inspired, extremely refined, meticulously made. Graphic or floral, they are real poems of drawings and colours: lagoon/storm, lilac/purple, red/crimson, black/taupe… a noble know-how. Magnificent. Karin Sajo.
Last trip, last hotel, last memorable travel experience or anecdote?
The Taj West End, a hotel made in the colonial style at the heart of Bangalore, surrounded by lush vegetation. This is absolute luxury, within a loud and vibrant town where day-in-day-out people work at putting together my creations.
What makes or breaks a hotel?
Being true to the coquette Parisian that I am – the size of the dressing room. But firstly everything rests on the quality of the staff. Lastly, there is nothing worse than anorexic or short curtains… such meager savings!
Ultimate definition of luxury?
To spend long hours barefoot in the hot sand whilst looking for shells and coral left on the beach by the sea.
A guilty indulgence?
Perfectionism. I have spent a long time trying to learn what is essential and I’m not cured yet!
As Picasso put it, “ It takes a long time to become young.”
A scent which takes your breath away?
There are so many! To name but a few, l’Iris and Pot Pourri by Santa Marie Novella, perfumes by Avant-Guerre, lastly N’aimez que moi and Nuit de Noel by Caron. On a completely different note, the smell of turpentine emanating from my father’s workshop. And for ones pallet, jams with flowers, roses, violets, jasmine… and acacia flower doughnuts.
A back handed compliment?
It’s good to receive and accept all compliments
Last thing you read before bed?
Decoration and Haute Couture by Hélène Guéné – Armand Rateau for Jeanne Lanvin an other Art Deco book. A book which is beautifully illustrated – I’m enriched by all the wonderful photographs.
Unforgivable swearword?
A Hungarian curse which turns the airwaves blue with its expression.
A question you hope we won’t ask?
What’s your favorite colour?
An addiction?
An unwavering addiction for Italy – Tuscany, Lake Como, the Amalfi coast, Venice. One of my very first memories of travel aged 5. In particular the lagoon’s water which came right up to the door at the back of our hotel. I worryingly thought that the building was floating on the sea like a raft.
Your last rant?
It’s not good for your health or for your morale, but sometimes it is necessary!
Your last helping hand?
The satin cotton and polyurethane yarn fabrics in my collection, for the young stylist Léa Peckre with which she won the First Prize in the 25th Festival de la Mode at Hyères.
Last thing you fell in love with?
18th and 19th century Porcelaine from Limoges and Sèvres whose finely painted motifs inspired my Toiles de Jouy drawings.
Favorite music at the moment?
When I’m driving in my car, everything played at full volume.
Current favourite website?
My own !
Discover the world of Karin Sajo:
http://www.karinsajo.com/
www.glahotels.com
G.L.A Hotels, the luxury hotels specialist
