At Large with Scott Norton

My guest today is Clare Vivier: celebrated fashion designer and entrepreneur known for her eponymous brand, Clare V. Over 16 years in business, she has quietly, yet undeniably, reshaped the landscape of accessories. The French-inflected simplicity of her designs—leather handbags adorned with bold stripes, understated totes that whisper rather than shout—echo her essence: practical and deliberate, with an artist’s cool. Vivier has managed to bottle up California ease and Parisian sophistication, infusing it into a brand that feels both timeless and strikingly now. Born and raised in the Midwest, Vivier's path to the fashion world was anything but linear. A former journalist, she honed her style sensibilities while living in France, where she noticed a glaring gap in the accessories market: bags that married utility with understated luxury. Armed with curiosity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a sewing machine purchased with found money, she taught herself the art of leather working to make a laptop bag that she herself would want to carry. What began as a modest operation soon blossomed into Clare V., a brand that has come to define West Coast chic. From its early cult following in indie boutiques to its current status as a staple among tastemakers, Clare V. has grown into a quietly powerful force in the fashion industry, without compromising integrity or its signature style. Her pieces, whether carried by Hollywood A-listers or creative professionals on the go, feel both egalitarian and aspirational, a reflection of the woman behind the brand. Yet for Vivier, success is as much about community as it is about commerce. With stores across the country—each one a carefully curated love letter to its neighborhood—and a commitment to ethical production practices, she has proven that achieving scale doesn't require sacrificing the values that guide you in the early days. Without further adieu, please enjoy my conversation with Clare.                            — Website Show Notes: Clare V Instagram La Vie de Clare V. Wabi-sabi The Cult of Clare V Sample Sales The Hidden Staircases of Los Angeles Vélib' Métropole All Fours: A Novel Alice Neel Jules et Jim Crispy Smashed Potatoes and Chimichurri  📸@swhnorton  🐦@swhnorton 🖥️www.atlargeshow.com ……. This podcast is made available solely for entertainment and educational purposes. The information presented here does not constitute investment, legal, or other professional advice, and should not be construed as an offering of advisory services, or as a solicitation to buy, an offer to sell, or a recommendation of any securities or other financial instruments. The thoughts and opinions expressed by or through this podcast are those of the individual guests and speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of any investment advisor. The discussion on this podcast of any entity, product or service does not imply an endorsement thereof, and the guests may have a financial interest, whether through investment or otherwise, in one or more of any such entities, products or services.  Did you enjoy this episode? Please leave a 5 star rating on your audio platform and comment below your favorite part of the episode. See you next week!