For Clare V. founder and designer, Clare Vivier, getting dressed in the morning is a ritual that borders on self-care: a time to check in, be playful, and inspire creativity for the day ahead. When Clare shared her closet, it was organized and filled with colorful clothes and accessories. It was clear that the art of getting dressed is rooted in her love of storytelling. This passion guides all she does, especially the cheeky messages that feature in many of her designs. Her beloved clothes feature a playful mix of French and colloquialisms, which speak to her unique cultural fusion.
Our team spent a recent Thursday morning at Claire and her husband’s Silver Lake home. Feminine and classic, the home is filled with books, family photos, and collections on the tables, revealing a home filled with life experiences. A Minnesota native, Claire’s soft-spoken and confident tone puts you at ease right away. Claire is a founder who leads with the power of her unique vision. Read on to learn how Claire Vivier starts her day and lives with her unique style.
A conversation with Claire Vivier
What’s your biggest learning from the past year?
It means you have to schedule more than you used to, especially at work, you have to schedule time not in meetings to get actual work done. As your company gets bigger, there are more things to discuss in meetings and less time to actually get work done.
How would you describe your personal style in one word?
Male/Female
How Claire Vivier gets it all done
What is your typical day like?
6:30AM: I get out of bed, put on my robe, and take my two little dogs, Paco and Coquette, out to the backyard. 7:00AM: I make coffee, go upstairs to shower and get changed. 8:00AM: I head out the door and drive to work. 8:30AM: I make breakfast (usually an espresso) and sit at my desk. 9:00AM: Meeting starts. 1:00PM: I make lunch and take a short walk along the LA River (did you know LA has a river?). My office is in Frogtown and is on a path that runs along the river. 4:00PM: I make snacks (usually popcorn, nuts, and chocolate). 6:00PM: I pack up and head home. 6:30PM: Before dinner, I chat with my husband and cuddle with our pups. My husband loves to cook, and he usually has dinner ready for us. How lucky! 8pm: We watch a show together while I fold laundry and do a little cleaning. 10pm: I go upstairs and start my nighttime skincare routine with Shani Darden products. Sometimes I have to get ready for a trip the next day. If not, I’m in bed at 11pm and reading.
Claire Vivier’s morning routine
What morning habits set you up for success?
I make myself some coffee and listen to a podcast, then I go upstairs to take a shower and get changed. My closet is my happy place. Sometimes it’s clean, other times it’s just a mess with clothes and bags.
Now my morning ritual is to try on clothes in my closet.
What’s your morning beauty routine?
My morning beauty routine is minimal: I apply Curel Japanese face cream, REL Cream Blush n Devon, and Thrive Liquid Lash Extension Mascara. That’s it. I spend almost zero time on beauty.
What do you have for breakfast?
On the weekends, I like to eat eggs on Guerrero corn tortillas with my cousin Nikki’s hot sauce. Nikki’s company is Hot Mama Salsa, and everything she makes is delicious.
What’s always in your fridge?
French cheese and chilled red wine
What is your favorite book?
Recently I’ve enjoyed All Fours by Miranda July and Bee Sting by Paul Murray, and I’m currently reading God of the Woods by Liz Moore which I’m really enjoying.
What’s always on your nightstand?
An eye mask and a few books to read.
What’s your favorite getting ready soundtrack?
I listen to podcasts in the morning. On Mondays I listen to Smartless. On Tuesdays and Fridays I listen to Pivot. On Wednesdays and Thursdays it’s a little different, but I usually listen to On With Kara Swisher.
Do you exercise in the morning?
On weekends and holidays, I usually go hiking or jogging, and I also take tennis lessons once a week.
Claire Vivier’s personal style
What is your everyday uniform?
Oh, I don’t really have a uniform. I wear something quite different every day depending on my mood and what I have planned, but I often wear button-down shirts. I love Les Prairies des Paris and Clare V.
I wear flats to work, and here are some of my favorites:
What are one or two things you do each day to live a more joyful life?
I connect with my son, Oscar, who attends California Institute of the Arts. I play with my dog.
If you could narrow your success down to one thing, what would it be?
My parents. They always taught me the importance of self-reliance, creativity, hard work, and giving back to your community.
Sentence endings:
I never leave home without the following:
…A spare set of clothes in case you want to change.
If the day was longer, this is what I would do.
… I go hiking every day.
One thing I want to be known for is this:
…being a loving and supportive mother, partner, friend, and company leader.
My biggest fear is this:
…Failed
When I feel that fear, this is what I do:
…do something creative
Here are some traits you need to be successful in life:
…Patience.
