Deep Dive in Design: Runway to Room with Peter Copping
Episode Release Date: July 17, 2025
Host: Hudson Moore & Dara Caponigro
Guest: Peter Copping, British Designer and Co-Creator of Le Cartlier
1. Introduction
In this episode of Deep Dive in Design, Hudson Moore, Senior Design Editor at Frederick, welcomes British designer Peter Copping. Peter boasts an illustrious career in the fashion industry, having held senior creative roles at prestigious houses such as Christian Lacroix, Louis Vuitton, Nina Ricci, and Oscar de la Renta. Since stepping down as Creative Director of Oscar de la Renta in 2016, Peter has shifted his focus to interiors, co-founding the luxe interiors label Le Cartlier with his husband in Normandy, France.
2. Early Life and Influences
Peter attributes much of his creative inclination to his upbringing in a "creative household" where the arts were highly valued. His mother was particularly artistic, constantly engaging in creative projects, while his father, despite a career in the Air Force, harbored unfulfilled artistic aspirations due to familial pressures.
“I was very, very much drawn and [interested] in clothing at that stage.”
— Peter Copping [01:30]
Living near his grandmother in Oxfordshire further enriched his aesthetic sensibilities. Her elegant style, characterized by tweed suits and delicate accessories like mink stoles, left a lasting impression on him.
3. Education and Career Beginnings
Peter pursued his passion for the arts by enrolling in a foundation course in Oxfordshire, where he experimented with various disciplines before honing in on fashion and textiles. His dedication paid off when he secured a position at St. Martin’s School of Art, a pivotal moment overshadowed by the passing of his mother shortly before his interview—an event that fueled his drive to succeed.
“I think both my parents, if my sister and I hadn't gone on to college, they'd have been really disappointed.”
— Peter Copping [02:50]
After completing his B.A. Honors at St. Martin’s, Peter advanced his studies with a master's degree from the Royal College of Art.
4. Key Lessons in Fashion
Peter's early career was shaped by his experiences with iconic fashion houses:
-
Christian Lacroix: Gaining intricate knowledge of fabrics and embroideries, Peter was inspired by the meticulous craftsmanship, particularly influenced by designer Monsieur Lesage.
“It really showed me the precision that's necessary and to keep on looking things and questioning them.”
— Peter Copping [05:20] -
Sonia Ricci: Collaborating closely with Sonia, Peter embraced innovative construction techniques, such as utilizing the reverse side of fabric and leaving seams raw.
“Questioning how do you make clothes? And you don't have to necessarily follow the conventional paths.”
— Peter Copping [07:15]
These experiences instilled in him a relentless pursuit of perfection and a penchant for experimentation, qualities he continues to uphold.
5. Creativity and Experimentation
Hudson and Peter delve into the importance of maintaining a playful and experimental approach in design. Peter emphasizes the necessity of embracing mistakes as part of the creative process.
“I think that's very, very important to experiment and remain playful with it, not take things too seriously in some ways and not be afraid of making mistakes.”
— Peter Copping [08:27]
6. Cross-Influence between Fashion and Interiors
A significant portion of the conversation explores how Peter's background in fashion seamlessly translates into his work in interiors. He cites specific inspirations and projects where this crossover is evident.
“One of the collections that I did at Oscar de la Renta... was inspired by the interiors of Versailles.”
— Peter Copping [09:10]
He discusses how elements like damasks and toile de Jouy patterns from 18th-century interiors were adapted into contemporary fashion through innovative fabric treatments, such as twisting and integrating metal threads.
7. Career Highlights
Peter reflects on pivotal moments in his fashion career, highlighting his tenure at Louis Vuitton under Marc Jacobs. Being part of the team that launched Louis Vuitton's Ready-to-Wear line stands out as a defining achievement.
“To be chosen to join him and part of this initial team... it was a great opportunity.”
— Peter Copping [12:00]
Other memorable experiences include designing a bespoke lace dress for Lynn Wyatt's 80th birthday party, inspired by Truman Capote's Black and White Ball, and meeting designer Nikki Haslam, leading to unforgettable travels and collaborations.
8. Transition to Interiors and Founding Le Cartlier
Post-New York, Peter sought a more fulfilling and inspiring environment, leading him to return to Normandy, France. Alongside his husband, Romba, he founded Le Cartlier, a homeware line inspired by their countryside home.
“We just want to see how it evolves... It's definitely something in the future that we want to explore and go much, much further.”
— Peter Copping [20:00]
The initial focus was on upcycled cushions using antique and vintage fabrics, which quickly gained traction through platforms like Instagram and partnerships with UK retailers such as Cutter & Brooks.
9. Current Projects and Future Plans
Peter shares insights into their expansion into block-printed products, particularly inspired by traditional Indian craftsmanship. Their trip to India yielded collaborations with local artisans skilled in block printing—techniques that are rare in Europe.
“The level of craftsmanship there was really quite exceptional.”
— Peter Copping [18:30]
While balancing ongoing fashion consultations in Paris, Peter and Romba plan to gradually expand their interior offerings, envisioning a diverse range of products from casual table linens to formal embroidered cushions.
10. Conclusion
Peter Copping's journey from high fashion to luxe interiors exemplifies a seamless blend of artistic passion and entrepreneurial spirit. His commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability through upcycling, and cross-disciplinary inspiration positions Le Cartlier as a promising venture in the world of interior design.
“I'm just someone that is full of ideas... All at once, so that's why we just want to do it quite carefully, step by step.”
— Peter Copping [21:20]
Hudson and Dara cap the episode by expressing their admiration for Peter's contributions to both fashion and interiors, eagerly anticipating his future endeavors.
Notable Quotes:
- Peter Copping [01:30]: “I was very, very much drawn and [interested] in clothing at that stage.”
- Peter Copping [05:20]: “It really showed me the precision that's necessary and to keep on looking things and questioning them.”
- Peter Copping [08:27]: “I think that's very, very important to experiment and remain playful with it, not take things too seriously in some ways and not be afraid of making mistakes.”
- Peter Copping [09:10]: “One of the collections that I did at Oscar de la Renta... was inspired by the interiors of Versailles.”
- Peter Copping [12:00]: “To be chosen to join him and part of this initial team... it was a great opportunity.”
- Peter Copping [20:00]: “We just want to see how it evolves... It's definitely something in the future that we want to explore and go much, much further.”
- Peter Copping [21:20]: “I'm just someone that is full of ideas... All at once, so that's why we just want to do it quite carefully, step by step.”
About the Hosts:
- Hudson Moore: Senior Design Editor at Frederick, specializing in uncovering and sharing the narratives of influential figures in design.
- Dara Caponigro: Editor-in-Chief at Frederick, leading the editorial vision and engaging conversations with industry leaders.
Learn More:
For those interested in exploring Peter Copping’s work in interiors, visit Le Cartlier and follow their latest projects on Instagram.