Today, we catch up with the creative duo Michele Solecki and Noa , a mother-daughter team from France and Junior Style contributors. They will soon head to Paris to cover the Playtime Paris trade show for us. Let’s get to know them!
Michele Solecki, an architect’s assistant and freelance photographer, and her talented daughter Noa, a 13-year-old exploring various creative careers. Their journey into the world of kids’ fashion began nearly four years ago when Noa, at just 9 years old, expressed a desire to become a model. What started as a mother supporting her daughter’s aspirations quickly evolved into a shared passion and successful collaboration.
Michele’s keen eye for photography and Noa’s natural charm in front of the camera created captivating photo stories that caught the attention of friends and family. Encouraged by the positive feedback, Michèle began taking on more projects, leading them to exciting collaborations with various kids’ fashion brands. Their unique blend of creativity, dedication, and genuine love for the art of photography has made Michèle and Noa a dynamic pair in the world of children’s fashion. They quickly caught the editor’s eye at Junior Style and became contributors.
We look forward to their insights and stories from Playtime Paris.
Playtime Paris will take place June 29-July1, 2024.
JS: Tell us your story.
Michele: I’ll answer for both of us. Our journey began almost four years ago when Noa, at the age of 9, expressed a desire to become a model. I started taking her to various shoots, castings, and collaborations. I quickly got hooked and, using my photography skills, began creating photo stories with Noa. Friends loved my work and started asking me to photograph them, and it snowballed from there. Now, we cover events like PITTI BIMBO and ILOVEPLAYTIME and collaborate with several wonderful brands.
JS: Why do you enjoy working with children?
Michele: Photographing children is pure magic. Their spontaneity, wonder, and naturalness take me back to my own childhood. It’s not really work; I get to play, laugh, and dance with them, and I marvel at their joy.
JS: To what do you attribute your success?
Michele: I’m flattered you’re asking about my success, but honestly, I don’t really think about it. For me, a photoshoot isn’t complete without laughter, emotion, or a silly face contest. Maybe that’s the secret, if there is one.
JS: What are your favorite children’s fashion brands?
Michele: The brands that speak to me evoke nostalgia: vacations in Brittany, the beach, surfing, family gatherings, party preparations, rainy walks, and my children’s births. I see these memories in the creations of KELLY KILBY, BOBO CHOSES, FRANGIN FRANGINE, LISON PARIS, ARSENE ET LES PIPELETTES, TOCOTO VINTAGE, and JOIA BIJOU, among others. Noa loves MEET MARIE, YUKO.B, INDEE, THE NEW SOCIETY, ANIMAL OBSERVATORY, L’ANISE, ZHURIKIDS and LES GRIGRIS DE VILIE. We also enjoy second-hand shops that give new life to these collections. In Marseille, we love browsing LOOP, KILO SHOP, and more.
JS: What do you think about social media?
Michele: Social media is a source of communication and inspiration for everyone. For professionals, it’s also a showcase platform for their work and skills. However, it’s important to keep a healthy distance and not become too dependent on it.
JS: What do you think about physical events and networking? Is it important to you?
Michele: I’ve recently started attending these events. Despite being very shy, I enjoy meeting professionals, learning about their stories and passions, and savoring each moment.
JS: Who is your fashion icon, past or present?
Michele: Noa, of course (laughs), and her grandmother with her sewing machine! Also, the stunning women of my youth like Kate Moss, Laetitia Casta, Naomi Campbell, and talented designers like Coco Chanel, Jean-Paul Gaultier, and Jacquemus. Beauty and aesthetics are everywhere. We are all icons and muses in our own way. I don’t have one single icon but many, as beauty is in everything if we know how to see and enhance it.
JS: What is your favorite place in the world?
Michele: Since she was little, Noa has called it the “Field of Unicorns,” a vast meadow hidden in the forests of Auvergne. Every summer, we go there to watch clouds, listen to birds and insects, and end up rolling down the meadow endlessly.
JS: You will be attending Playtime Paris as a representative of Junior Style for the second time. Are you excited? What is your favorite part of the job?
Michele: We can’t wait to discover the show and represent Junior Style, meet the brands and designers we’ve followed on social media, see their new collections and inspirations, and share their enthusiasm.
JS: What do you love most about the Junior Style platform?
Michele: Junior Style is an international reference in the fashion world, helping us discover trends, creators, events, and models, all with a very human touch.
Follow Michele here
View article from Playtime Paris winter edition here
