Art Director, Photographer, Screenwriter, Author
Tell us about yourself, Stéphanie.
My name is Stephanie Delpon, and I am an Art Director based in Paris. I founded my own advertising agency, where I wear many hats – I do casting, business development, photography, video direction, editing, set-design, and styling.
I also write – both books and screenplays.
You’re such a multi-passionate creative, just the way we love it at Fab! Luxe. Walk us through all.
I get bored very easily. A friend of mine once gave me the nickname “Popcorn” because my mind is always jumping from one thing to another. I try to follow what makes my heart beat. I love writing, photography, and directing.
I love movement.
Sometimes, I wonder if I should focus on just one thing. But the older I get, the more I see my career as pointillisme – I’m gradually placing dots, and the full picture will become clearer in a few years.
You graduated from a Parisian business school, worked in investment banking, then moved to a tech startup in the U.S., before returning to Paris to start your own creative agency. Tell us about that journey.
My learning cycles are quite rapid – usually three years. I love learning new skills and exploring unfamiliar territories.
At 25, I left a career in tech in the U.S. (after a few years in investment banking) to start from scratch in Paris. I had one idea; I wanted to feature non-professional models – my Parisian friends, in luxury campaigns. Back in 2015, this wasn’t common. I loved doing it, and I was fortunate to gain the trust of incredible brands: Eres, La Perla, Nina Ricci, Lacoste, L’Oréal, and Marc Jacobs, among others.
Twelve years have passed, and this adventure continues. Over time, I’ve developed new skills, and today, I am also a photographer, director, writer, and screenwriter.
It is said that creativity fosters curiosity and builds confidence. What are your thoughts on this?
Absolutely. Creativity is like a muscle – the more you practice, the more confident you become, and the more it nourishes you. I always thought I was terrible at drawing and painting, but I’m gradually exploring these forms of expression. For me, as long as something brings me joy, I follow the energy. If you’re excited and authentic, you can do anything.
Your love for books is palpable. When did this passion begin?
Books have always been my escape. As a child, I wrote stories on my grandfather’s Minitel, published them, and read them obsessively. I was fascinated by storytelling.
I loved Beauty and the Beast, and the grand library in the film made me dream. Then I discovered Hermione Granger-and that was a defining moment. I wanted to be like her – knowledgeable and always buried in books.
Let’s talk about your gorgeous home. Tell us about this gem, Stephanie.
I believe homes have souls. When a place is meant for you, you just know.
This house was on the market for months, and when I saw it, something clicked. I fell in love instantly. I grew up in the countryside and never imagined I could find a piece of it in Paris – a small village-like haven, facing the vineyards, with a view of the Sacré-Cour. It’s pure magic.
What inspires you?
So many things! I’m never the same person I was a book ago, a conversation ago, or a film ago. My dear friends inspire me. My lover inspires me. My dog inspires me. A fleeting scene in the metro can spark something in me. Inspiration is my way of breathing – if I’m not constantly inspired, I suffocate.
How do you handle distractions?
I juggle many things at once, but I’m deeply focused when I work. I’m not a solo-tasker, but I immerse myself in my tasks quickly. This comes from my prep school years – I learned to enter flow rapidly. Because I do so many things, I need to complete them efficiently and that forces me to stay focused.
Do you have a special ritual before working on creative projects?
I don’t work unless I feel centered, aligned, joyful, and calm. If I need to find my center again, I breathe, meditate, take a bath, or simply do a creative nap. I’ve learned that if I’m scattered, stressed, or angry, nothing truly valuable comes from my creative
We hear a new book is on the way exciting! Tell us about it.
It’s about la Parisienne – but in a more refreshing way and not cliche (at least, I hope!).
I’ve carried this book within me for over a decade, and now, it’s finally time for it to be seen and read. Stay tuned!
How can we encourage younger generations to read in an age of social media and instant gratification?
By showing them that books are an adventure – one of curiosity and joy.
For me, reading will always be a lifelong love. My grandmother, who recently passed away at 95, was an avid reader until her last breath. I aspire to do the same.
What’s next for Stéphanie Delpon?
Many things!
I’ve directed numerous ad campaigns – my next step is to direct a short film. I’ve worked on a TV series script and want to refine my craft in screenwriting. I’m writing a film script that’s very dear to me. My dream is to direct it by my 40th birthday.
I’ll be hosting literary salons for luxury brands in iconic places like the Ritz and Le Meurice with two friends, Léa and Maud. I recently launched my Substack, To Read or Not to Read to share my passion for books – it’s well received so far!
My resolution this year is to stop keeping my projects to myself. If inspiration flows in, it must also flow out. That’s how it works. I have so many stories I’ve carried for years, and I’m excited to finally set them free.
Favorite book genre
Epistolary novels
Best book you’ve read this year
Le Grand Art by Léa Simone Allegria
Last song you downloaded
One by my talented friend, Ravello, Italie. Soon on all platforms.
A song that changed your life
Don’t Stop Me Now – it speaks to my soul!
Always in your fridge
Salted butter and Evian
Morning routine
Fresh air, cold water on my face, and watching my dog play in the garden. No coffee!
A typical day
No such thing! But you can be sure it involves reading, watching a film, sending messages out into the world, taking photos, and catching up with friends over Perrier.
What you’ve learned in the past two years
Letting go. I used to control and – I now focus on attracting instead.
Definition of success
Peace, calm, and joy.
Biggest inspiration
Nature, books, films, and people.
One gadget you can’t live without
My iPad, I read on it write on it draw on it.
Country you can’t wait to revisit
Bali. I’m a fanatic of Ubud. Such a mystic place.
Favorite podcast
Not really into podcasts…
Something you’ve recently discovered
Happiness is a choice.
Life philosophy
Bien faire et demeurer en joie (Do good and remain in joy).
Style icon
Lactitia Casta – I simply adore her.
Best thing about Paris
It’s a village. The pace is not too hectic. Beauty is everywhere. Anything you’ll photograph will be beautiful.
Favorite movie
Notting Hill or Moulin Rouge.
Favorite quote
“Fay ce que vouldras,” Rabelais “Do as you wish.”
Cocktail hour drink
Perrier – my version of champagne! I don’t like the taste of alcohol
Indulgence you’ll never give up
Pain au chocolat in the morning.
Artist you’d love to collect
Claire Tabouret. One day!
Why journal
Because you discover who you are, you connect to your soul.
Your yoga journey
I started with Thibaut at the Yoga Factory in the Marais. I went there every day for years. Then, to be honest, I did too much. I overdosed. Now, I prefer to be very active in other ways: walking, cleaning my house instead.
Your workout
I know it’s bad, but I don’t. I have so many things to do. I’m always moving, so I’ll say my workout is just walking in the city, walking my dog. And also cleaning my house. I love doing that!
