About Claire Joly : where engineering meets artistic expression

I am Claire Joly, a third-year french student pursuing a double degree in engineering and business at École des Mines de Saint-Étienne and emlyon. My journey has always been driven by a deep passion for creativity, particularly in the realms of sewing, fashion, dance, and music. From a young age, I learned the importance of perseverance and precision through my studies in mathematics, physics, and chemistry during my two preparatory years. However, it was upon entering engineering school that I gained the time and freedom to nurture my creative passions.

Sewing: A Passion Turned into Purpose

One of my greatest passions is needlework especially sewing, knitting, and crocheting. I embraced these crafts during my university years. In the summer of 2023, I decided to take this passion to the next level by creating my Instagram account @_byclax. Through this platform, I share my handmade creations and sewing tutorials, aiming to make this art form more accessible and inspire others to overcome their fears and try new things. I believe that creativity is a journey of self-discovery, and I want to encourage others to embrace experimentation and learn from every experience.

Innovation Through Curiosity and Experimentation

I apply this mindset to my sewing process, constantly pushing myself to explore new techniques and fabrics, driven by a belief that innovation is key to personal growth. I am a curious and energetic individual, always looking for new challenges that allow me to apply my diverse interests and learn something new.

Fashion with a Conscience

Environmental responsibility is a cornerstone of my approach to fashion. As the CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) manager of the fashion association at my school, I have worked to promote sustainable practices within the textile industry. One of my biggest achievements was to calculate the carbon footprint of all the fashion events my association organised and find solutions to reduce it.

I am committed to creating thoughtful, conscious clothing, pieces that I know I will wear and cherish. Because for me, fashion should be about personal expression and sustainability. I source my materials primarily from end-of-line fabrics to minimize textile waste and pollution, reflecting my commitment to a more responsible approach to fashion.

I am also very committed to social topics and ethics. I always buy locally for responsible sourcing. Upcycling is my favorite. I use damaged clothes from mum and grandma to create my own style. 

Building a Sustainable Future in the Textile Industry

My future aspirations lie in working within the textile industry, where I hope to contribute to making it more sustainable and circular. My academic background in supply chain management equips me with the skills to understand and optimize production processes, while my hands-on experience in fashion and upcycling deepens my dedication to environmental and social issues.