Each season at Playtime Paris, we invite an expert in all things design to curate the selection of products on display in the Lifestyle Trend Space. For the summer edition, we’re teaming up with Laetitia, a freelance artistic director and the founder of the online boutique Rocket Lulu. With an impeccable eye, Laetitia scans the stalls of vintage markets in search of hidden treasures, notably children’s toys and furniture.

Before we discover her selection of products from lifestyle brands at the show that she will pair with vintage pieces from Rocket Lulu in the Lifestyle Trend Space, we wanted to learn more about Laetitia, Rocket Lulu, and her style. In this interview, join us as we dive right into her unique universe!

Laetitia Beuchère, photographed by Oliver Fritze

Hi Laetitia! Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about Rocket Lulu?

Hi, I’m Laetitia Beuchère, artistic director and founder of Rocket Lulu. My online boutique offers a selection of vintage and designer items that are inspired by childhood memories. The offer features toys, home decor, clothing, and small children’s furniture, as well as graphic designs, handmade items, and small-batch collaborations. Every product is sourced with passion and meticulous care. I love sharing emotions and surprising people!

We can’t wait to be surprised by your selection!

How did you start thrifting?

I’ve been thrifting since I was little. I loved going with my father, a musician and jack-of-all-trades, who regularly went on a hunt at the flea markets of Montreuil and Saint-Ouen. His home was like a little museum, and it fascinated me.

Why did you decide to start Rocket Lulu?

I’ve always loved collecting objects. Since childhood, I would save all kinds of tickets and leaflets from museums, amusement parks, and public transportation, for example. I saved badges, novelty erasers, stickers, and a Snoopy stuffed animal who has now been adopted by my son.

After my daughters were born from a previous relationship, I became interested in children’s design. I started searching for vintage toys (Fisher Price, Ambi Toys, Educalux, etc.), and wardrobes and sideboards for dolls, to the point that my friends suggested I open a boutique. A visual artist by training and a graphic designer for many years, I became a freelance artistic director in 2012, while simultaneously launching Rocket Lulu with a blog about children’s design and my inspirations. Then came the online shop.

What a great way to start!

How do you curate your selection? Where do you find items?

My selection spans the 1950’s through the 1990’s and has become more refined with time. I’m often drawn to objects that are highly graphic and colorful, but I especially enjoy finding rare, unexpected pieces and dead stock items. Packaging from this time period really inspires me.

I mainly visit flea markets and antique shops where I can speak with the dealers. And, if I have a specific request from a client or an idea in mind for the scenography of an event, I don’t hesitate to turn to the internet for my research.

What is your favorite decade and why do you love it?

I love the modernist period, marked by the emergence of the Bauhaus movement and during which children’s furniture appeared. I particularly like Charles & Ray Eames, Jacques Hitier, Jean Prouvé, as well as manufacturers and publishers like Thornet, Baumann, Cosco, and Casala. Fredun Shapur is another creator that comes to mind, who designed toys for Creative Playthings, Galt Toys and Naef, as well as Libuše Niklová, Bruno Munari, Alexander Girard, Patrick Rylands, and Ladislav Sutnar. These designers are all well known for creating some of the most popular educational toys in the world.

I’m particularly drawn to the work of the artist Nathalie du Pasquier as well, who was a member of the Memphis group that formed around Ettore Sottsass. The colorful pop aesthetics of the 1980’s, it’s all from my childhood!

How do you incorporate vintage pieces in your home? Did you always?

I grew up surrounded by antiques. At home, I tend to hoard children’s chairs and I happily surround myself with a selection of toys that are mainly displayed in our library. I find it comforting and joyful to have vintage piece around.

Is your family interested in thrifting?

My husband often accompanies me on my treasure hunts and it’s not uncommon for the kids to join us. At home, we’re very second hand and committed to more sustainable consumption. We regularly buy and donate items to thrift stores.

How do you think vintage and modern pieces can co-exist in the modern home?

Mixing thrifted pieces and contemporary creations, that’s everything I love! Our house is absolutely a reflection of this. It creates interiors with a unique atmosphere.

Buying second hand is a good, economical, and ethical alternative to unbridled consumerism. Turning to vintage items also means choosing to prioritize quality furniture and objects made from durable materials.

What is one of your favorite pieces you’ve ever found?

Before moving to Romainville with my husband, we found a superb 50’s kitchen table at a flea market in Vanves. The base is made of painted solid wood and the top is enameled with a blue and white checkerboard pattern. It’s a marvel that we use as a kitchen island and that goes very well with our Mado sideboard that I repainted in a soft shade of pink. I love using it for photographing certain products and thrifted finds.

Photograph by Oliver Fritze

You’re going to curate the Lifestyle Trend Space this season at Playtime Paris. How are you feeling about it?

I’m looking forward to bringing my personal touch to the Lifestyle Trend Space at Playtime Paris this summer, and to collaborate with the scenographer Amélie Lengrand. I feel very lucky, and I can’t wait to discover the brands exhibiting at this edition, especially the emerging labels. It’s all very exciting.

What are your favorite flea markets in Paris?

What about the rest of the world?

If you’re looking for the rare gem in Paris, I recommend the Saint-Ouen flea market. We love strolling there as a family and exploring the Paul Bert Serpette and Vernaison markets. And for the early-risers who love to rummage, the Vanves flea market has a lot of hidden treasures.

I have fond memories of flea markets in Brooklyn and Lisbon, but the old market on Place du Jeu de Balle and the Marolles district in Brussels remain, according to me, the must-sees for dedicated thrifters.

Thank you to Laetitia for sharing this glimpse into her universe and for telling us more about Rocket Lulu! We can’t wait to see the selection she curates this summer, especially how she’ll blend vintage items with the modern products from exhibitors. Buyers can click here to get their pass to discover the Lifestyle Trend Space and the wide range of lifestyle brands exhibiting at Playtime Paris June 28-30.

Can’t wait to discover them? Take a peek at some of the lifestyle brands you’ll find at the summer events in our article here!

Header image photographed by Oliver Fritze