From Ti Amo Issue
Super Future, Space Age, and Tokyoite landscapes: a journey into the colorful and unique world of the duo Amca Oval.
Did you know that the oval is a symbol of the ideal? For the duo Adrien Caillaudaud and Alexis Martial, this shape is also the starting point of a hybrid creative project blending fashion, design, architecture, and art. Conceived as an ode to circularity, the Amca Oval studio reimagines everyday imagery by offering aesthetic and functional design pieces where you can match a top with your sofa, a lamp with your rug.
Since their meeting 20 years ago at Atelier Chardon Savard in Paris, the pair has nurtured a true passion for fashion and multifaceted creation. After working in the ateliers of some of the greatest luxury houses — Alexander McQueen, Givenchy under their mentor Riccardo Tisci, Paco Rabanne, and Jil Sander — the duo eventually reunited around a shared project to launch their own brand. With Amca Oval, they develop a craft and DIY vision inspired by neo-space-age aesthetics, the graphic design of the ’70s, and the rave and minimal spirit of the ’90s.
Designed as collectible pieces, each object comes from a unique expertise, the result of long hours of experimentation, created in their Parisian showroom in the Marais. This summer, the duo is currently working on several projects simultaneously. “Aurora Pop”, a set of miniature, colorful modular objects — a nod to their iconic Aurora Modular System — and the creation of bubble lamps — a tribute to Pierre Cardin — made from recycled scallop shells. We asked a few questions to these night owls who draw their inspiration as much from chance encounters as from the dancefloor of a club.
Hello Alexis and Adrien, how are you today?
Adrien & Alexis – Good, good, thank you! And you?
Your first meeting?
Adrien & Alexis – At the Atelier Chardon Savard, in Paris.
Your favorite place to create?
Adrien – Anywhere, as long as I have cigarettes.
Alexis – It’s not about a place, it’s more about the time.
Paris, Los Angeles, Rome... or?
Adrien – Paris!
Alexis – Tokyo!
What are you obsessed with?
Adrien – Ovals, obviously…
Alexis – It's a geometric shape symbolizing the ideal. It brings creative rigor and a sense of kindness within its curves. It’s a circle seen in perspective. This shape has always followed us, both in fashion and design.
A golden age you wish you’d lived in?
Alexis – The flamboyant ’70s in Tokyo.
Adrien – The super future, like in The Fifth Element movie.
Amca Oval’s style in 3 words?
Adrien & Alexis – Creative, playful, retro-futuristic.
Metal or colors?
Adrien & Alexis – Both!
Space Age or minimalism?
Adrien & Alexis – Space Age.
A personality or brand you’d love to collaborate with?
Adrien & Alexis – Pierre Cardin.
The greatest love story of all time?
Adrien – The one I’m living right now.
Alexis – Ours.
The ultimate love song?
Adrien & Alexis – Latour, People Are Still Having Sex.
The best place to wake up?
Adrien – In front of the sea, with the sun.
Alexis – Anywhere, as long as there’s a sunrise.
The place where you feel your best?
Adrien – Fully immersed at work, or in the middle of a rave.
Alexis – On the road.
Summer of Love or Brat Summer?
Adrien & Alexis – Both! They go hand in hand.
Is love dead?
Adrien & Alexis – Noooo!
Amca Oval: a love story?
Adrien & Alexis – Of course… together for 20 years.
A last word you’d like to share with the world?
Adrien – Love and passion make us strong humans.
Alexis – Harmony.
“Ti Amo” in one emoji?
Adrien – 💌
Alexis – 🫶
Photographer : Lucio Ubbens
Photographer : Lucio Ubbens
