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Meet an expert

Meet the experts in gift wrapping, design, and color. In-depth interviews with the specialists who shape the art of gifting.

Bespoke Calligraphy in Paris: Meet Céline Renaudie at the Impression Originale gift wrapping workshop at Le Bon Marché 683 1024 Mathilde Habert
Main blog image about Impression Originale Calligraphy Art

Bespoke Calligraphy in Paris: Meet Céline Renaudie at the Impression Originale gift wrapping workshop at Le Bon Marché

Bespoke Calligraphy in Paris: Meet Céline Renaudie at Le Bon Marché

Every Friday, Impression Originale welcomes professional calligrapher Céline Renaudie to its atelier at Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche in Paris.

This exclusive, on-demand calligraphy service offers a refined way to personalise gifts selected at the department store. Names, initials, dedications, dates, short quotations and personal messages are written entirely by hand.

Each inscription is created for one recipient, one occasion and one gift. The calligraphy becomes part of the gesture of giving.

“When we receive a card, an envelope or a gift bearing our name in calligraphy, we immediately understand that someone has taken time for us. That time has become precious.”
— Céline Renaudie

“Calligraphy brings together the art of form and mastery of gesture. It requires technical precision, an understanding of letterforms and close attention to detail.”
— Céline Renaudie

Meet the Maker

Céline Renaudie

Trained as a product designer, Céline Renaudie has always been attentive to form, materials and the way an object is created.

Today, she specialises in Latin calligraphy, working with both historical scripts and contemporary interpretations according to the project, the surface and the desired atmosphere.

Calligraphy is not simply a form of beautiful handwriting. It is an art of line and composition in which every letter is shaped through proportion, rhythm, pressure, speed and the relationship between one character and the next.

Unlike lettering, where letters may be drawn, corrected and constructed as graphic forms, calligraphy is created through the movement of the writing tool. The apparent spontaneity of the finished inscription is supported by years of practice and a precise mastery of the gesture.

When Words, Materials and Gesture Become One

Extraordinary Gifting by Impression Originale

Gift wrapping is the first encounter with a present.

Before the object itself is revealed, the recipient notices the paper, the ribbon, the card, the colours and the way each element has been composed.

Calligraphy adds another dimension. It allows a name or message belonging to one person alone to become part of the visual story of the gift.

“What I love about the work created with Impression Originale is that the word, the material and the gesture are considered together.”
— Céline Renaudie

Depending on the surface, calligraphy may be added to a card, envelope, gift tag, selected wrapping paper or compatible packaging.

When writing directly on the object is not possible, Céline and the Impression Originale team can create a bespoke card or label that integrates naturally into the wrapping.

The nib, ink and style are chosen according to the material. Every element must work together without overpowering the gift itself.

Bespoke Personalisation for Meaningful Gifts

A handwritten name, date or phrase can transform the way a gift is received.

The bespoke calligraphy service is suited to birthdays, weddings, engagements, births, Christmas, thank-you presents, romantic gestures, professional milestones and corporate gifts.

Visitors may request:

  • A first name or initials
  • A short dedication
  • A meaningful date
  • A message of love, thanks or congratulations
  • A personal quotation
  • A handwritten card or envelope
  • A personalised gift tag
  • A message accompanying a corporate gift

Short texts are particularly well suited to live calligraphy. Longer quotations, poems or elaborate compositions may require a separate made-to-order project.

The calligraphy style is selected according to the recipient, the occasion, the length of the message and the available space. A professional gift may call for a restrained and highly legible script, while a wedding message or a child’s name may invite a softer or more expressive interpretation.

“The best calligraphy is the one that seems to have always belonged to the gift.”
— Céline Renaudie

The aim is never to add decoration for its own sake. It is to find the right words and give them a form that feels natural, personal and perfectly balanced.

The Precision of a Luxury Artisan

Céline Renaudie’s experience includes collaborations with prestigious houses and institutions such as the Institut de France, Le Bristol and Prada.

Working within these demanding environments has strengthened her understanding of luxury craftsmanship. The quality of the line, the balance of the composition, the choice of ink and the consistency of the gesture must reflect the identity and standards of each house.

Calligraphy should not appear as an isolated decorative effect. It should extend the visual language of the gift, the brand or the occasion while preserving the authenticity of something created entirely by hand.

This attention to detail lies at the heart of Céline’s collaboration with Impression Originale. Both share the belief that paper, ribbon, composition, finishing and handwritten words are not secondary elements. Together, they create a complete gifting experience.

One of a kind Experience in Paris

Live calligraphy is more than a personalisation service. It is also a moment of encounter.

Visitors can watch the ink take shape, observe the movement of the pen and discover the expertise behind a gesture that may initially appear effortless.

For Céline, this direct relationship with the recipient is one of the most meaningful aspects of live calligraphy.

“There are sometimes a few seconds of silence, then a smile. It is a very simple moment, but it creates a genuine emotion.”
— Céline Renaudie

This Meet the Maker experience introduces a pause into the shopping journey. It invites visitors to slow down, observe the artisan at work and participate in the creation of a detail intended for someone specific.

The personalisation therefore becomes a memory in its own right—both for the person offering the gift and for the person who will receive it.

Practical Information

Where to Find Us

Service: Bespoke calligraphy and gift personalisation
Calligrapher: Céline Renaudie
Location: Impression Originale atelier, Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche, Paris
Availability: Every Friday (14h-19h)
Personalisation: Names, initials, dedications, short messages, cards, envelopes and gift tags
Creation: Entirely by hand
Conditions: Subject to the material, length of the message and availability on the day

For the most elegant result, visitors are encouraged to prepare the exact spelling of the recipient’s name, the chosen message, any date to be included and the desired tone: romantic, joyful, formal, understated or professional.

During busy periods, or for a particular project, contacting the Impression Originale Atelier in advance is recommended either by email contact@impressionoriginale.com or by phone +33649495659.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Where can I find a calligrapher in Paris?

Céline Renaudie is present every Friday at the Impression Originale atelier in Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche for an exclusive, on-demand gift calligraphy service.

Can calligraphy be applied directly to a gift?

It depends on the material and surface of the object. When direct calligraphy is not suitable, a handwritten card, envelope or gift tag can be incorporated harmoniously into the wrapping.

Can I bring a personal phrase or quotation?

Yes. Personal messages are often especially meaningful because they already carry a story. For live calligraphy, a relatively short text is recommended so that the composition remains elegant and well proportioned.

Do I need to book the calligraphy service?

The service is offered every Friday. For busy periods, specific materials or longer messages, it is advisable to contact the Impression Originale atelier before visiting.

Is the service suitable for corporate gifts?

Yes. A company name, recipient’s name, short message or words of thanks can be calligraphed in a refined and professional style suited to the gift and brand identity.

Re-enchanting Packaging: When Sustainable Innovation Meets the Art of Gifting 1024 576 Tatiana Prudhomme

Re-enchanting Packaging: When Sustainable Innovation Meets the Art of Gifting

At IMPRESSION ORIGINALE, we believe that every gift deserves a wrapping worthy of it. More than just paper, packaging becomes here a means of artistic expression, a gesture of care—and above all, a commitment to a more responsible future. As the packaging industry rethinks its fundamentals, we embrace a vision where beauty and sustainability go hand in hand.

Elegant Commitment: 100% Recycled, 100% Made in France

Our ambition is to place gift wrap at the very heart of the gifting experience. Not as a disposable embellishment, but as an object of transmission—beautiful and conscious of our environment.

@IMPRESSIONORIGINALE

Elegant Commitment: 100% Recycled, 100% Made in France

Our wrapping papers are made in France using recycled materials—without compromising on quality or design finesse. This local and circular approach has never been optional; it lies at the heart of our philosophy. It ensures full traceability, drastically reduces the carbon footprint of transport, and supports exceptional French papermaking expertise. Our paper is eco-designed: it’s neither chlorine-bleached, nor plastic-coated, nor metallized. Instead, it stands out through its natural texture, high-definition mechanical printing, and meticulous finish. And because every beautiful gesture should be complete, our paper is also fully recyclable after use.

When Packaging Becomes a Matter of Innovation

Around the world, young companies are redefining the materials of tomorrow—and these breakthroughs inspire us. So we talk about them.

In Estonia, Kiud transforms textile waste into rigid sheets for luxury packaging, durable and reusable up to 20 times. Sparxell, a spin-off from the University of Cambridge, develops pigments made from cellulose—biodegradable and free of toxic dyes—that revolutionize how we perceive color.

Meanwhile, the Gozen studio is crafting a translucent material based on nanocellulose—lightweight and flexible, capable of embracing the boldest shapes in fashion and design.    In a similar spirit, Releaf Paper offers a pioneering alternative: producing paper from urban plant waste, especially fallen leaves. Each year, a mid-sized city collects around 8,000 tons of leaves—over a million tons at the European level.

Instead of incinerating or landfilling them, Releaf transforms them into wood-pulp-free paper with an ultra-low carbon footprint (0.066 kg of CO₂ per kilo). The result is a renewable, recyclable, forest-friendly paper. A brilliant solution that proves sustainable innovation can emerge from what we once considered waste.

These initiatives show that it’s possible to combine creativity, circularity, and performance—without sacrificing sensory appeal or refinement. They fuel our research and inspire us to go further in our own journey.

Wrapping Paper as a Manifesto

@IMPRESSIONORIGINALE

Gifting is, above all, about sharing emotion. At IMPRESSION ORIGINALE, we see every pattern as a standalone artwork, created by artists from around the world. The paper becomes an extension of the gift—and often, a lasting memory of it.

Our ambition is to place gift wrap at the very heart of the gifting experience. Not as a disposable embellishment, but as an object of transmission—beautiful and conscious of our environment. Finally, beyond choosing new materials, we give our ribbons a second life—both artistic and sustainable.

Some are hand-calligraphed to become unique decorative elements, while others are woven into new creations using leftover ribbon scraps. A way to recycle with elegance, and to extend the story of each piece.

Tomorrow, Between Art and Material

As the boundaries between craftsmanship, technology, and responsible design continue to blur, we remain committed to our mission: to replace the fleeting with the precious, the disposable with the desirable.

And together, let’s turn our responsible gifts into lasting emotions—memories that endure.

@IMPRESSIONORIGINALE

Behind the Scene

IMPRESSION ORIGINALE shares its know-how with a behind the scene of our ribbon masterpiece. Our founder, Mathilde, believes in the strength of giving and sharing her wonderful skills to support your own creating gift-wrapping capacities from simple to elaborate tutorials suitable for all skill levels. The secret resides in gifting your loved ones with attention, care and taking your time.

Furoshiki: An ancestral tradition of gift wrapping 1024 576 Tatiana Prudhomme

Furoshiki: An ancestral tradition of gift wrapping

Impression Originale takes you to the wonderful world of Furoshiki

Originating from Japan, the Furoshiki is a fabric wrap used to elegantly cover and present a gift. Today, it is regaining popularity as it aligns with our values of mindful and sustainable consumption. Here are a few key points to better understand the roots of this ancestral practice.

Furoshiki expresses the importance that Japanese culture places on the aesthetics of packaging. Like many things in Japan, the fabrics follow a specific code (colors and patterns) depending on the occasion, the season, and, of course, the recipient. The wrapping process is precise and meticulous, and the presentation of the furoshiki is traditionally done on the forearm. In Japanese tradition, a furoshiki is never given away as a gift in itself—it always returns to its owner. Therefore, it is customary that once a gift is wrapped and presented, the furoshiki is reused to wrap another gift that will eventually be returned to its original owner.

Japanese lords invited to the bath would bring their furoshiki, marked with their crests, to distinguish their personal belongings.

Kiyonaga bathhouse women – Torii Kiyonaga

The Birth of Furoshiki

Furoshiki first appeared in the 8th century during the Nara period as a method for wrapping precious goods. Initially, the wrapping fabric was called tsutsumi, meaning “package.” This practice evolved during the Heian period (794-1185) when it was mainly used to wrap clothing, then known as koromo utsumi. During the Kamakura period (1185-1336), it changed names again to hirazutsumi. The Japanese population had found a quick way to pack their personal belongings when traveling for religious gatherings or during wartime to prevent looting.

It was not until the Muromachi period (1336-1573) that the term furoshiki became widely used. Furoshiki literally translates to “bath” (furo) and “spread out” (shiki). At the time, Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu had built a large bathhouse in his residence. Japanese lords invited to the bath would bring their furoshiki, marked with their crests, to distinguish their personal belongings.

The Different Wrapping Technics

Furoshiki is a large square stole that is laid flat to wrap objects. Different folding techniques exist, each named according to the type of object being wrapped. The method is versatile and can conceal a variety of items, with particular attention given to the knots.

Estampe japonaise de l’époque Edo

Furoshiki: An Ideal Choice for Sustainable Consumption

In recent years, Japan’s Ministry of the Environment has launched a campaign to reduce plastic use in the country, bringing furoshiki back into the spotlight. It perfectly aligns with the environmental principles of the 3Rs policy (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle), encouraging people to adopt a more responsible attitude toward plastic consumption.

Discover our collection of furoshiki here.

Credit @impressionoriginale

Our Tutorial

IMPRESSION ORIGINALE shares its know-how with tutorials. We have a special series on furoshiki. Our founder, Mathilde, believes in the strength of giving and sharing her wonderful skills to support your own creating gift-wrapping capacities from simple to elaborate tutorials suitable for all skill levels. The secret resides in gifting your loved ones with attention, care and taking your time.

Meet an expert: The art of Colours 1024 589 Mathilde Habert
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Meet an expert: The art of Colours
<>Meet the Expert
From textile to colours
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Introducing

Nice to meet you Dorte. Who are you?

I am a designer and a story-teller. I am currently holing the post of Vice-Chairman at the Danish Color Board. I have a good share of professional experience behind me, including in the luxury design industry. I graduated from The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts – Schools of Architecture, Design and Conservation (KADK).

I love to catch the moment with my camera and share it with others. I am curious about who we are and why we act as we do as human beings.

I live in Copenhagen, Denmark. I am a mother of two lovely girls and I believe that life is too short to fool around doing things you do not like. I see the world as a global amazing playground, colourful and inspiring.

Meet Dorte

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About me

“I was educated as a tailor and a textile designer. The colours, shapes and materials have been at the centre of my attention, always.”

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A JOB OF COLOURS

Sounds amazing, tell us more!

After years of working as a textile designer, I realised that colours were an essential aspect of the creation. They can structure a collection and makes the whole difference. My vision has expanded with story telling through art photography. Being able to catch the moment where the light, the shadow, and the colours come together in a perfect harmony is so powerful. I capture these moments to make sure they remain as memory and a source of inspiration – that is what I call, “the power of colours”.

I see it as an overall headline, as if colours and light would combine and tell a story. Why not listen when it is all around us? I work hard to reach the perfect harmonies with colours. When I find the “perfect” combination, it clicks and everything makes sense. It is so satisfying. With my camera, I catch moments of colours and light combinations, which I later use to translate into colour stories. This is my mission in life.

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HOW I TELL A STORY [Photography by Dorte Lenau Klint]

I WAS RED

What is your earliest memory on colours?

Growing up with three siblings, colours were given to my brothers and me from our parents, in order to avoid arguments.

We were associated with a specific colour, which were then tagged on our towels, toothbrush, mugs etc. My colour was red, as I was the only girl. But even then my favourite colour was blue.

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MY FAVORITE SEAWEED [Photography by Dorte Lenau Klint]

I have a very strong second memory. When I was about 5 years old, my mother had the most beautiful dress made by a tailor. I remember very clearly looking through the material and colour books from Paris, fascinated by all the colours.

My childhood was all about colours and storytelling. My mother had a thing with weekdays and colours; such as Monday was blue, Wednesday was yellow and so forth. Just the thought that colours could be more than just a colour fascinated me, even though I did not understand it.

BLUE WHITE RED!

How have colours influenced your life?

It feels like a natural thing. Colours are everywhere; from the symphony of colours you get while cooking, the colours in my own home and what I choose to wear. Colours have the power to express a mood and influence you experience life itself.

Colours are essential in my private as well as in my professional spheres. I have been forever obsessed with the coordination and play of colours, and how they express themselves apart, and together. As long as I can remember it has always been at the centre of my focus. At school I coordinated the colours of my cloth everyday. Regardless of the colours itself, my focus was always on the story I was trying to tell through the colour combination. At 12, I decided to dress like the French flag, so I choose clothes in red, blue and white. Voila!

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SKY IS THE LIMIT [Photography by Dorte Lenau Klint]

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SHADES OF RED [Photography by Dorte Lenau Klint]

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THE COLOUR PALETTE OF NATURE [Photography by Dorte Lenau Klint]

NORTHERN COLOURS

Do you think there are cultural aspects to colours?

If a colour had a voice what would it say? It all depends on the eyes of the beholder – so yes, I do believe that there is a cultural aspect to colours as well as language and attitudes.

Our history and traditions affect our choices. There is a predetermination in which will be your favourite colour and it’s meaning to you depending on where you were raised.

Living in Denmark, gave me a strong attraction to the cold colour palette, which have greatly influenced the way I décor my home and my personal taste.

However, traveling South, East and West inspires me to look at colour combination in a different way. I let the space for new palettes in my perception of the world.

FROM TEXTILE TO COLOURS

On your work journey, how did you become a specialist in colours?

“Colours not only express your mood but they can amplify your message.”

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I was educated as a tailor and a textile designer. The colours, shapes and materials have been at the centre of my attention, always. I consider that originality and creativity take life through craftsmanship.

My fascination for colours combination really came in the forefront after I lived in Paris in France and Bologna in Italia.

I realise how you can tell so much when mixing the right colours shades together and how hues are a reflection of the world around us. Colours not only express your mood but they can amplify your message.

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BLUE, ALWAYS BLUE

Do you think it makes senses to be asked what your favourite colour is?

Yes it does. I think we have seasonal favourites, which come and go. And, deeply rooted, we have a constant favourite colour. So yes, it totally makes sense.

For me, blue is not just blue. It is a colour that gives light and casts shadows, that is why this colour is so essential to me.

The DCB

What is the Danish Colour Board?

DCB is a non-profit organisation for professional colour enthusiasts – we meet twice a year to create our colour forecast two years ahead. DCB is a member of Intercolour (intercolour.nu) that was established in Paris in 1963. Sixteen countries come together and exchange about colours. Members originate from very different fields: from textile designers to anthropologists, interior decorators, trend forecasters, graphic designers and architects. Together we reach consortium and we have fun while doing it.

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[William LaChance]

THE GREAT MASTERS OF COLOURS

When it comes to colours, who are your favourite artists?

The old colour palette from wallpaper from the 50s has always fascinated me. The hues are deep and remind me of how craftsmanship was all about handmade original creations.

Besides this, I am a huge fan of William Turner for his blending of colours, Carsten Frank for the energy of his blurred tones, and William LaChance for his colour blocking and the naivety, which stems from it.

Want more?

Join the world of Dorte

“My mission in life: capture this perfect moment when colours and light fusion together”.

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