In the rarefied world between Parisian artistry and Monégasque elegance, designer Ambre Jabir is carving out a signature aesthetic that is unapologetically bold, glamorous, and extravagant. Splitting her time between Monaco and the cultural pulse of Paris, she draws inspiration from shifting environments, refined atmospheres, and the quiet rituals that nurture her inner artist. Known for her introspective creative process and distinctive personal style, Ambre approaches fashion as both an emotional expression and a reflection of lived experience. In this exclusive interview, she shares her inspirations, creative rituals, and how the contrasts between Paris, Monaco, and the South of France continue to shape her evolving collections.
Let’s get to know her better, shall we?
Nickname: Amber
Residence: Monaco (with frequent time spent between Paris and the South of France)
Most-Used Apps: WhatsApp, Instagram, AI tools, and brain-game apps
Favorite or Dream Destinations: Morocco and Italy
Guilty Pleasures: Being a workaholic, occasional late-night series binges, and constantly changing her daily schedule
Style in Three Words: Bold, Glamorous, Extravagant
Fashion Obsession: Shoes — the only category she doesn’t yet produce in her collection
Style Icons: Rihanna, Zendaya
What inspires you when you design a collection?
Inspiration comes from absolutely everything. I don’t try to force it; instead, I write down ideas that come from my daily life. That’s why I love changing my schedule often — new coworkers, different hotels, museums, restaurants, and environments.
Decoration and atmosphere inspire me deeply. I enjoy getting lost in Paris by walking through parks and observing the surroundings. In the South of France, I’m drawn to the sea and the countryside, even though Monaco also has beautiful places that I know by heart. Italy is so close, so I go there often as well.
What is your creative approach? Do you have any rituals?
To produce quality work, I follow rituals that help me feel spiritually and physically aligned. Developing the inner artist is essential — it requires training just like memory or intellect.
Before creating, I usually write two to four pages to clear my mind of distracting thoughts and focus fully on my art. I also need to be in a space where I feel calm, comfortable, and aesthetically inspired. A beautiful view, preferably of nature, and a glass of kombucha always help set the tone.
Are there other elements that help you enter a strong artistic mindset?
Isolation is essential when I create. However, outside of those moments, relationships are equally important. The love and support of friends and family provide the emotional foundation that allows creativity to flourish.
Are there specific places in Monaco or the South of France that inspire you?
It really depends on the energy I’m seeking. I often work from home, but I also enjoy busy places like Starbucks for a youthful, dynamic energy, or Cova for a more luxurious Italian ambiance.
When drawing, I prefer locations with beautiful views — the beach, seaside promenades, or scenic spots like the Dog’s Head — places that evoke a sense of escape and vacation.
What are the most positive aspects of the South of France?
Nature is omnipresent, and the proximity to different environments is extraordinary. Within half an hour, you can reach Italy; Nice offers landscapes that are both similar and completely different, allowing you to change universes quickly and avoid monotony.
The weather encourages outdoor living, and people tend to be happier because of the slower, less stressful lifestyle.
What does Paris offer creatively that Monaco does not?
Exhibitions are a major source of creative nourishment and are far more diverse in Paris. While the South has its charm, the capital offers a wider cultural spectrum, countless parks, and an endless variety of places to explore.
Which place is more conducive to creating: Paris or Monaco?
Both inspire me, but in different ways. Monaco feels like a small village where routines and rituals create stability, which is very conducive to creation.
Paris, on the other hand, is vast and deeply stimulating, though sometimes more stressful. Both cities are cosmopolitan, and if you are bold and open, they offer incredible encounters and opportunities.
From a fashion perspective, which city is more inspiring?
Paris is more nourishing creatively in fashion. It is less homogeneous, with greater diversity, freedom, and extravagance in personal style. Monaco tends to be more uniform and less eccentric.
That Parisian freedom to express uniqueness inspires me greatly and encourages more distinctive design.
What’s next for Ambre Jabir and your collections?
I’m very excited to present a new summer collection that will be quite different. The DNA of the brand will remain, as it is an eponymous label that reflects my personality and tastes.
I don’t follow trends. Instead, I’ve done deep introspection to define the style that truly represents me — and I intend to continue following that instinct.
-AJ
