We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Marcel Andre a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Marcel, we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
Alright, so my journey to becoming a confident fashionista is a wild ride. Back in Luxembourg, it was all about people looking chic, but confidence? Not so much. Except for those fabulous older ladies rocking mink fur coats and designer bags like they were born with them.
Then, cue my move to the fashion paradise of New York City, where I felt like I walked straight into an Alexander McQueen fashion show from the year 2000. That’s when it hit me – fashion could transform me, and I was ready for my grand fashion awakening. But hey, college life doesn’t exactly come with a personal shopper, right? So, I became the thrift store champion, much to the dismay of my poor wallet.
I started collecting oversized coats, luxurious furs, and pants so fabulous they should have their own fan club. I’d strut into class like my life depended on it – my very own life-sized mannequin moment. The best part? The confidence boost was unreal. I’d get stares, and I’d just own it. As Donatella Versace wisely said, “For a woman, a dress is a weapon to get what she wants.” Well, in my case, those weapons were my coats, and each one was like a superhero cape.
I’d switch it up daily – different coat, different print, different pattern, cut, shape, and label. My friend even came up with the legendary hashtag #marcelsjacket. So, my secret to confidence? It’s a mix of thrifting adventures, oversized coats, and the belief that every day is a new chance to serve a look.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m Marcel Andre, a production designer and fashion stylist based mainly in Los Angeles but occasionally juggling both coasts, including the bustling scene of New York City. Growing up in Europe and navigating various cultures while mastering four languages at an international school was quite the ride. Although Luxembourg will always hold a special place in my heart, my ambitions extend far beyond its borders.
So, who is Marcel Andre? It’s not just a name; it’s a future brand, a mystical entity that, when people witness my creations, they’ll immediately know it’s a piece of the Marcel magic. I dove headfirst into the world of film and television, with production design as my go-to gig, but my love affair with fashion just kept getting stronger.
Picture this: La Maison de Marcel, a creative utopia that transcends boundaries. It’s not just a fashion show or a film; it’s an unforgettable moment where all forms of art collide. I’m on a mission to fuse my expertise in production design with my passion for fashion, paving the way for a house that goes beyond the ordinary. La Maison de Marcel will be a technicolor explosion of imagination, a unique experience that’ll linger in people’s minds long after they’ve left the room. So, stay tuned for the wild ride because Marcel Andre is on a journey to create something extraordinary.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Reflecting on my journey, three crucial qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge stand out. First and foremost, the ability to put myself out there has been a game-changer. Whether it’s diving into the world of dating apps, sharing snippets of my life on Instagram, or creating content on TikTok, making your presence known is vital. In an era where everyone seems to have a voice, it can be overwhelming, but it’s crucial to remember that you’re on your unique path. Stay true to yourself and embrace the fact that you’re you for a reason.
Next up, hone in on what you’re good at. If you have a skill, explore it, master it, and find ways to share it with others. It could be making the world’s best lasagna or excelling in a specific craft – whatever it is, showcase it. You never know who you might inspire. It’s essential to recognize the common ground we share with others; despite our differences, we’re often more alike than we think.
Lastly, the mantra “Rome wasn’t built in a day” holds true. Achieving greatness and success takes time and effort. It’s crucial to put in the hard work consistently. Success is a journey, not a sprint. Patience and persistence are key.
For those just starting their journey, my advice is simple: embrace visibility, leverage your strengths, and understand that meaningful achievements require time and dedication. Stay the course, believe in yourself, and remember that every step forward is progress.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
I’ve been through some incredibly tough times in the past few years, with last year being especially mentally draining. The biggest challenge I’ve faced is the overwhelming feeling that people who don’t appreciate or deserve my love and attention have taken up too much space in my life, draining my energy.
In response to this, I’ve made a conscious decision for 2024: enough is enough. My newfound mantra is a simple yet powerful one – “no.” In a world where people often advocate for saying “yes,” I’ve discovered the strength in saying “no.” It’s about putting my foot down against negativity and those who bring me down. Letting go of these toxic influences has been transformative.
Trust me, the liberation that comes from cutting out the negativity is indescribable. The weight that has been lifted off my shoulders is palpable. By embracing the power of “no,” I’m taking control of my own well-being and prioritizing myself. It’s okay to be selfish, especially when it comes to your mental health. Don’t always feel obligated to put others’ needs above your own, especially when they haven’t reciprocated that consideration. Prioritize yourself, set boundaries, and recognize that taking care of your well-being is not just okay but essential. It’s a journey of self-empowerment, and the freedom it brings is something I never knew I needed until now.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.lemarcelandre.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemarcelandre/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcel-grossarth-727713183/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lemarcelandre
Image Credits
Images for Moevir taken by Zemo Visuals, Images 002 & 003 taken by Justin Ayers
