We had a chance to hang out with ceramist Cécile Mestelan and talk to her about her art & her craft. The two brands come together in a celebration of Portuguese craftsmanship, with a collaboration that features a limited-edition T-shirt and two exclusive ceramic creations — each infused with the same spirit of simplicity and care.
Can you tell us your story so far?
I grew up in Biarritz, surrounded by the ocean and a sense of wild true beauty that has never left me. After completing a Master’s degree in Visual Arts in Switzerland, I moved to Portugal, a country that quickly became home. It’s where my adult life truly began, where I learned to work with my hands, to build something slowly, and where I became a mother of three. Over time, clay found its place at the center of my life. It became a language through which I could express balance, simplicity, and warmth the values that guide both my work and my everyday life.
Cecile*M was born from that blend of discipline and intuition, of European roots and Portuguese light. Each piece I create carries that journey from Biarritz’s gentle and surprising coastlines to the earthy tones of Portugal. A dialogue between softness and strength, imperfection and harmony.
Next steps?
I’m now facing a period of big changes. I deeply miss home and traveling, and I feel it’s time to return to my roots. My next step is moving back to my hometown, while keeping my studio in Lisbon, a city I’m truly attached to, yet one that has grown too noisy and fast for me. I’ve realized I’m not a city person; I need green spaces to feel alive, to be creative, and to find balance. Cities used to give me energy, but now they take more than they give. This shift is also shaping the evolution of my work. I want my brand to feel like a true extension of myself, a reflection of my feelings, my poetry, my music, my ceramics, and my love for art in all its forms. Through this new approach, which I call Caremics, I aim to blend creativity and care, allowing my pieces to carry more intimacy, emotion, and life. It’s a journey of re-rooting, of finding space to breathe, and of letting my work and my life grow together in harmony.
Best spot in Portugal?
Some of my favorite places in Portugal are around Colares, with Adraga’s breathtaking beach views and the best restaurant ever. I love the entire coast from there to Figueira da Foz, especially during the magical event of the gliding barnacles. The Costa Vicentina also holds a special place in my heart, where I can surf with my kids and feel the carefree energy of a road trip, a nostalgic echo of the trips I used to take with my family in Portugal and Morocco.
These places reconnect me to the simplicity, joy, and slow rhythms of life that inspire my work. Here in Lisbon, I have to admit that many of the places I used to love have almost all closed. Yet a few classics still remain: Le Snob, Procopio, the Miradouro de Santa Catarina, a good prego at Rui dos Pregos in Alcântara Doca, or a naco na pedra at Casa dos Pássarinhos ;) These spots are little anchors in the city, reminders of the moments I’ve cherished here.
What does style mean to you guys?
For me, style isn’t about the quality or expense of what you wear, it’s about your essence. It’s like the France Gall song “Elle a… elle a…” that little something that makes you special, the way you move, your inner style shaping your outer style. Some people try too hard, and you can feel it, sorry if I’m being blunt!
I love creativity in dressing, in playing with textiles, colors, and accessories. I personally don’t wear many accessories, but I would love to.I lean towards minimalism because I dislike having too many objects and close at home. Instead, my walls are covered with drawings, paintings, and pictures, surrounding me with meaning.
What motivated you to get started with your business?
I’ve never worked for someone else. My parents built their own business making bikinis in Biarritz throughout the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Growing up, I was inspired by their model , their freedom, their creativity, and their determination. I also knew firsthand the challenges of being independent, but the possibility of building something of your own always fascinated me.
When I arrived in Portugal, I worked in a pastelaria serving “ovos moles” for €2.99 an hour. It was a way to push myself, learn Portuguese, and get to know the country. I worked there for two months, and during that time, I discovered I was pregnant. My maternity leave gave me the space to reflect and imagine what kind of business I wanted to create, one that would combine my creativity, values, and desire for independence. That’s how Cecile*M began.
What's the Band/Music Style/Music Artist that inspires you?
Music has always been part of my creative life. I have a band with my friends Maya Duverdier and Lee-Ann Curren, we call ourselves Les Ginettes Carton. Playing together is our way to connect and express different kinds of feelings and stories. We’re releasing new songs this fall and winter, and I can’t wait to share them. We are on Spotify if you want to listen :) I’m deeply inspired by French music, artists like Feu! Chatterton, Fauve, and Theodora (“Ils me rient tous au nez” is one of my favorites). I also love reggae, especially Biga Ranx at the moment and Lena d’argua, hippocampo.
As I live about 50 minutes from Lisbon, I spend a lot of time driving, and music has become a big part of our family life. Each of my kids brings their own favorites to the car playlist, from “Golden” by KPop Demon Hunters for my daughters, to “Vaitimbora Maraina Froes” and Trinix for Vasco, and “L’Antidote” by Stupeflip for Gaspar, my eldest. Our current family anthem is “Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums, it sets the perfect tone for our rides and reminds us how music can create harmony within our family, helping us share, connect, and respect each other’s tastes without judgment. It’s a beautiful way to stay coherent as a family, each of us different, yet tuned to the same rhythm.
Any guilty pleasures worth mentioning?
I can’t resist the call of travel, discovering new places, sharing a good meal in a foreign country, or visiting a ceramic or artist studio wherever I go. I love the feeling of surfing a good wave, the freedom it brings. And if I’m being totally honest, I do have a guilty pleasure for a full Big Mac menu, fries and Coca-Cola included, usually on the way to one of those adventures.
Also, for someone who makes plates, I’ve completely lost the habit of cooking. I used to love it, but somehow it never came back. So if you’re a good cook and can make pasta like an Italian : feel free to reach out!
Cecile wears:
