Myriam Lateur at The Foyer
Some people inhabit their craft so naturally that it feels like an extension of who they are.
is one of those rare individuals. The Paris-based photographer and full-stack creative brings an unshakable consistency to her work. She’s a genuine talent whose enthusiasm for what she does makes you want to pay attention—because she’s paying attention.
Effortless and timeless are the first words that come to mind when I try to describe her, but I know they’re not enough. They’re sketches for something harder to name.
Effortless, for example, implies a kind of weightlessness, a floating through. But Myriam’s ease is nothing of the sort. It is deliberate. It is earned. Her ease is the byproduct of knowing (her tools, her instincts, her limits) so completely that she can move freely within them, bending form and function toward her will.
Timeless is another imperfect word, though closer to the truth. Myriam’s work, and the way she moves through her life, feels unbound by trends. Nothing about her work or her presence ever feels out of step. Whether it’s the way she layers her clothes, frames her shots, or chooses her words, there’s a spark of daring just beneath the surface.
Her work carries a sense of intention and joy, and I LOVE how she wears and portrays jewelry especially.
For context, I first met her in person last year at a
event, and I’ve been following her ever since—both on Instagram and here on Substack. She kindly joined me for a call from Paris, coffee in hand at Bon Marché. Here’s where our conversation took us:1. Ísis: Through our conversations, it’s become clear that your life has unfolded in ways shaped by both a strong sense of curiosity and courage. Could you share a bit about that, and how these elements of change show up in the way you work today?
Myriam: I have always been curious and an extrovert and I feel I never lost this child-like state. I am truly grateful for it. Growing older, it is a muscle I continue to stretch and cultivate openness. Also, I was lucky enough to travel from a young age. It has really shaped me and gave me this open-mindedness.
I believe that confidence is delicately connected to courage. I will say that I developed more confidence in myself to make decisions that reflect my hopes and dreams.
Also, spirituality plays an active role in my creative path in developing a more intuitive mind. That inner guidance really helps me take action and remove invisible boundaries.
2. Ísis: Jewelry holds memories like few other objects. Are there any pieces you own, wish you owned, or even ones you’ve lost, that represent these important chapters of your life?
Myriam: I like more and more the idea of impermanence. As much as I love to wear beautiful pieces that reflect my path and personality, I am not attached to objects like I used to be.
I have received jewelery gifts from my parents over my teenage years and I still wear them everyday as sentimental pieces but I also am questioning my choice. I feel that critical thinking is essential in every aspect of life.
I am on a path to create my own dream essentials in jewelry and in my wardrobe. It is still minimal because I am by essence, but with a twist as I love to embody my feminine energy more now. I have an exciting list of pieces in my cart:
A vintage silver perfume bottle pendant from my favorite vintage store in Paris: Preclothed (they have treasures: the Olsen sisters are often coming by).
3. Ísis: You’ve spoken about feeling deeply connected to both Paris, where you live, and Los Angeles, where you often visit—two cities with strikingly different energies. Do you find your style shifting between them?
Myriam: Yes! I believe that your environment shapes you. Paris helped me throughout the years to develop my artistic eye. I have opened myself to the possibility of being an artist in Paris. It was a necessary passage. My style is definitely more minimal with a rotation of colors: black, navy, white, beige, brown and fabric mostly cotton & cashmere. My accessories too. I wear everyday a french tank from Cartier and a Dior set Mimi Oui (gifts from my parents).
Los Angeles is an anchor for me. The energy is different there. Being mediterranean, I find in Los Angeles a sense of home. The sun and its warmth makes everything much more enjoyable. The pace is different, it feels a bit out of time. I get more excited in the way I dress and play with accessories. I feel some freedom and lightness. As my body is less covered and I have more ways to wear jewelry and I have more fun with my wardrobe. And I never felt more French being in L.A!
4. Ísis: Are there any unexpected influences that shape the way you think about visual storytelling in your creative practice?
Myriam: I am inspired by everything: books, movies, music, interviews, conversations, exhibitions, design, fashion archives, the light, elements of nature - its perfection and patterns, food, travel, the sun, languages and everyday life.
I am always surprised that the information you seek is always available if you tap into your magic!
5. Ísis: Light plays a defining role in your work. If you could capture one fleeting moment—a particular glow, a specific hour—what would it be?
Myriam: I am drawn to natural light. It gives the energy that my soul desires and to me nothing compares to it. It brings life to objects, people, to nature. It opens your heart and it is a gift from the Universe.
Brancusi when talking about his sculptures said he could stay for hours just waiting to see how different lights and shadows could affect them.
Observing and contemplating is a form of meditation for me. I have learned patience, stillness & silence through this practice.
Sometimes you get lucky and you capture a defining moment simply because you were at the right time and place. I do not believe in coincidence though.
Other times you have to wait for the magic to unfold. My favorite is the golden hour. It has its own light, colors and magic. It reminds me of one of Rohmer’s movies, ‘The Green Ray’.
There is a delicate interplay between light and magic.
6. Ísis: You often share books and artists on social media. Do you actively collect visual references? If your creative process were an object, what would it be—a worn notebook, your phone, or something else?
Myriam: I do love to write down ideas as they come on a notebook or on my phone and I screenshot a lot! I can easily make connections between ideas and people. I feel like a human bridge making intuitive blends.
I have a pretty organized mind where references flow naturally in a conversation or during a project.
7. Ísis: Jewelry campaigns often rely on familiar tropes—luxury, sensuality, exclusivity. What fresh narratives do you think brands could explore?
Myriam: I have two things in mind: One is that community should be explored.
Second is, for jewelry brands which hold an art-focused approach, there should be more demonstrations of meaningful collaborations and cultural experiences involving artists (florists, writers, set designers, furniture designers, photographers, food designers, chefs) to invite communication and visual imaginary.
I’ll give two examples: 1. I love how recently (in London) Completed Works collaborated with Seen Library, Jordan Risa’s Book Club gathering guests able to discover and shop jewelry pieces and a selection of new and pre-loved intentionally curated books, each wrapped in soft, creamy paper adorned with a custom library card of handwritten clues.
Completed Works also publishes on their social media interviews with content creators who fit their artistic direction, it allows through conversations moments of intimacy and vulnerability and it is an opportunity to showcase their jewellery collection in a more realistic way.
2. Charlotte Chesnais holds a unique position at the intersection of art, sculpture, and the world of jewelry. She intuitively connects with artists that match her artistic eye and every time I am in awe with her vision. It is a natural extension of her. Chesnais installations open to new realms and allow you to dream and wonder.
8. Ísis: Jewelry photography walks a fine line between commercial appeal and artistic vision. Which jewelry brands or campaigns do you think seamlessly blend commercial with storytelling?
Myriam: I do find one of Gucci's jewelry campaigns interesting. The one shot by David Sims at Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles starring Top Model Daria Werbowy wearing the re-inspired Marina Chain jewelry from 1960. It is somehow a homage to the ’90s and Tom Ford’s Gucci era, one of my favorites.
9. Ísis: Who do you see pushing the boundaries of jewelry imagery? Are there photographers, filmmakers, or creative artists redefining how jewelry is represented?
Myriam: Julie André from Carton Magazine is standing out with her playful interpretation of objects and especially jewelry. She collaborated with Boucheron as a creative director and as content creator for the anniversary of the Quatre collection.
Juliana Salazar has incredible talents, she is behind Kimai Tennis Club inspired campaign and she created her own Downtown necklace in collaboration with Carolina Bucci.
I love how artists are also part of the brand campaigns through organic content creation, interviews and object collaboration.
10. Ísis: What’s something you've only recently begun to understand about your own creative process?
Myriam: In the end, there is no mistake.
I’ll quote Anders Frederick Sanders in his book ‘Poetry is growing in our garden’ :
‘Like a pause in a sentence, it makes it more interesting and beautiful. Consider mistakes as something you can go in and out, small movements, off-notes. Mistakes are beautiful and much more interesting than the original perfect idea.´
Grateful for your time and curiosity. I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Warmly,
Ísis
The Sin of Mediocrity
I was rewatching some old Anthony Bourdain episodes recently, and it struck me how deeply obsessive he could be. At one point, he tells his editor something along the lines of do something, anything, but do not commit the sin of mediocrity.
Love this conversation we had 🤍 Thank you for seeing me 💫 we met for a beautiful reason 🫂 Long live The Foyer ✨
Lovely!