Q&A with Camille Walala: Bold Geometrics Meet Festive Flair in 1664 Blanc Collaboration

Camille Walala, the celebrated French artist renowned for explosive bursts of color and mesmerizing geometric patterns, infuses urban landscapes and installations with unbridled joy, from Paris murals to her immersive "Planet Walala" project in Hong Kong. Drawing inspiration from European design icons and movements, her work transforms everyday spaces into playgrounds that celebrate individuality and exuberance.

This festive season, Camille debuts her first-ever Asia-wide collaboration with 1664, reimagining holiday traditions across Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam through limited-edition packaging, co-branded collectibles, and bold on-ground activations. In this Q&A with JESSICA, Camille shares the sparks behind blending her playful aesthetic with 1664's elegant twist on celebration.

Q: What are your thoughts on the 1664 collaboration?

A: I was really excited when 1664 got in touch about this partnership. 1664 is a Parisian icon that is known for its rich heritage in fashion and the arts. I think we have quite a few things in common! 1664 has a history of bringing one of a kind cultural collaboration that celebrate bold individuality, and I really love the colours they use. The idea behind bringing people together in celebration fits well with both our worlds and my artistic aesthetic.

Q: What inspires your work?

A: I've been lucky to visit Asia a few times, and those trips really influenced me. I was drawn to the sense of celebration, joy and energy you find there. The colours are amazing, from lanterns and lights to fireworks. I came back with lots of visual ideas, and even the food inspired me. All these little things ended up shaping the design for this project with 1664.

Q: What was the process behind executing this collaboration?

A: I usually like to start with something simple and hands-on like making collages, cutting out shapes. It's a playful way to begin. With this project, I also worked with 1664's visual elements, especially its signature shade of royal blue, which had to stand out. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with shapes and seeing how they worked with the colour.

Q: How did you blend your signature bold geometric patterns and vibrant colours with Asian festive traditions like Christmas and Lunar New Year in the 1664 packaging designs?

A: For me, the joy of this collaboration was finding a way to bring my bold geometric language into dialogue with the richness of Asian festive traditions. Christmas and Lunar New Year are both moments of togetherness, light, and celebration, so I drew inspiration from the colours, patterns, and symbols that define these occasions, such as the vibrancy of lanterns, the sparkle of fireworks, and the warmth of festive gatherings. By layering these cultural references with my signature use of strong shapes and playful palettes, I wanted to capture the exuberance of the season while staying true to 1664's French elegance and my own joyful aesthetic.

Q: Can you share more about how the creative brief from Carlsberg aligned with your artistic style, incorporating French flair and local cultural resonance?

A: The brief from Carlsberg felt like a natural fit for me. 1664 has such a strong French heritage, and as a French artist, I was excited to bring that sense of elegance and creativity into the project. At the same time, I loved exploring how my bold geometric patterns and vibrant colours could connect with the festive traditions across Asia. That balance between French flair and local resonance gave me the freedom to create designs that feel joyful, contemporary, and culturally meaningful, while still staying true to my own artistic language. This perfectly reflects 1664's campaign idea: 'Celebrate with a Twist' - taking something familiar and giving it a fresh, playful perspective.

Q: What cultural elements influenced the design of the co-branded merchandise to reflect significance across Hong Kong, China, Singapore, Malaysia, and Vietnam?

A: When designing the merchandise, I wanted each piece to feel like a celebration of the season while also reflecting traditions that are deeply meaningful in Asia. For example, red pockets are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune during Lunar New Year, so it was important to reinterpret them with my playful patterns. Everyday items like tote bags, glasses, and umbrellas were also designed to be both functional and festive.

Q: How do you hope consumers will interact with the collaboration to bring art and celebration to life during the festive season?

A: I hope people will see the collaboration as an invitation to step into a world of colour, joy, and creativity. My art is always about creating spaces where people can connect, take part, and feel uplifted. With 1664, the idea was to reimagine festive traditions through a bold, contemporary lens. So, whether it's walking through an immersive installation, discovering the design details up close, or simply sharing the experience with friends. I want consumers to feel that sense of playfulness and togetherness, and partake in the celebration when they see the product in-stores.

Q: What's the one key takeaway from this collaboration?

A: For me, it's about taking joy seriously. I think sometimes joy isn't given enough attention, even though it's such an important part of life. It can come from really simple things. This collaboration with 1664 is about bringing people together - it's about joy, modernity, and celebration.

Catch the vibrant 1664 x Camille Walala festive collection available now in Hong Kong and Malaysia through Lunar New Year, with bold installations in Kuala Lumpur this December and immersive activations rolling out in China, Singapore, and Vietnam.