“I see myself as a creative spirit,” Erin Wasson begins, surrounded by the artefacts of her life in Marseille — a rustic, art-filled haven that feels as intentional and layered as her own journey. From Texas roots to her iconic work with Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel, Gucci, and Alexander Wang, Wasson has built a career that defies the traditional model archetype. Known for her edgy style and no-nonsense approach to the industry, she’s carved out a unique space for herself, blending fashion with artistry and a love for design.
Settling into Marseille has only deepened her connection to creativity, and not just at home; Wasson even has her own vegan café in the city, the Cécile Food Club, co-founded with her husband and friends. Life here is slower, and she’s embraced every bit of it. “The pace is much slower, and there’s a beautiful community feel here,” she says, comparing it to the bustling energy of New York and LA, which she left behind.
Adjusting to a quieter lifestyle was a shift, but one she’s grateful for, relishing the simplicity and community spirit that infuses her days. “It’s the ease of being between here and Paris. It’s lovely – the life out here and the fact that you’re in the second largest city in France, but you live in a city that is like a village,” she says.
Her home is a blend of treasures that tell her story. One in particular, a wooden table in her garden, represents a gathering spot for friends, where countless moments have been shared under the Marseille sky. “I approach decorating my spaces with intention,” Wasson explains, a philosophy that extends to her appreciation for pieces from Westwing, the European interior design brand she collaborated with. “My favourite Westwing pieces are the safari chairs that flank my dining table. They’re timeless and classic, but in white, they get less precious over time and with dinner parties.”
As much as she’s known for her eye-catching campaigns, Wasson’s connection to art and design runs deep. Her personal art collection is a reflection of her journey, each piece a handpicked reminder of a place, an emotion, or a time in her life. “I gravitate toward works that tell a story or evoke a feeling,” she explains.
Cooking is another passion for Wasson, one that reflects her vegan lifestyle and appreciation for seasonal, local ingredients. She’s often at the city’s markets, picking up fresh produce for dishes like vegetable ratatouille and lentil stews. “It’s about creating something nourishing that connects with my lifestyle,” she says.
And then there’s the music — a family tradition of sorts. Wasson’s father passed down his love of vinyl, and now she has her own collection that fills her home with everything from old-school rock and jazz to indie sounds. “The rawness and warmth of vinyl add a unique texture to my home,” she reflects, describing how music is woven into her everyday life, adding depth and inspiration.
To Wasson, “living beautifully” is all about intention — something Westwing has long been known for. “Living beautifully, for me, means making every detail meaningful and nurturing connections,” she shares. From the art on her walls to the meals she cooks, her home embodies this philosophy, each choice deliberate, each moment savoured. Thinking about her future, Wasson’s excited to dive into creative projects that align with this sense of beauty and purpose, as Marseille continues to inspire her journey.
Explore beautiful living here.
photography. Marc Vela Genescà
words. Gennaro Costanzo
