Perfectly Imperfect: Valerie Quant

Our classic raw silk tees are designed to embody the OZMA ethos – they're what we talk about when we talk about adoring the perfectly imperfect. Our tees rely on the beautifully organic, nubby soft texture of raw silk, an incredibly special fabric that we love for its character and unique wear... resulting in every tee feeling slightly different and entirely special. The metaphor isn't lost on us: to continue the conversation, we spoke with five inspiring women in the OZMA world about what it means to lean into imperfection, to discover the path of self-acceptance, and to see the beauty in our ever-evolving perspectives.

Today we're in conversation with Valerie Quant, co-owner and do-designer of LoQ, a women's contemporary footwear and handbag company based in LA, a business she started four years ago with partner Keren Longkumer, who she met in footwear school. Today she lives between the Highland Park neighborhood of Los Angeles and frequent visits to Spain, where LoQ is produced. Below, a conversation on long term relationships, living on a whim, and finding harmony in the unconventional.

Photos by April Valencia

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The Jane B. Tee, Oak

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Perfection is really the road to imperfection. What has been your relationship to imperfection; to the acceptance of it in everyday life?

Working with a handmade product in Spain, we embrace the beauty of imperfection. Throughout the development process, we discover new concepts in mistakes and changes. I also love seeing customer photos of exceptionally well worn shoes...

There is no "right" way to be yourself; rarely, if ever is there permanence. But there is process. How have you come to know yourself differently in the past year?

I have discovered recently that letting go of routine and structure to my work lifestyle has opened me up to change and flexibility. I've always needed control and a consistent rhythm (Taurus!) but lately I've been feeling like traveling on whim or living part-time in Europe.

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" I have discovered recently that letting go of routine and structure to my work lifestyle has opened me up to change and flexibility. I've always needed control and consistent rhythm (Taurus!) but lately I've been feeling like traveling on a whim or living part time in Europe."

What in your life have you recently accepted as imperfect?

The long-distance work arrangement Keren and I have isn't what one would call perfect; it's rather unusual that Keren is in India and I'm in Los Angeles – working remotely, designing remotely, and coming together to produce a product in Spain. I think the challenges we have faced with this arrangement have allowed us to be more creative and in turn, have made our working relationship more harmonious.

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