Based in Paris, Michelle Lu is the founder of Semaine, a media platform and creative agency, and Vie Projects, a gallery and multidisciplinary project space in the Marais. “I'm passionate about telling people’s stories, and am interested in different modalities of living and experiencing the world,” she says. For her latest project, she’s developing an artist residency and retreat in southern Sweden with her partner, the architect Julien de Smedt, while navigating life as a new mother.
Through it all, her own mother, Misun Lu, has been a constant source of support. “For months after my son Cosmo was born, she made me bone broth with seaweed, a traditional Korean soup given to women postpartum,” says Michelle. “I don’t think I could have made it through the early days of motherhood without her.”
Born in Seoul and raised in Thailand, Misun moved to New York for university, where she met Michelle’s father and worked in early childhood education. Today, she divides her time between Maryland, where Michelle was raised, and Paris.
When it comes to clothes, Michelle describes her style as “a bit Parisian but with an American ease,” favoring classic, structured pieces. Misun is drawn to soft silhouettes, bright colors, and simple but cherished pieces. “I have two chain necklaces – one yellow gold and the other white gold – that I’ve worn for decades and never tired of.”
Photographed at Michelle's farm in Österlen, Sweden, the two spoke to us about shared memories, special gifts, and what they covet most from each other’s wardrobes.
What qualities do you most admire in each other?
MICHELLE: I admire my mother’s empathy and kindness. She remembers everyone's name, from waiters to the postman, and has a true gift for making people feel seen and special.
MISUN: Michelle’s integrity, creativity, perseverance, and her desire to help young people in their careers.
If you could steal one thing from each other's closets, what would you choose?
MICHELLE: “A sculptural gold and diamond ring that she’s worn for as long as I can remember.”
MISUN: “I love Michelle’s checkered black-and-white coat that she throws on between seasons — so chic and comfortable.”
Can you each recall a particularly memorable gift that you’ve received from the other?
MICHELLE: “The bone broth she made me for months after I gave birth.”
MISUN: “For my last birthday, Michelle gave me a beautiful gold locket with a photo of my grandson, Cosmo, inside. It’s engraved ‘I love you, Mimi’ — my grandma name. It’s so precious to me.”
How would you spend an ideal day together?
MICHELLE: When I was younger, we used to do a mother-daughter trip every year. I’d love to go back to this retreat we visited in Koh Samui, Thailand. We would walk on the beach, read, and chat about everything and nothing. And of course we’d eat our favorite Thai fruits and dishes from her childhood.
MISUN: An ideal day with Michelle would be spent chatting about life and enjoying nature together — ideally a walk on the beach or in the forest.
Imagery of an exhibition at Vie Projects; Semaine Tastemakers Zine; and life in Paris with Michelle, Misun and Cosmo.
