Angelina Jolie Shares Rare Comments About Atelier Jolie and Her Plans to ‘Be There More’ in the Future

Angelina Jolie, the acclaimed actress and humanitarian, has unveiled ambitious plans for her fashion collective, Atelier Jolie, which she launched in New York City in 2023. In a recent interview with L’Officiel USA, Jolie revealed her vision for expanding this creative venture on a global scale, expressing a desire to engage with local artists and craftspeople worldwide.

Atelier Jolie was conceived as a space for creative collaboration, where individuals can work alongside a diverse group of skilled tailors, pattern makers, and artisans. Jolie explained that the concept was to create an environment that fosters creativity rather than operate as a conventional store. “I didn’t know exactly what it was when I opened the doors. My thought was to open a space and gift areas to different thinkers and creatives,” she told L’Officiel.

Three years after its inception, Jolie is now preparing to take Atelier Jolie beyond the borders of the United States. She indicated that Brazil might be the first international location, with plans to open a few more spaces “quite soon.” The actress is already engaging with teams in Vienna and Cambodia, emphasising that her initiative aims to empower local communities rather than merely establish a series of retail outlets. “There is not a country I wouldn’t consider working in,” she remarked, reflecting her commitment to a global and inclusive vision.

Jolie’s approach is heavily influenced by her experiences as a diplomat, during which she noted a concerning trend of prioritising charity over sustainable economic development. “I wanted to build a model that would grow other people’s careers and community,” she asserted, demonstrating her intent to offer not just a fashion platform but a means to foster independence and self-sufficiency.

The creativity nurtured at Atelier Jolie is key to its mission, as Jolie highlights the importance of skill development among participants. She expressed her enthusiasm for encouraging individuals to learn new techniques, attend classes, and engage creatively with their attire. “You can bring your clothes into the Atelier and redo them, take a sewing class, things like that,” she described, revealing her commitment to making the space accessible and hands-on.

Countering the notion that Atelier Jolie is an exclusive retreat, Jolie emphasised its openness to the public. “A misconception about the Atelier is that it’s this private space,” she said. Most activities within the collective are designed for general participation, including classes, dinner series, and talks. This participatory ethos reflects her belief that Atelier Jolie is a collective venture, shaped by the contributions of its community members.

When Atelier Jolie was first introduced, it was said to be a project that had been years in the making, focused on elevating the artists and craftspeople who typically go unrecognised in the fashion industry. A source disclosed to PEOPLE that Jolie’s goal is to shine a light on those responsible for the garments, fabrics, and embroidery, further underscoring her commitment to authenticity and artistry in fashion.

Sustainability stands as a central pillar of Atelier Jolie’s mission. Jolie articulated her intent to steer clear of promoting mere consumerism, instead encouraging thoughtful engagement with art and fashion. “My main focus is welcoming visitors who want to learn, create, and be in community,” she explained. By allowing visitors to participate actively, she believes they give back to the artists while learning valuable skills themselves.

As Jolie looks ahead to the future of Atelier Jolie, her vision reflects a blend of creativity, sustainability, and social consciousness, promising an innovative platform that empowers individuals and fosters genuine connections within the fashion industry. The expansion to new global locations, coupled with a strong emphasis on community engagement, positions Atelier Jolie as not only a fashion collective but a beacon for cultural exchange and artistic collaboration in the contemporary world.