A. CITIZEN VOL.03 — Collecting Memories with Alexis Dupont

A. CITIZEN VOL.03 continues our exploration of the voices shaping the creative landscape. In this edition, we sit down with designer Dupont, whose journey through France, New York, and Hong Kong brings a "haute couture" sensibility to everyday objects.

Whether engraving his signature "Coco" onto frames or crafting bespoke furniture, Dupont’s work celebrates the power of the human touch. This intimate dialogue explores how he merges his French DNA with an eclectic spirit to redefine what it means to be a "collector" of life—an open-ended look at the intentional choices that define a unique creative path.

Tell us about the engraving on your frames—what does it mean to you?

"Coco" is the name everyone knows me by; it’s practically part of my DNA. While my legal name is Alexis, I’d say 90% of people call me Coco to the point where they almost forget my real name. I’ve embraced it as a second identity. Whenever I monogram or engrave my items, I use it as a middle name—ACD: Alexis Coco Dupont. It’s more than a nickname; it’s a fundamental part of who I am.

Complete the sentence: “I am A. ____.”

I am A. Collector. But not in the traditional sense of high-value art. I view myself as a collector of objects, souvenirs, and books. My travels are essential to this; I love bringing back physical mementos from exhibitions or places I’ve visited. These pieces help me preserve good memories, but they also serve as a creative catalyst. Collecting is about bringing everything together "all at once" until it becomes an extension of your personality.

On Alexis: AMOS Standard in olive with dark brown lenses.

How do you express your individuality through details, whether in your work or your personal style?

My background is a blend of French heritage, a stint in New York, and a decade in Hong Kong. While I have that innate French DNA, my style is far more eclectic. I enjoy the contrast of mixing different cultures—you might see me wearing a thrifted find from Bangkok paired with a piece from a French luxury house and something I found on the streets of Hong Kong.

This philosophy carries over to my work. At our studio, we don't just sell products "off the shelf." We treat furniture like Haute Couture. By combining specific fabrics, stones, and woods, we tell a story unique to the client, creating a one-of-a-kind piece they can keep forever.

How much do you value customization and individuality, and how do you incorporate that into your daily life?

Customization today goes far beyond choosing a color or material; it’s about designing for a specific lifestyle. We dive deep into how a client actually lives—how they sit, how they use their kitchen, or how they host guests. Beyond the functional, I value the human touch. Whether it’s hand-painted tiles or custom engraving, we often collaborate with artists to create something handmade. That direct "human touch" is what makes a space or an object truly interesting.

Can you tell us about the space we’re in today?

I actually found this space by chance while having dinner down the street with a friend. It’s a heritage building where we’ve set up a multi-floor creative hub. We have our interior design studio upstairs, and the lower floors serve as our presentation space. I don’t consider it a "store"—it’s a laboratory for experimentation. It’s a starting point where clients can touch the materials, play with finishes, and begin the collaborative process of bringing their vision to life.