Cecilia Saint-Viteux Chats Her Brilliant New Brand, Boudoir Style & More!

Meet the chic entrepreneur about to add some flirty flair to your boudoir.

Cecilia Saint-Viteux just launched her eponymous luxury label specializing in home decor accents, and trust us when we say you so want what she's selling. 

To launch Saint-Viteux, she's chosen a playful take on the classic boudoir pillow featuring some particularly personal hand embroidery - a piece that can go from a bedroom gem to the perfect travel accessory. Tonight, or not tonight, that is the question!

We caught up with Cecilia to chat everything from the family history behind her brand, her decorative style, what she'll be launching next and more!

What inspired you to launch Saint-Viteux? 
I grew up with an admiration for my grandmother’s work and sense of style that kept growing as she developed her brand in Brazil. During the pandemic, I realized more than ever the importance of home. It is important to feel at home wherever you are in the world.

I was always, and am still, in awe of her eye for detail as she always made a statement with her art de la table and bedside settings. When she retired and moved back to Rio de Janeiro, she began embroidering boudoir pillows for her friends. Originally, they were made as gifts, but the word spread and she began receiving inquiries and requests, which evolved into her brand, “Top Of The Linen.”

You've worked with so many amazing brands throughout your career, what lessons did you carry over to start your own? 
The most important lesson I have learned from my experience at Chopard, Dior and Celine is the importance of understanding the relevance of each department within the organization, and their ability to work and succeed together. Most of my experience was on the Marketing, Communications, and PR side of the business, which worked hand in hand with the supply chain, buying, and creative side of the business. The back of house aspect always intrigued me and I was keen to learn more about it. I believe that no matter what your role and responsibilities are within the business, it is crucial to have a 360 degree understanding of the processes and strategy to make the right decisions. 

When I had the pillow in my hands, I needed it to be reproduced, which seemed easy and quickly achievable at the time. Then came the struggle of finding the right factory, sourcing the materials, defining the brand identity/ethos, and designing the supply chain, which took nearly a year to get sorted. 

 At the same time, I felt inspired by the process of launching a brand in 2021. It comes with a responsibility to be eco-conscious, and I wanted to make sure that my brand was sustainable and responsible.

 Starting my own project was definitely an eye-opening experience as I never could have imagined the rollercoaster it became. It was a mix of frustration, stress, excitement, disappointment, and determination. The way I look at my clients now has definitely been impacted by my learnings, and I am so glad to now be able to have a thorough understanding of the retail business.

How would you describe your boudoir style? 
I need my room to feel “homey.” Scents are an important element for that, and I vary my candles according to my mood and feelings. My grandmother always taught me the importance of a bedside setting and styling. So my boudoir evolves depending on the season, the purpose, and the company :)

For this reason, I decided to work on a signature linen scent for Saint-Viteux, which is still in the testing period, but should be out soon. Keep an eye out!

Which playful pillow saying is your favorite? 
A favorite gift from my grandmother was a reversible pillow embroidered with Tonight on one side and Not Tonight on the other. This question is always at play in different circumstances. It is a question that always comes with a touch of responsibility and procrastination, but mostly fun.

I worked on many different sayings for the pillows because a bed has so much to say, but the Tonight / Not Tonight was without a doubt the winner. Next in line for consideration include “Where the Magic Happens,”  “Turn Me Over," “Turn Me On,” and many more. I want it to also serve as the perfect gift for yourself or others, it is really about sharing the love and having fun!

What's the key to making the perfect bed? 
Working in fashion, I always valued the importance that accessories played in one's look, which to me is very relatable to a bed. A nice bed needs accessories too! After all, it's all about the bed styling. 

Is there such a thing as too many pillows? 
The more the merrier, and I thought that was a personal preference until I met my fiancé and we had to double that as we would fight over the pillows. 

Any bedroom pet peeves? 
From a very early age, I never start my day without making my bed and anyone that has been close to me can confirm that. Somehow, I don’t feel like the day has started until my bed is made - and styled!

I know you've some brilliant collaborations lined up - who would be your dream partner? 
My dream is for this pillow to be expressive and translate a message. I want it to serve as a white canvas for collaborations with brands, artists, and hotels, and convey a message we believe in. 

The dream partner for me is a boutique hotel or members only club like the Chateau Marmont.

These also make such wonderful travel pillows - anywhere special you'll be bringing yours this season? 
I’m moving to Sao Paulo as we speak, and first on the list is a sailing trip off the coast of Recife with dear friends over the holiday. My pillow will certainly be coming with me!

What are you most excited for next? 
My wedding! I am planning a limited-edition hand embroidered pillow for my guests who attend my wedding in Brazil at the Fasano Hotel in Rio…but that’s our little secret!

Finally - tonight or not tonight? 
Let’s flip the pillow and see…