Tell us in your own words, “Who is Caroline Dyen”?
A curious and determined girl, who makes sure to enjoy life.
Southern born, living in Paris.
How do you love to spend your spare time?
I’m always on the hunt for new restaurants! I love spending my time with family and friends, going out, going to exhibitions, practicing sports (I love biking and skiing and I’d love to try kitesurfing), traveling and trying new recipes.
Describe a typical day.
As I work in an office, I should say that a typical day is going to work. I wake up and dress, according to the mood, but I keep it office-friendly as I have appointments with my clients. During the week, I usually spend my evening either with my friends and boyfriend (restaurants, drinks, dinner at home) or at the gym (feels so good after a long day.)
Do you have an everyday uniform?
I wear turtlenecks literally half of the year. I just love how it makes your outfit looks chic and effortless (and I do not have to find a scarf to match my outfit). I pair it with jeans and boots, a long coat/trench and a leather bag worn crossbody and I’m good to go. When the weather gets warmer, I love wearing jumpsuits, you can’t go wrong with them.
As an independent le Ru woman, what women inspire you most?
Lots of women actually, not necessarily famous ones as I can find inspiration in every woman who stands for her rights, stands up for others, is not afraid to try, to make mistakes and try again. Women who elevate other women and women who are not afraid to speak their mind.
What advice would you give to your 20-year-old self, if you met her today?
Keep going, you are on the right track. I was lucky not to be a very worried person, so I could not tell my younger self to worry less. Now, I’m curious about what my 35- year-old self would tell me if she met me!
How do you balance being a woman with your work?
I’m working in tech, and I’m part of a sales and consultants team. Being a woman sometimes can be challenging for different reasons, and among other things, because they are underrepresented in tech. I wish there were more women in tech, but it’s about to change. Meanwhile, I will continue to speak my mind and stand up for my ideas, as I’m known for it at the office.
When you’re feeling overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I’m trying to plan things, have a clear to-do list and not be too hard on myself if things don’t go as planned. It happens, and it’s ok, good things take time. We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we react, so I prefer to see the glass half full, thinking better days are coming.
What is one of the most worthwhile investments you’ve ever made?
My MBA degree, which allowed me to get a job that I love, my gym membership, and my Chanel bag. Not only because I was dreaming of it since I was 16 years old, but because I bought it after winning my lawsuit against my previous landlord, which makes me love it even more.
What features do you value most in a garment?
Careful finish, good-looking pieces, sustainable and timeless pieces I can wear again and again (I still wear clothing bought 10 years ago). Even if I love looking at the trends, I’m not really into buying trendy pieces anymore as I get bored of them easily. I also love classic pieces with a twist, I own two trench coats from Le Rú, a gorgeous classic one in golden beige, and lately, I’ve fallen for the mango one. And as we say in French… “jamais deux sans trois” (all good things come in threes).
Please tell us something unusual about you.
I have a memory like an elephant (which is great, let me check the records) and I can fall asleep on-demand (I fall asleep whenever wherever I want, which is pretty impressive according to my relatives.)
What is your favorite travel destination or secret escape?
I love to combine culture and good food on city trips and nature during summer. When I’m traveling, I walk a lot; it’s a good way to discover the city and to take time to take pictures. I should have been traveling to Japan last year, (I’ve been dreaming of it for so long) but due to Covid19, it is only a postponement, next time lucky. Can’t wait to visit the country and eat Japanese food, my favorite!
