Designer Eric Raisina, who welcomes visitors by appointment to his atelier in Siem Reap, shares his favorite inspirations and places.

How has your background / your travels inspired your work?

I moved from Madagascar to Paris for my textile and fashion studies fifteen years ago. Paris was absolutely amazing in terms of lifestyle and inspirations. There, I discovered that images of many countries in Africa reminded me of my beautiful island. Then when I landed for the first time in Asia, in Cambodia, in particular, is where I really found resemblances to Madagascar. That’s the reason that I’m very inspired here because I feel at home. I love to travel. I love to be inspired by what I have seen and select the best ideas, the best colors, the best atmospheres. I like to see what happens in the market wherever I am. That really inspires me.

What made the biggest impression when you first traveled to Cambodia?

I realized that the Malagasy people from the capital were originally from Asia. So the people in Cambodia look like the Malagasy. Many sights, except for the temples, remind me of my country. The atmosphere is similar; people are very kind and talented. I feel close to my country when I travel in the countryside here. Madagascar has a strong influence from Asia and Africa, but I feel more Asian than African.

What you made you decide to base your workshop in Siem Reap?

As soon as I arrived in Siem Reap, I felt a lot of energy in the city, probably from the amazing temples. That energy made me feel very inspired and very good. It is a quiet place. I really need that for my work. I love the silk process in this country. People are very talented in the silk industry, making those amazing dyes and patterns in a very ancestral way, which inspires me a lot. I still have the same feeling today as when I arrived, even though many things have changed in the last five years.

Tell me about some of your latest pieces that you’re most excited about?

I’m very excited to find my “silk fur “that I sold to Yves Saint Laurent haute couture. I did a bustier for Christian Lacroix haute couture a few years ago, and that piece still inspires me today; it was a perfect combination between Malagasy crochet raffia and Cambodian silk with French laces. Today I’m playing with thousands of organza flowers to make my new collection.

How big is your workshop and do you allow visitors who are interested in your work to visit?

I decided to base my workshop/boutique where I live. My shop is downstairs and there is also a sewing workshop and weaving workshop where visitors can have a look. Visitors are welcome only by appointment. I’m trying to create a perfect atmosphere between my house and the boutique. I like to combine African pieces with Asian pieces that reflect Madagascar.

How should interested parties contact you?

Visitors can reach us on (+855) 12-965-207 or (+855) 12-580-283 or (+855) 63 963 207. We will give directions as I’m about twelve to fifteen minutes from the center on the way to the temples.

What are some of your favorite places in Siem Reap?

Of course, I love some of the temples. I go often at different times of day. I also like the old market areas where you can find small boutiques. The night market is also interesting for its atmosphere. I love the pagodas as well.

What are some of your favorite restaurants/shops?

My favorite restaurants are Viroth’s Restaurant (“www.viroth-hotel.com”http:www.viroth-hotel.com; 855-63-761-120), the Sugar Palm (Ta Phul Rd.; 855-63-964-838), Carnet d’Asie (No. 333 Sivatha; 855-63-746-701), Meric at Hotel de la Paix (Sivutha; www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com; 855-63-966-000). L’Oasis (Street 9, 855-23-218-189), Angelo at Le Méridien hotel. One of my favorite shops is Senteurs d’Angkor (www.senteursdangkor.com 855-12-954-815) and Angkor Candle, but I do really love markets.

What are some of your favorite sights/things to do?

I like to see villages by bicycle. Having a break at the pool at the Raffles hotel. And I especially appreciate parties with lovely friends in town. What would you advise a first time visitor not miss?

Old market areas at night times. Apsara dancers. Dinner at the Sugar Palm restaurant.

What destinations do you find particularly inspiring in terms of style/design?

Amansara resort, Angkor Village resort and Viroth’s hotel.

What are some museums/galleries worldwide that you love?

Le Louvre in Paris, Art Museum in downtown Johannesburg and Colette in Paris.

What destinations have surprised you with its art/design scene?

South Africa, Ethiopia and Burma.

Whose style do you admire?

John Galliano, Maurizio Galante.

How often do you return home to Madagascar?

Almost every year.

How has the island changed in the last five or ten years?

A lot of changed. The country is finally ready to welcome visitors who can discover how beautiful is Madagascar. There’s also great creativity in terms of handicraft. The new generation is very talented. There are many more visitors especially for beaches.

What are some places you love on the island (restaurants / things to do)?

The weekend market in Antananarivo. Saint Marie Island for beaches. To see the baobab road in the south. You must have a nice dinner at a good Malagasy restaurants. It’s not possible to be bored in Madagascar.

How does Malagasy/African style influence your creations?

I grew up in with a backdrop of the turquoise color of the Indian Ocean and the vibrancy of a sunset palette. I love colors and the texture of plants or flowers. In my design, textile is the main focus of my creations. They look beautifully inspired by where I come from.

Where are you dying to go next?

Russia.