Chloe Sevigny is maybe the only celebrity-turned-designer that I find to be an actually good designer, and the only one who I believe actually does her own designs. Who else could create something so Sassy and cute and attitude-y and perfect in every way? I want everything from her new collection for Opening Ceremony but will probably end up saving for a pair of those platform cloggy shoes. They will be totally perfect as a gift to myself for entering high school and becoming the pair I wear every single day. Then when I’m old and can’t wear any shoes since I’ll have spent my entire youth in either heels or sole-tearing Doc Martens, I’ll pass my Chloe Sevigny for Opening Ceremony platforms down to one of my grandchildren, then, after reconsideration, threaten them with an embarrassing Bar/Bat Mitzvah toast unless they give them back.
I’m doing my textiles evaluation so I was browsing Charles Anastes’ SS09 collection (pretending to myself that I reeeaaaaally needed to ) and I stumbled upon this, my favourite ever Chloe collection and maybe one of my favorite collections of all time. Hannah MacGibbon’s first solo collection after assisting Pheobe Philo for over 10 years, what a way to start!
Today A BLOG presents an exclusive, candid interview between Proenza Schouler’s covergirl Chloë Sevigny and our friend and collaborator Kristopher Arden Houser. She shares her thoughts on Proenza Schouler’s Fall Winter 2010 collection, their issue of A, and discovering the proud American within.
On A#9:
Kristopher Arden Houser: Had you worked with Richard Burbridge before, and what was it like on set shooting the cover of A’s #9 ?
Chloë Sevigny: I had shot with Richard early in my career for a UK magazine, so it was comfortable, until I realized how many cute photo assistants were on set. They were playing really great music and I realized we were all at Sway (a club in N.Y. popular for playing a nearly all Smith’s soundtrack) the Sunday before.
KH: for A#9’s launch you traveled to Florence, Italy with the Proenza Schouler boys & their team of NY collaborators – what was the most memorable moment from Pitti?
CS: I remember feeling really American, or even proud to be an American. I went with them to Florence with our New York posse like Kembra (Pfahler), Spencer (Product) and Jack / Lazaro and I was proud of them as American, New York, designers.
KH: If you could have recommended one more artist for inclusion / collaboration within their issue, who would you have suggested?
CS: In a way I could see Doug Aitken fitting into the issue nicely. Maybe its his California, music, surfer, artist sensibility. I actually did my first project with him in California, they sent me for a music video that he was shooting, I was in High School, and I thought it so glamourous – I was staying at the Roosevelt Hotel (pre-renovation) and I saw Vanna White in the parking lot.
On the Proenza Schouler Fall Winter 2010 collection:
KH: In one sentence what was the feel of the Proenza Schouler Fall Winter 2010 collection, for you?
CS: This collection felt like a re-interpretation of classics, I like their use of preppy staples like pleats, micro-mini’s and school girl dresses.
KH: You do like those micro-mini’s don’t you {we both laugh in agreement}
KH: What piece are you most excited to wear?
CS: THE LEATHER.
KH: Of the collection, or in general, when wearing leather what is your color preference?
CS: A hard biker-black…
KH: hence the slick back hair as of late?
CS: Yes (laughing) perhaps
KH: What was the biggest risk Proenza Schouler took in this collection that you admire?
CS: The shoes. They had this Peter Fox feel to them with a Deee-Lite heel. They are (P.S.) a few seasons ahead of everyone else, and of course I think they are one of the best American designers, people will catch-on in a year or so.
Above image: “In bed, Florence”. Chloë Sevigny with Lazaro Hernandez (left) and Jack McCullough (right) of Proenza Schouler, taken during Pitti Immagine, June 2009.
Today’s Pop is Becky by way of Tavi, our in-house muse/party-photog. Becky always writes fashionably late.
POP’s hardcore gets itself about. A little like those incessantly mewing cats that distract/shag the whole neighbourhood and make sure you’re up most of the night.
LA has been no different. We’re now dealing with a minor noise complaint down at the City as a result of The Party (TM). So ban us…
POP had table #1 at the MOCA gala, so it was only proper to throw an after-party to remember. Francesco Vezzoli had showed us what you can do with a Damien Hirst piano, Lady Gaga and 12 Russian Bolshoi dancers. It certainly got the LA old-timers talking. Oh and did I mention Prada designed the memorable costumes?
After that we skipped down to Prism gallery and to our shack next door where The Party was held between the venues. What did POP do? Between us we drank enough Grey Goose to sink a ship, danced like no-one was watching, kissed a Bond villain, stepped repeatedly on Chloe Sevigny’s toes (it was very crowded), vogued with Tom Ford (he’s the greatest dancer), felt faint at the sight of James Franco and generally partied hard under the stars looking at the whole of LA beneath us. Oh and saw some real pretty dresses (Rodarte rocks).
Check out some of our snaps – but note they are highly censored – some of our dance moves could have landed us in jail. Yes, you know who you are…
We are currently celebrating the launch of A MAGAZINE curated by PROENZA SCHOULER, the dynamic design duo of Jack McCullough and Lazaro Hernandez from New York. Their issue contains stunning imagery, in-depth philosophies and articles that relates to their ‘Made in the USA’ concept, feting American artists and contributors. The cover features their muse, actress Chloë Sevigny, in a glamorous americana image shot by Richard Burbridge.
The issue debuted at Pitti Immagine fashion fair in Florence, Italy – with Proenza Schouler throwing a fabulous gala event featuring the best of New York’s underground talent scene, including films and photography by Kalup Linzy, music by The Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black, and an installation by Haim Steinbach. SEE THE EVENT HERE
Since Pitti Immagine in Florence, A#9 has made it’s way around the globe, landing in the windows of Opening Ceremony in New York, Colette in Paris, and Do Your Read Me?! in Berlin.
Alongside the new issue, we have installed Apple iPod Touch screens with the past issues available to view, giving a sneak preview to viewers of the online issues coming to your screens every month. A#4 by Jun Takahashi available now, and A#3 by Haider Ackermann on July 15th 2009!
