Friday, May 25, 2012

The Creatives: An Interview With Kathryn Hurni

I have known photographer Kate Hurni for nearly a dozen years. In that time, she has proven herself to be a major editorial talent shooting for the likes of W, Vogue, Real Simple, and Stella magazines.  But I like to think of her as one of the best fine art portrait photographers around.  Elegant, nuanced, original, Kate's portraits are in every way a reflection of who she is and how she moves through the world.  So to is her sense of style, honed from close proximity to the the tastemakers of the fashion world and her own unique spin on downtown urban chic.

What do you see trending in fashion now?

Cropped trench coats and motorcycle jackets. Girls are donning them all over SoHo.

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

This morning, while in the subway. I saw a girl about my age, wearing SKY HIGH platform stilettos and realized how comical they are. New York is a pedestrian city. Your shoes should be chic and practical.

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low?

For High: I like Rag & Bone, Yigal, Balmain, Band of Outsiders
For Low: I like the basics such as Madewell, Zara, J. Crew

Honestly most of my clothing is “low.” I wont spend over $100 on jeans because I beat the hell out of them and eventually they rip, tear, and stretch. I only buy large ticket items that will last. For example, I have two nice watches that look fantastic with any outfit and will never go out of style.  Generally, I’ll lay down money for glasses, shoes, bags, and coats (and cameras!). Everything else should be cheap, but well made.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

Luckily, when I’m in the office I can be relaxed. I’m usually wearing a high-waisted skinny jean, or a wide leg trouser with a button down. But hitting repeat on that look can become a little stale over time, so occasionally I switch it up and throw on a Vena Cava dress with boots. For me the weekends, if you can believe it, are even more casual. You can usually find me in my Ralph Lauren grey sweatshirt that I’ve had for over 10 years. It has rips at the elbows, bleach stains all over, and is the most worn in comfortable thing I own. It gains more character every time I wear it.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?
 
I’m really drawn to The Skinny ring.  It’s simple, organic feel is easy to pull-off for everyday. Nothing beats a plain gold ring, especially when they’re stacked!


Who are your style icons?


I don’t really have any style icons per say. I think I’m more inspired by the art and design that I encounter. I’m lucky to be surrounded by Creatives day in and day out, producing work and dressing in their own unique ways. Being around people who are themselves and know their own path is what prompts me to go out and explore my own sense of style. Instead of asking what are other people wearing, I find I have a lot more fun with what I wear by looking to myself and asking, “what makes me tick?” 

What are you living in these days?

Anything that’s pared down, effortless, and comfortable.  My rule of thumb: I want to be able to look back at a photo 20 years from now and not gasp, “what was I wearing?!”

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Ilsa Loves Rick at Bucks County Dry Goods

 
I am thrilled to announce that the Ilsa Loves Rick line is now available
at Bucks County Dry Goods with locations in New Hope and
Doylestown,  Pennsylvania, along with Princeton, New Jersey.
You can find more info online at:

http://bcdrygoods.com/Bucks_County_Dry_Goods/HOME.html

Sunday, May 6, 2012

The Creatives: An Interview with Amy Chaplin

At an after party at the Tribeca Film Festival, David Riker, director of the film The Girl (and cause celebre of said affair) bounded up to Amy and said "My wife and I read your blog every day!  It has changed our lives!" Nice. This wasn't the first time I have seen Amy receive such gratitude and affection.  As one of New York's premiere vegetarian chefs and whole-lifestyle gurus, this sort of thing happens all the time.  Hailing from rural New South Wales before leaving to hone her chef skills in the most prestigious kitchens in Amsterdam, London, and Sydney, before arriving in NewYork, Amy is now a private chef (literally, to the stars), teacher, food writer, and quickly becoming the last word on healthy living. Just ask the folks at The New York Times, Martha Stewart Living, Vogue, and Good Food, to name a few. In her blog Coconut and Quinoa she shares original seasonal recipes and health tips.  Part french gamine, part (uber cute and feminine) british school boy, Amy has great style, effortless, polished, and classic at once.  If I am not channeling her to know what to eat, I am channeling her to know what to wear.

What do you see trending in fashion now?

Yellow, more French inspired classics--stripes, ballet flats, narrow cropped pants etc. Lace and more shorts!
.
When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I just got out my Bensimon slip on navy sneakers from last year and re-experienced my love for them--They are the best ballet flat alternative, perfect for NYC in the warmer months as your feet are covered, they look cute and you can walk miles in them!

What is your favorite High brand? And your low brand? How do you mix high and low?

I always love Dior and Marni for inspiration. . I have some Paul Smith tops and jackets that work well jeans and cardigans.  Jcrew and Madewell are my favorite lower brand.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend?

Work and weekend can be the same depending on what Im doing...Pants or jeans, 3/4 length tee shirts/tops, cardigans and a scarf--I wear them all year.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

I love your big moon ring, love the tone and warmth of the gold. It's simple and striking. Sturdy, yet feminine...my favorite combination (next fave is the Eclipse ring).

Who are your style icons?

Lauren Hutton, Frida Kahlo, Audrey Hebern

What are you living in these days?

Jbrand pants, Hasbeens clogs, a striped tank,  navy cardigan,  and Paul Smith jacket (with spring-y floral lining that I love :)) and a scarf of course!