The Creatives: An Interview with Tania Zarak

Tania Zarak hails form Mexico, but is every bit a stylish New Yorker.  Since beginning her film career at the storied Tribeca Films she has worked in the development and production of films such as Pan’s Labyrinth, The Departed, Backyard and an adaptation of Gabriel García Márquez’ News of a Kidnapping. In 2007 she returned to Mexico as president of Argos Cine, the largest independent film studio in Latin America. Two years later she left the position and created Bonita Films based both in Mexico and New York focusing on projects of international character. I met Tania on the set of The Girl, Bonita’s first feature produced by my husband, Paul and was immediately taken by her warmth, curiosity and vision.  Up next, for this mover and shaker is the Uruguayan-Mexican film Tanta Agua, directed by Ana Guevara and Leticia Jorge.  When Tania isn't plying the vanguard of film to transcend geographic and cultural boundaries, she is busy changing the world one project at a time by telling stories that amaze because, as she says "if something can be lived and loved, it can be filmed."

What do you see trending in fashion now?

Bright colors. Floral and astral prints. Textures. Jewelry. People are “detailing” themselves much more than they used to now so I think accessories are a bigger fashion staple. A stylish pair of flats, a nice handbag or even a solid set of rings are just as important as the rest of the clothes. One-of-a-kind pieces and simple things like braids twisted up into a bun or red lipstick are also, in my opinion, enough of a statement.

 

When was the last time you had a fashion epiphany?

I am loving the “female DJ” look of Solange Knowles. My assistant Memo also recently introduced me to the women of “Advanced Style” (http://advancedstyle.blogspot.com) and I’m obsessed -- so much to look forward to! Those ladies shine not because of what they are wearing, but because of the amazing people inside their clothes.

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

It¹s getting harder and harder to define what is high and what is low. I'm a big admirer of the Mulleavys from Rodarte and of how they translate crazy concepts like Japanese horror films into actual clothing. I¹m not that into labels although I do love my Miu Miu. But I love Black Milk and American Apparel leggings just as much. I keep things fun and eclectic precisely by mixing the highs and the lows. That’s life.

What is your go-to uniform for a day of work? The weekend? What are you living in these days?

Well-groomed eyebrows are my most important go-to anything. Always. I can¹t seem to take off my Mother Denim cut off shorts. They are so nice fitting and comfortable for the summer. I wear them to the office, for an evening out or even just at home. They are versatile and nice to mix with a fun necklace or a Zara vest. I’m also wearing my K Jacques sandals almost every day. I discovered K Jacques in le Marais in Paris years ago and it¹s wonderful to see that they now sell all over the place.

What is your favorite ILR piece and why?

The Eclipse and Full Moon rings. By far. They take me places.

Who are your style icons?

My grandmother was my idol. She recently passed away but she was the most polished person I know. She did it in a very easygoing, natural, feminine way though and that alone is elegance. I remember she wore the sweetest cologne to bed and from her I learned how to organize my (any) closet to its full potential. She influenced my entire style and approach to life. I inherited several of her pieces, which are great clothes in themselves and obviously have a very big sentimental value. But, another icon of mine would be Anna Karina in “Une femme est une femme” and I would love to see what’s inside Agnés Vardas’ closet one day. I think Sophia Coppola has great taste and I also find great inspiration in friends like Gabriela Artigas or my sisters.