Zen Fashionista: April 2012

Apr 21, 2012

Occupation:

"I've been a fashion stylist for many, many years. I worked at Harper's Bazaar, and have been freelancing for a very, very long time. I modeled in Italy the late 1960's. I had one of the first boutiques in Soho in 1979, and had my own boutique shop in Bergdorf Goodman's in 1980: The Hopp Shop. I started a skincare line about five years ago, RODIN Olio Lusso. We sell it at all Barneys, Colette in Paris, Dr David Colbert's office (NYDG), John Derian, and A Détacher in New York."

What were your first pair of jeans?

"My first pair of jeans were Landlubbers that I got on Lexington Avenue and 60th Street in 1967. They were brown denim bellbottom hip-huggers...so, so cool. I wish I still had them."

What are you wearing?

First look: "Denim dress from Helena Christensen's great shop, gray thigh-highs from Free People, and royal-blue Repetto shoes."

Second look: "Blue denim rag & bone jeans with an orange racing stripe, a Yojhi Yamamoto vintage sweater, and Stella McCartney neon orange platforms."

Third look: "Offwhite J Brand jeans, a Carven ivory knit sweater, and Vanessa Bruno ivory patent Chelsea boots."

How many pairs of jeans do you own?

"About 15... Uniqulo makes great jeans, Levi's, rag & bone, J Brand..."

Do you have a preferred philosophy when it comes to jeans: Sexy and skinny, or loose and comfy?

"I like all kinds of jeans. I have very, very wide jeans; very, very skinny jeans; old Levi's boot-cut jeans — I love all jeans. I also have an amazing blue denim skirt from Dries Von Noten and a denim shirt from 1970."

What's your signature wash...or does it matter?

"I don't like pre-washed jeans. I love dark, original denim, and never, ever pre-creased!! Can't stand distressed jeans."

What's your favorite way to wear your jeans and with what?

"I like jeans with anything! Causal or dressy. Jean jackets with a dress or skirt, jeans with vintage sequined tops...jeans are always right. They have been the main part of my wardrobe since I was 16."

If your jeans had a name or theme song, what would it be? Or do they?

"Forever yours."

What's your favorite example of celebrity jean-wearing (i.e., Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album cover)?

"Jim Morrison from The Doors. My sister went out with him in 1971. He wore jeans very, very, very, very well. And Marilyn, too. The Misfits..."

What do you love most about your favorite denim pieces?

"That I have been wearing them for so long in so many different ways, and that they can all go in the washing machine with no special care."