HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH JONATHAN COHEN?

In Paris! Jonathan was hosting a dinner with Karla Martinez during fashion week and Sara Byworth invited me to join, saying I would love both Jonathan and Sarah. She was right of course! I was already familiar with the collection, but instantly fell for the brains behind the brand.

FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT WITH THE STUDIO, YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO STYLE YOUR OWN LOOK. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PARTICULAR OUTFIT YOU WERE PHOTOGRAPHED IN?

I loved this coat instantly! The patchwork detailing is a brilliant way to re-purpose fabrics, and there is something so chic about seeing the human hand of craftsmanship in a final garment. I love menswear and think the short sleeve men's shirts are brilliant, so layered one underneath and wore the coat as a dress. I feel the need to always add something a little unpredictable or "off", enter the glitter boots.

THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS CHANGING AT SUCH A RAPID PACE. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION? ADDITIONALLY, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION?

One of the biggest challenges is re-imagining a system that includes more people, and a variety of points of view. Model inclusion and evolving public-facing imagery is important, but what about the senior executives? How diverse are they? The creative visionaries? Investment teams? Once ideation and decision making is driven by more than just white men and (a few women), I think we can take pride in making progress. I know fashion news can feel doom & gloom but I still think it's an exciting time. It can be a slow and painful process but making the effort to evolve our industry to be socially responsible, more environmentally ethical, and more curious about new talent all over the globe - that's where creativity thrives.

WE ARE ALWAYS EXCITED TO SEE HOW YOU PUT OUTFITS TOGETHER SO CREATIVELY, WHAT INSPIRES YOUR OUTFITS?

Sometimes it can be a simple color combination or historical reference that gets the wheels turning. Because I have a bit more of an experimental style, nothing feels off limits. Brilliant costuming in anything from Mad Men to The Sopranos can jog an idea. I also love shopping vintage, which is a great way to get inspired - there are so many trends that can be found (even better!) in a thrift store. Leather, denim, chunky wool knits are so much more interesting when they've had another life.

WERE YOU ALWAYS SUCH A FEARLESS DRESSER? WHAT WAS YOUR FASHION SENSE AS A CHILD AND HOW DID IT DEVELOP INTO WHAT IT IS TODAY?

I've always had a sartorial point of view, that's for sure - a regrettable story involves making my parents change what they were wearing to my own 5th birthday party. However, like most things, I feel like my style becomes more self-assured as I do. I'm still learning what works for my body, what is an impulse piece and what I will end up wearing over and over. (hint: it's not always what you think! my "most worn items" can be glitter boots)

YOU’RE KNOWN FOR ALWAYS BEING DRESSED UP, BUT DO YOU EVER HAVE MOMENTS WHEN YOU JUST WANT TO DRESS DOWN?

Of course! I love an old man sweatpant with elastic ankles, everyone needs a break. But mentally, I always feel more polished and more myself when I've made an effort to get dressed.

WE’VE READ ARTICLES WHERE YOU MENTION SEVERAL TIMES THAT YOU “LOVE FASHION SO MUCH.” WHY DO YOU LOVE IT? WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF FASHION?

What an embarrassing quote - but it's true! I have an emotional reaction to clothing the way some people might with theater or music. I get swept up in the worlds of different designers. The more over-the-top the better. I have a degree in sociology so appreciate reflecting on context. Fashion is always a reflection of the times, and riddled with references and nuance if you take the time to look. Whether you "love fashion" or not, getting dressed is deeply personal. So when you find someone who's created something that makes you feel like a more powerful version of yourself? what's better than that!

PART OF YOUR JOB IS TRACKING TRENDS, BUT YOU HAVE SUCH A UNIQUE PERSONAL STYLE. HOW DO YOU NAVIGATE THE WORLD OF FASHION TRENDS VS. YOUR DISTINCT TASTE?

Tracking trends is analytical - finding patterns at the macro level of each season, decoding references, and trying to sort out if and why a trend might resonate with our clients. Is it reactionary to a previous season? A political movement? or just a signature code to that specific designer? My personal taste tends to be a bit more emotional. While I get excited by new talent and innovation, some of my favorite brands have a more consistent aesthetic and just make beautiful, thoughtful clothes: Dries van Noten, Simone Rocha, Prada.

WHAT DO YOUR CLOTHES SAY ABOUT YOU?

You tell me! Hopefully that I think for myself.

OUTSIDE OF FASHION, WHAT ARE YOUR INTERESTS? WHAT MUSIC DO YOU LISTEN TO?

I think it's so important to take a break from fashion, and draw inspiration from other places - I watch a ridiculous amount of movies, and whenever I travel for work, I always try to sneak in a museum or art show. Some of my favorites in the last year: the Picasso x Calder exhibit, Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi, Three Women by Lisa Taddeo, a beautiful film called 'Portrait de la Jeune Fille en Feu', 'The Last Black Man in San Francisco' and 'The Farewell'.

WHY IS NATURAL SKINCARE AND MAKEUP IMPORTANT TO YOU?

I don't know who instilled in us that chemicals = serious skin care, but I'm so glad we have other options now. And not to go all conspiracy theory, but have you noticed lots of amazing natural beauty brands were founded by women? Tata Harper, Miranda at Inika, Katie Sturino at Mega Babe - women who were alarmed by what we are told to use on our bodies every day, and then they put the work in to find an alternative. Happy to give the my business!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE INIKA PRODUCT, USED DURING YOUR SHOOT?

The mascara for sure!! I wasn’t blessed with Justin Theroux lashes, so am always looking for a good mascara. this one works. Swipes on with no clumping, comes off easily at night, and doesn’t crumble/smudge over the course of the day.