15 February 2009

The best of Sofia Coppola










Q: Who are your fashion heroines?

A: Tina Chow (1980's model), Lauren Hutton (American model) — had her in mind when we did the Monogram pochette — and Diana Vreelend (former Vogue editor-in chief).

Q: What is your best fashion memory?

A: Sitting on Yves Saint Laurent’s lap at Dave’s for New Year’s when I was about 12.

Q: How did you first become friends with Marc Jacobs?

A: I saw pictures of his grunge collection when he was at Perry Ellis, when I was about 19 or 20. I was visiting New York with my mom, and asked if we could go see it. Robert Duffy, Marc’s partner, met me and was nice enough to show me the collection and then Marc said “Hello”, and we started talking. We got along and had interests in common.

Q: Aside from Marc Jacobs, who are the fashion designers, past or present, do you most admire?

A: Yves Saint Laurent.

Q: What are your all-time favourite films?

A: All that Jazz, Rumble Fish, Breathless, The Last Picture Show and Lolita.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence on your career?

A: My father — for setting the example to follow your heart, and to be driven to do what you love.

Q: Where do you live now?

A: I live between Paris and New York. I came to Paris two years ago, just before my daughter was born. I still go back to New York, but I enjoy being here when I am. But sometimes I miss my American girlfriends, and how much easier it is to do something in your own country where you know the language and culture.

Q: What do you like most about Paris?

A: It’s a beautiful city, and there’s such a nice emphasis on lifestyle — people aren’t obsessed with just work, they make time to have a life, enjoy great meals, etc. And I love the parks, and seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night.

Q: How has becoming a mother changed you and your way of life?

A: It has made me slow down and take time. I would never before have sat at a park for an hour in the middle of having work. — Interview courtesy of Louis Vuitton.