PRIM

no. 10 - fearless fashion

FEARLESS
FOREVER,
FOREVER
FEARLESS
JEREMY SCOTT
VENA CAVA
LA ROUX
ROBERT GELLER
TODD LYNN
emin
jonathan segade
pedro reguera
YUSUKE MIYAZAKI

NO.10
Cover no. 10 shot by emin
THIS
Coat:
jeremy
scott
gloves:
etro
 IS TH
IS TH
Coat:
jeremy
scott
gloves:
etro
HE
HE
REBIRT

RE
BIR
TH.
Coat:
jeremy
scott
gloves:
etro
 THE
TH.

PRIM
Editor in Chief & Creative Contributors
Director
Kristin Prim

Managing Editor
Alex Kazemi

Publisher
Abby Rostochil
Alex Kazemi
Alyssa Hardy
Angela Alba
Annabell Dalton
Antonia Hanyden
Ashley Bartlett
PRIM Jourdana Abrahams
Laura Havlin
Lauren Felix
Liane Eltan
Lisa Bonomo
Liz Jeneault
Lovisa Drever
Marta Represa
Contributing Photographers
Alexander Neumann
Alice Rosati
Andoni & Arantxa
Billy Winters
Brendan Burdzinski
Cameron James
Emin
Contributing Stylists
Ai Kamoshita
Beagy Zielinski
Elle Noble
Emma Pritchard
Gillian Steinhardt
Irene De Santis
Katie Burnett
Prim Magazine, Inc. Jonathan Segade Kattaca
Audrey Greene Micaela Mota
Audrey Rogers Michelle Winter Junichi Kikunichi Lauren Grant
Printing Kumiko Yashiro Machiko Abe
Caitlin McNulty Mona Ascha
Heidel Print Co. Ltd. Paul Farrell Masaki Kataoka
23-1 Sunae-dong, Suite Carmen Gutierrez Raheem Brown
Charleston Matthews Sara McCulloch Pedro Reguera Maya Yamashita
A1407
Daiana Folea Sarah Sopab Piczo Pauline Montupet
Budang, Seongnam 463-
Gabriella Moses Shazmin Borlandoe Sergio Kurhajec Sara Bascuñan
854
Gaelle Koumou Willie Norris Teneshia Carr Svetlana Prodanic
South Korea
Gwen Jakubisin Toshio Onda Yoshi Miyamasu
Advertising Jasmine Santiago Yusuke Miyazaki
Nora Ferrandino, Maria- Jeanie Annan-Lewin
Grace Villano Jen Jaconelli
primmagazine@live.com Jennifer Jewels

Last issue's spread, Vogel Max: Ever Lingering Soul, Ruthlessly Seeking Salvation, A Tale by Reno Ranger, was photographed by
Reno Ranger. Model: Max Vogel @ Izaio Models Berlin, Makeup & Hair: Tanja Henning, Stylist: Jennifer Hahn

Cover No. 10. Photographed by Emin. Styled by Emma

Pritchard. Hair by Lacy Redway. Makeup by Azra Red.
Modeled by Madeleine @ Marilyn. Retouched by He-
lios Photographic.
Madeleine wears a Jeremy Scott coat and Etro gloves
Opposite page: Madeleine wears a Camilla and Marc
bodysuit and a Gar-De fur cuff
FEAR-
LESS-
FASH-
ION.
Photography by Emin Styling by Emma Pritchard
Hair by Lacy Redway. Makeup by Azra Red. Modeled by Madeleine @ Marilyn. Retouched by Helios Photographic.
Coat: Jeremy Scott
Gloves: Etro
Shirt: Rock & Republic
Skirt: Manish Arora
Top: Iceberg
Bodysuit: Vintage Eres
Shoes:
Christian Louboutin
Jacket and Tights: Jean
Paul Gaultier
Shoes: Madison
Harding
Coat: Jeremy Dress: Toni Maticevski
Scott Ankle Straps (Wrist):
Gloves: Etro Dekkori
Cardigan: Helmut Lang
Underwear: Agent
Provocateur Coat: Jeremy
Shorts: Scott
Camilla and Marc Gloves: Etro
Coat: Jeremy Bodysuit: Camilla and
Scott Marc
Gloves: Etro Cuffs: Gar-De
Cardigan: Helmut Lang
Underwear: Agent
Provocateur
Shorts: Coat: Jeremy
Camilla and Marc Scott
Glove: H&M Gloves: Etro
PRIM
PHOTOGRAPHY
Andoni & Arantxa
Brendan Burdzinak
Teneshia Carr
Paul Farrell
Junichi Kikunichi
Sergio Kurhajec
Yusuke Miyazaki
Alexander Neumann
Toshio Onda
Piczo
Pedro Reguera
Alice Rosati
Jonathan Segade
Cameron-James Wilson
Billy Winters
DE
SIR
Photographed by Jonathan Segade, Styled by Sara Bascuñan, Makeup & Hair by Fran Llobat, Modeled by Aline @ Metropolitan
Models
Blazer: Calvin Klein
Belt: Chanel
Ring: Vintage
Chanel
Bracelets:
Stylist’s Own
 Shirt: Vintage
Chanel
Panties: Eres
Necklace: Styl-
ist’s Own
 CEL
ESTE
Photographed by Paul Farrell, Styled by Lauren Grant assisted by Elle Noble, Modeled by Gabriella @ Select, Hair by Tomi using L’Oreal Professional,
Makeup by Jose Bas using XXXXXX
 Headpiece:
Tomihiro Kono
FEMME

FE
TA
LE
Photographed by Toshio Onda, Styled by Yoshi Miyamasu @ Signo
assisted by Atsushi Nagao and Shotaro Yamaguchi, Hair by Teiji Utsumi
@ Bluerooms assisted by Fukumi Makino, Makeup by Mina Nodo @
Signo, Modeled by Sasha Luss @ Donna
Dress: HISUI
 Jacket, Leg Cover, Leggings,
Boots, and Gloves: G.V.G.V.
Belt: MIHARAYASIHIRO
Necklace: ATELIER SWAROVS-
KI by Christopher Kane
Dress and Skirt: G.V.G.V.
Shoes: Carlota Joakina
Necklace: Issey Miyake
Bracelets: Sisco
SHADOW

CASTING
Photographed by Alexander Neumann, Styled by Masaki Kataoka assisted by Yuri Nagai, Makeup by Fumiaki Nakagawa for MAC
Cosmetics, Modeled by Megan McNierney @ Marilyn
Dress: Helmut Lang
Jacket: Staerk
Dress: Helmut Lang
Jacket: D&G
SEN
SUA
LITE
Photographed by Jonathan Segade, Styled by Sara Bascuñan, Makeup
by Susana Santos, Modeled by Anna Didenko @ Marilyn
 Culote and Bra: ERES
Necklace: Moss Intropia
Dress: Armand Basi, Belt: El Caballo, Handbag: Escada, Turban: Vintage
Turban: Vintage, Necklace: Friis & Co.
Coat: Escada
ET
AGE
NOI
R
Photographed by Andoni & Arantxa, Styled by Irene De Santis, Makeup by Andreja Mrhar,
Hair by Daniella Moreno, Modeled by Ieva Birzina @ Next
Shirt: Gucci Man
Shirt: Gucci Man
Trousers: Givenchy
Sandals: Baldinini
Tie: Levi’s
Glove: AB A Brand
Apart
 Sweater: Gianfranco Ferré
Trousers and Necklace: Nude
Bracelet: Accessorize
Shoes: Baldinini
 Sweater: Gianfranco Ferré
Trousers and Necklace: Nude
Bracelet: Accessorize
Shoes: Baldinini
Underwear: Mariella Burani
N O C T
U R N O
P h o t o g r a p h e d b y S e r g i o K u r h a j e c , S t y l e d b y G i l l i a n S t e i n h a r d t , H a i r b y A l b e r t o G u z m a n @ J u d y C a s e y, M a k e u p b y J a n e i r o @
J u d y C a s e y, M o d e l e d b Y D e a n n a M i l l e r @ N E X T
 Dress: Iceberg
Bracelets: Fallon
Necklace: Yigal
Azrouel
Earrings: Made Her
Think
Top: Badgley Mischka
Pants: Allesandro
dell’Acqua
Belt: Vintage Southpaw
NY
Collar: Phillip Lim
WONDER
L AND Photographed by Pedro Reguera
Styled by Kattaca, Hair by Iker Urcelay, Makeup by Ana Fernandez, Modeled by Ema Busson, Assisted by Felipe
Maqui and Luis Veloso
Tutu and Skirt: Carlos Diez
Paper Ruffle: It-Spain
Vest: Lydia Delgado
Belt and Pants: Moschino
Bracelets: H&M
Dress: Amaya Arzuaga, Top: Prada, Jacket: Juanjo Oliva
Tutu and Skirt: Carlos Diez, Paper Ruffle: It-Spain, Vest: Lydia Delgado, Belt and Pants: Moschino, Bracelets: H&M, Shoes: Manish Arora
Pants and Watch: Armand Basi One, Skirt: Amaya Arzuaga, Belt Loop: Juanjo Oliva, Skirt: It-Spain, Collar: Spher, Shoes: Moschino
LACE
NOIR
Photographed by Junichi Kikunichi, Styled by Katie Burnett, Makeup by Anna Hanson, Hair by Koji Takayanagi for Bumble and Bumble, Modeled by
Ben & Jacob @ Storm
Top: Lina Osterman
Pants: Omar
Kashoura
Suit: Keith Grey
Coat: Tim Hamilton
Coat: Keith Grey
Pants: Tim Hamilton
 REPTILIA
GOTHIQUE
P h o t o g r a p h e d b y Y u s u k e M i ya z a k i a s s i s t e d b y M a s ay u k i I c h i n o s e , S t y l e d b y A i K a m o s h i t a a s s i s t e d
b y M aya Ya m a s h i t a , M a k e u p b y K e n N a k a n o f o r M . A . C . , H a i r b y S o i c h i I n a g a k i f o r K i e h l ’ s
 Top: Yusuke Hotchi
Trousers: Jamie Cockerill
 Dress: Yusuke Hotchi
Gloves and Tights: Fettered Pleasure
Top: Calvin Klein
Bangles: Freedom
Dress: Yusuke Hotchi
Bodice: Jamie Cockerill
Gloves: Fettered Pleasure
BRONZEN PHOTOGRAPHED BY Piczo
Styled by Kumiko Yashiro, Hair by Hiroshi Matsushita for Bumble & Bumble, Makeup by Ken Nakano for M.A.C., Modeled by Vera @ Select
 Jacket: E.G...
Leggings: Fanny and Jessy
Shoulder Piece: Mungo Gurney
Belt: Gemma Slack
Necklace and Bracelet: Pebble
Jacket: Reem
Top: Sosume
Leggings: Arnsdorf
Belt: Mungo Gurney
Necklace: Pebble
 Jacket: Reem
Top: Sosume
Leggings: Arnsdorf
Belt: Mungo Gurney
Necklace: Pebble
Jacket: E.G...
Leggings: Fanny and Jessy
Shoulder Piece: Mungo Gurney
Belt: Gemma Slack
Necklace and Bracelet: Pebble
Jacket: Paul & Joe, Bodysuit: Georgia Hardinge, Necklace and Rings: Imogen Belfield, Bracelet: Pebble, Shoes: Matthew Taylor
BLIND
NESS
Photographed by Teneshia Carr, Styled by Svetlana Prodanic, Hair by Kunio Kohzaki,
Makeup by Kate Goodwin, Modeled by Rachel Rutt @ Next, Retouched by Bethany Wood
 Top: Daniel Lee
Necklace: Aminaka Wilmont
Trousers: Qasimi
Gloves: Nike
Necklace: Erickson Beamon
Dress: Pierre Garroudi
 Dress: American Apparel
Necklece: Erickson Beamon
 J eanne D ’ A rc
Photographed by Brendan Burdzinak assisted by Aslan Chalom, Styled by Beagy Zielinski,
Makeup by Theresia Pistel, Hair by Nikki Nelms, Modeled by Taylor D @ Ford
Top: Balenciaga, Skirt: Hannah Marshall, Gloves: L’Armoire Du Styliste
Dress: Lanvin
Necklace: Club Monaco
Tights: L’Armoire Du Styliste
Shoes: Pierre Hardy
 Jacket: Rick Owens
Socks: L’Armoire Du Styliste
Shoes: Pierre Hardy
APPREHEND
Photographed by Yusuke Miyazaki assisted by Sayuri Ichida, Styled by Machiko Abe, Hair by Takeshi, Makeup by Kanako Yoshida for M.A.C. Pro, Modeled by Fletcher Cowan @ Premier
Model Management
 Top and
Trousers: Kim
Wilkins
Coat and Trousers: Robert Huth
Waistcoat and Jeans: RoCoCo, Necklace: Number(N)ine
 THE OTHER SIDE
Photographed by Billy Winters assisted by Tressa Pack, Styled by Pauline Montupet assisted by Chaz Schaad,
Hair by Steve Elias, Makeup by Mariana Stanojevich, Modeled by John Von Tesmar @ City and Nick Hinman
@ Wilhelmina
Top: Micaela Greg, Neckpiece: Kittinhawk, Top Hat: Costumes on Haight
 Coat: Raf Simons
Coat: Jeremy Pants: Marc Jacobs
Scott Sunglasses: Maison Martin Margiela (M.A.C.)
Gloves: Etro Boots: J Shoes (Bulo Shoes)
Shirt: Timo Weiland, Legging: Micaela Greg, Boots: Vintage, Bracelets: Von Kottwitz, Tie: J. Crew
PRIM INTERVIEWS
JEREMY SCOTT
L.A.’s golden boy
TODD LYNN
Rock n’ Roll’s fashion darling
LA ROUX
Androgynous U.K. Hitmaker
ROBERT GELLER
Menswear Couturier
SOPHIE BUHAI & LISA MAYOCK
FASHION’S BRIGHTEST DUO
JERE
MY.
SCOT
T.
Interview by Alex Kazemi and Lovisa Drever
Jeremy
Scott:
L.A.’s
Golden
Alex Kazemi: Why do you choose to incorporate pop culture
as frequently as you do in your designs?
Jeremy Scott: Yes, I am a product of a pop-culture-mass-
market-shopping mall-multi-media-made world fused with a
love of the surreal.
Kazemi: Were you always drawn to pop culture while grow-
ing up?
Scott: As a child I was fascinated with Andy Warhol more
as a person than for his art or what he represented; to me
that was being a part of pop culture itself. It’s hard for us to
imagine another world as most the people reading this right
now grew up only in a pop world; that’s all we have known
but there was a world before! Although dusty and gray, there
really was a world before pop. I’m not inspired by the pre-pop
world. I’m curious as to how long this pop world will last; I
can’t imagine anything else!
Kazemi: When did you realize that your true love was fash-
ion? Was it something that you tried to deny or embrace?
Scott: Oh, I always loved clothes as a child! I was very partic-
ular about what I would wear and how I put it together. From
the age fourteen and on I was more aware of high fashion,
designers and not just brands at the mall. When I was really
young I wore thirft store clothes. I grew up very poor and had
to shop there; I loved it! When I was older and I could choose
whether I wanted to shop there or not, I still went! I enjoy the
originality of having things that other people don’t have; it’s
what sets us apart. I still love wearing vintage clothes today.
Kazemi: Is there a particular reason for the reoccurring Dis-
ney references in your work?
Scott: Mickey is an icon that is globally recognized. He has
meaning to so many people which makes him a great vessel to
carry a message.
Lovisa Drever: Was Adidas the first sports brand you looked
to collaborate with?
Scott: Yes, Adidas was the first sports brand I looked to
collaborate with, and it’s been a wonderful and successful
marriage ever since! I love how Adidas has had a role in
pop culture, music, and art movements. It has meant a lot of
different things to a lot of different people. I think that’s a
wonderful quality which I try to achieve.
Drever: Did you have a hard time toning down your designs
for more mainstream audiences in the Adidas collection?
Scott: I treated Adidas as my own!
Drever: Were there boundaries you had to stay within?
Scott: I had nothing but free range.
Kazemi: Which muse has most significantly influenced your
work?
Scott: Without a doubt that would be the love of my life, my
best friend, Pablo. He constantly inspires me and is my driv-
ing force. I am still in awe of him and have been ever since
we first met.
Drever: Pixie Geldof rocked the Flinstone look in your S/S
2010 show. Is she someone you reached out to specifically?
Scott: Well, I love Pixie and her cute lil face! She’s a total in-
spiration and muse! I thought a lot about her while designing
this collection; she’s got the punk spirt that I dreamt of when I
designed the collection.
Drever: Is there a certain aesthetic your models are required
to have?
Scott: I love individualistic people with personality so I often
use more inspiring and less traditional models. I’m more
inspired by personality than common beauty.
Kazemi: Do you have a personal favorite piece from your S/S
2010 collection?
Scott: Well normally I do not have favorites because my de-
signs are like little children to me, but my golden child would
be my black leather jacket with tails because I want to wear it
myself!
Drever: Can you give us any insight on the unreleased F/W
2011 collection? What should we expect?
Scott: Expect faaaaaaasssssshhhhhhiiiiiionnnnnnnn!
Kazemi: Do you ever look back on your collections and
regret designing a piece?
Scott: I never really regret anything.
Drever: So you feel this is all a part of creative growth?
Scott: Everything is growth. Everything I’ve done has been
sincere at that moment and that time.
Kazemi: Do you feel that residing in Los Angeles has made a
large impact on your designing process?
Scott: Not really! I live in L.A., stay in New York, show in
Europe, work with a German brand, and love Tokyo. I’m a
child of the world! L.A. is a wonderful - truly wonderful place
to live. I work well here because there isn’t a lot to distract me
and the life is lush! So if it has affected me, it has done only
for the better!
Drever: Have you ever seen someone wearing your designs?
What is the quintessential way to wear a Jeremy Scott piece?
Scott: Yes I have! It’s always wonderfully flattering to see
someone wearing something I’ve designed. I especially love it
when people make it their own. That’s the most flattering!
Kazemi: What was your experience at Pratt Institute?
Scott: Pratt was a wonderful school experience; it was the
true college life I would have seen in the movies growing up.
I lived on the campus and still have many friends I made there
then today. Tons of great memories!
Kazemi: What is currently on repeat on your iPod at the mo-
ment?
Scott: “Stillness in the Move” by Solange, “Bad Romance”
by Lady GaGa, “Won’t You be My Fucking Boyfriend” by
The Bird and the Bee.
Kazemi: So music deeply influences your designs?
Scott: Music is a big influence on my designs. I think about
my friends and what they would like to wear on stage or in
their music videos while designing. I love to design while
listening to their music!

Kazemi: So is there any

certain genre that especially
inspires you?
Scott: I love all genres of
music but pop is my favorite.
I also like dance music and
covers, especially when the
song is sung by someone in a
different way.

Kazemi: Do you have a

favourite person in the pop
industry who has worn your
designs? Did you see it as a
honor?
Scott: It’s always a huge
compliment when Madonna
wears my clothes or asks to
work with me, but I have
so many great musicians
around that I’ve been blessed
to work with. I’ve dressed
Madonna, Britney, Beyoncé,
Bjork, Rihanna, GaGa,
Kayne, MIA, etc.

M
Drever: You’ve worked a
lot with GaGa this past year.
We’ve heard there were
scenes that were cut from the
“Paparazzi” video. Is there
anything you feel the view-
ers missed out on?
Scott: Yes, I’ve worked quite
a bit with GaGa this year.
She’s wonderful because I thought of a food fight... how
she’s always pushing herself funny is that? What if food
to take her music to the actually started a fight?! That
next level. I don’t think you would be sooooo brilliant:
missed anything in the video hamburger against hotdog,
since all the deleted parts cookie against pretzels, and
have leaked anyway! popcorn all over the place!

Drever: You tend to al- Drever: Is there such a thing

ways have a certain level of
tongue-in-cheek attitude in
your designs. Is that some-
thing you try to incorporate
intentionally?
Scott: It’s my personality;
it’s who I am and how I
think. It’s as simple as that.
Drever: Are your obvi-
ous junk food influences a
reflection of your own eating
habits or a snide commen-
tary on the fashion industries
standards?
Scott: I actually dont eat
badly. I’m a vegetarian and
have been most of my life!
I do love pizza and popcorn
and a milkshake every now
and then. I don’t think that it
was a commentary on fash-
ion at all; it was more of just
a play on words come alive.
as being too campy in your
world? At what point does it
verge too costume-like for
your personal wardrobe?
Scott: Well, there is always
a point and one must have
boundaries when designing.
I constantly reevaluate these
boundaries and stake out new
ground along the way!
Drever: You have the ability
to seamlessly float back and
forth between avant garde
bondage pieces and over the
top caricature creations. What
is your main influence in going
in one direction or the other?
Scott: I honestly don’t think
think about it. I design from a
very pure mindset in my heart;
I don’t overanalyze my de-
signs... I just try to birth them
into the world!
“I DON’T
MYDESIGNS
OVERANALYZE

...I JUST TRY TO BIRTH THEM

INTO THE WORLD.”
TOD
D. LY
NN.
Interview by Marta Represa
a school of performing
arts and eventually found
my way working on
production design. One
thing lead to another and
I ended up working in
fashion.
Represa: So what inter-
ests you is...
Lynn: What interests
me the most is taking
ideas from my head and
sculpting them into three-
dimension. A lot of what
I do is based on the cut.
I guess there will always
be a part of me that will
need to work with my
hands, although I find it
increasingly difficult to
spend as much time as I
would like to doing so. I
try to cut as many of the
patterns for the collection
as possible.
Represa: Surely one
of the most prestigious
fashion universities in
the world, you attended
Central Saint Martins.
What did you learn about
the fashion industry by
attending CSM?
Lynn: Without a doubt
Central St. Martins is one
of the most important
fashion institutions in the
world. I think it’s the stu-
dents it attracts that helps
make the school it is.
Usually they go there for
one reason: Louise Wil-
son (the course director.)
Louise is able to advise
and direct the students
in a way that no one
else can. Ultimately she
allows you to determine
what type of product that
you should be designing.
You have to do it better
than everyone else.
Represa: Did you ever
collaborate with any
designer classmates after
graduation?
Lynn: I have never
collaborated with any
designer classmates.
Represa: Are you still in
touch with any?
Lynn: I am not in touch
with any of them.
Represa: And Louise?
Lynn: I see Louise
from time to time. She
critiques each and every
collection; I am always
grateful.
Represa: What kind of
inspiration do you have
in mind when creating out-
fits for rockers like Mick
Jagger or Courtney Love?
Lynn: Each project is dif-
ferent, but ultimately the
pieces have to fit my aes-
thetic. The artists approach
me because they like the
look of my work. Ulti-
mately everything I design
is something that I would
wear. That’s the most
important test. If I can’t see
myself in the pieces, then
I won’t put them in the
collection. The inspiration
for each collection comes
from what I happen to be
thinking about while I’m
designing it. I start thinking
about the next collection as
I’m finishing its predeces-
sor. The pieces that I work
on with celebrities all stem
from the collection.
Represa: How did your
work with Roland Mouret
help you to start your own
brand?
Lynn: Every job that I do
and every design enables
me to learn something.
It’s crucial to expand my
knowledge of the industry
that I work in every day.
When I was working with
Roland it was the same.
I would spend every day
expanding my skills.
Specifically I would say
that Roland showed me the
speed that is required in
this industry. Product de-
velopment has to happen so
quickly and decisions have
to be made on the spot.
Represa: Who are your fa-
vourite designers through-
out history?
Lynn: There are many de-
signers that I have admired.
One of my favourites
would have to be Claude
Montana. I always admired
his clean modern lines and
the fact that he
“It does tend to take
on the look of a rock
star but that’s not
the intended goal. I
just design what I
like.”
-TODD LYNN
LA.
RO
UX.
Interview by Alex Kazemi and Lovisa Drever
 Alex Kazemi: What

“If you kind of audience has

your music attracted? 
Elly Jackson: A
pro- younger crowd than we
thought, I think largely

duce and due to the unexpected

success of “In For
The Kill” and “Bullet-

write proof” which appealed

to a more mainstream
audience.
your- Kazemi: You have
had much mainstream
self, success. Will your next
album have a more

then mainstream sound?

Jackson: Not in-
tentionally, we will

there is always just make the

music we like mak-
ing, not because it
no need sells records. It’s just
a nice bonus. Our

to work music is definitely pop

but we’re not going
to try and make the

with next album even more

pop than this one.
That would be a very

anyone strange way to start

making an album.

else.” Kazemi: Do you feel

that the style you have

-ELLY brought to the main-

stream market may
influence upcoming

JACKSON bands?
Jackson: Maybe! Or
ROBE
RT.
GELL
ER.
Interview by Willie Norris
Willie Norris: What was your
childhood like?
Robert Geller: I was born in
Hamburg in 1976. My father
was a photographer and my
step-mother owned an amaz-
ing second hand store called
Seconds; I was always sur-
rounded by creative environ-
ments. My family was very
supportive of artistic endeav-
ors which helped to develop
my interest in art and design.
Norris: Did you always want
to be a fashion designer or did
it emerge as an interest later
in life?
Geller: I originally thought
that I would follow in my
father’s footsteps and become
a photographer.
Norris: When did this
change?
Geller: When I was studying
at the Rhode Island School of
Design I took a class in fash-
ion design and that experience
made me decide to concen-
trate on fashion instead. I am
still very happy about that
choice.
Norris: How did you know
that fashion was the right
thing for you? Was there a
specific moment you remem-
ber?
Geller: One moment that I’ll
never forget occurred after
graduating from RISD. I was
working for Marc Jacobs and
had tears in my eyes while
watching the run through of
the Fall 2001 runway show at
the Armory. It was all so mas-
sive and cool.
a sense of romance each
season. Although that idea
is somewhat broad, ro-
mance is always a part of
my creative process and an
important mood of the aes-
thetic that I like. I’m also
inspired by history, not liter-
ally in the sense of histori-
cal costume, but rather the
evocation of a mood from a
faraway place and time.
Norris: Any signature ele-
ments?
Geller: I would say the
signature element of the
Robert Geller collection is a
certain mood that is dreamy,
romantic, and loosely based
on historical references.
Norris: So it’s more...
Geller: It’s more character-
istic than a particular design.
Norris: Do you have a
theme for each collection?
Do you start with a design
detail or idea and go from
there? Or do you start with
an image and go from there?
Geller: Each season I have
a unifying idea that is often
the result of several feel-
ings and inspirations. For
example, the Spring 2010
collection focused on opti-

Norris: What is your educa-

tional background?
Geller: I went to an interna-
tional high school in Germany
and received a fashion degree
from the Rhode Island School
of Design.

Norris: What were you doing

before designing under your
own name?
Geller: I was interning at
Marc Jacobs for a year and
then became the partner and
co-designer of Cloak.

Norris: I’ll avoid asking you

what you’re inspired by, but
are there any ideas that you
try to convey every season?
Geller: I always try to convey
 I always try to con-
vey a sense of ro-
mance each season.
Although that idea
is somewhat broad,
romance is always a
part of my creative
process and an im-
portant mood of
the aesthetic that I
like.
-ROBERT GELLER
VEN
A.CA
VA
Interview by Jen Jaconelli
Vena Cava:
Fashion’s
Brightest
Duo
Jen Jaconelli: How would you describe the essence of your chain attached to it. We ended up casting it in a really beau-
label? tiful shiny brass and using it decoratively and as a closure.
Sophie Buhai: Clothes we make for ourselves, our moms,
and our friends. It’s about a certain type of woman rather than Jaconelli: On your website you host visuals of your inspi-
an age. We reference moments from the past in a simplified, rations for collections which currently contain Egyptian in-
subdued way. We always look to art deco and Navajo motifs, fluences. How important are other cultures in your designs?
with 1970’s and early 80’s references.  Buhai: Very important. We reference a lot of Native Ameri-
can weaving, African textiles, and Mexican silver. Every
Jaconelli: Is there a story behind the name of your label, Vena season we seem to take a trip somewhere through the books
Cava?  we find at the library. Research is a huge part of our design
Lisa Mayock: The Vena Cava is the main vein that carries process; it’s a sort of scavenger hunt at the library to find
blood into the heart. We spent so many hours trying to figure the next culture that will inspire the coming collection. 
out what to call our brand and found this phrase while pouring
over a medical dictionary in Sophie’s family’s backyard in Jaconelli: Out of all the cities you’ve visited, which has
L.A. It looks great on paper, it feels good to say, and we like your favorite style?
that most people don’t know what it means. Buhai: We were really blown away by India. We became
obsessed with the uniforms of Grounds Keepers. Even the
Jaconelli: When you design, do you have a particular type of most subtle t-shirt had an amazing cut and cotton feel. On
woman in mind?  so many levels India was endlessly inspiring. We still refer-
Buhai: It would go something like Faye Dunaway, Isabelle ence Maharajah jewelry, colors, and textiles we found there.
Huppert, Angelica Houston, our Moms, Shelly Duvall, 90’s
Michelle Pfeiffer, Cleopatra, and Joan Didion.   Jaconelli: What’s your favorite thing about living in New
York? 
Jaconelli: You both studied at Parsons School of Design be- Mayock: The convenience! Its really, really spoiled me. If
fore creating Vena Cava. When studying together, was it your you want duck with orange sauce and a basketball jersey at
friendship or your similar design style/tastes that sparked off 3am in New York you can figure out how to get it.
your collaboration?  
Mayock: I would say that one fed the other. We have similar Jaconelli: The word ‘style’ holds much ambiguity. What is
interests, come from the same city (Los Angeles) and like a your definition of the term?
lot of the same music, etc. which almost serves as a kind of Buhai: Style is like cheese; it gets better with age. Old
reference point, or code. It makes it easy for us to understand ladies have the best style. I’m also really into DAD style;
where the other is coming from, in our friendship as well as in it has nothing to do with fashion but everything to do with
our creative relationship. personal comfort and routine. Think Larry David.

Jaconelli: What makes your working relationship successful? Jaconelli: Do you think having style is something you’re
Buhai: We are both slight OCD workaholics, although we’re born with or something you can be attained?
working on that with self help books.  I’d say we work well Mayock: I don’t really know what style is; it’s a slippery
together because we cover each others back, we each have thing that’s difficult to describe. I don’t think it’s something
different strengths, and we work together constantly toward that can describe as a constant; people are in a constant state
achieving the same goals and vision for our company.  of flux, and I think of style the same way. I went through a
period of wearing exclusively striped clothing and also a pe-
Jaconelli: Many graduates hope to be spotted by established riod of wearing fake blood on my clothes as an “accessory.”
designers - were you always in the mind of creating your own Is that style? No idea. I do think if you’re a creative person,
label rather than designing for someone else? you can use that to make some interesting decisions about
Mayock: Not at all! I was putting my portfolio together to try what to wear.
to get a job with other designers. Both of us had a few part
time jobs right after we graduated and we thought we’d make Jaconelli: Describe a typical day at Vena Cava.
some stuff together just for fun. We were never expecting it to Buhai: Caffeine, Greek yogurt, emails, talk about found ob-
turn into a real business. jects from the hardware store, more emails, sign some checks,
look at the sweater from Korea, have a conference call with
Jaconelli: When you started Vena Cava, did you find it diffi- the L.A. factory, emails, make a collage out of aerial photog-
cult to integrate into the fashion industry being young gradu- raphy, Italian meat sandwich, more emails, fitting, hand draw
ates? on a pair of converse for collaboration, phone calls, done. 
Buhai: No, it was surprising but the industry was very wel-
coming to us. People embraced us and liked our youthfulness.  Jaconelli: Do you feel a constant pressure to look stylish due
We were amazed at how many editors came to our first show.  to your profession?
Jaconelli: I read that you gain inspiration from found objects, Mayock: Yeah. It blows.
which is reminiscent of pioneering artistic movements such
as Arte Povera. What is the most bizarre object that has given Jaconelli: Let’s get personal. Your apartment is burning down
you a design idea? and you can save one item of clothing. What is it?
Mayock: There is a really cool weight inside toilet tanks that Mayock: There’s a parade called the DooDah Parade in Pasa-
helps close the flusher lid thingie- it’s a big metal ball with a dena every year where everyone runs in costumes. My dad is a
SPRI
NG.
PREV
IEW.
Photography by Cameron-James Wilson Styling by Katie Burnett
Assisted by Tom Lockyer and Graham Woolie, Modeled by Kathleen Burbridge @ Premier, Makeup and hair by Maddie Austin for Chanel,
Manicure by Ceri Lee
Dress: Jasper Garvida
Shoes: Topshop
Ring: Kabiri
Dress: Jasper Garvida
Dress: Jasper Garvida