Interview with Eleanor Hardwick

Eleanor Hardwick is one of the most talented photographers of her generation. Based in the UK, Eleanor has shot for publications like Harper's Bazaar and Dazed & Confused. She is also a staff photographer at the awesome teen online mag, Rookie. I had the pleasure of meeting Eleanor when she was over in NYC over in the year. We are collaborating on a shoot when I am in England this summer. Enjoy my interview with her below, and be sure to check out more of her work here: www.eleanorhardwick.com

Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you do, and your photography.

When I was twelve, I decided to pick up a camera and upload the pictures to flickr.com. My passion grew from there, and when I was fifteen, The Independent and Dazed & Confused asked to interview me. The press recognition led on to interest from commercial clients. I’m now eighteen years old and work full time whilst living in the British countryside that is the backdrop for most of my work.

As a teenager, I think it’s important for my work to be about what I know best, which is being a teenager. Adolescence is fascinating… it’s like the limbo between being a child and an adult. It seems to last forever but then you find yourself looking back wondering where your childhood went. My pictures often question this unsure time, where you’re working out what you want to be when you grow up... whether you even want to grow up at all. I study a lot of cultural, historic and literary references in my work too. I love to plan things out in immense detail, which is why I never stop working and doing what I love.
I think Tavi and I have become very close online. That’s what’s great for young artists nowadays… the internet has become an great platform for teenagers to have a voice. I am so happy that work that is ABOUT and FOR teenagers can be BY the teenagers themselves, and be recognized. Rookie involves both the readers and really experienced writers, so it’s the best of both worlds. I feel like it really one of the best magazines for teenagers at the moment because Tavi one hundred percent understands what young girls want to read about, and lets readers get just as involved as the staff do.
My favourite artists would have to be Yayoi Kusama, Dasha Shishkin, Henry Darger, Pipilotti Rist, Abigail Portnet, Gustav Klimt, Frida Kahlo, Salvador Dali and Alan Aldridge.
My list of favourite photographers is much too long, but I’ll always be a massive fan of anything by Tim Walker, Ryan Mcginley, Venetia Scott, Saga Sig, Lukasz Wierzbowski and Lina Scheynius. There are so many incredibly talented young photographers emerging online too: Petra Collins, Erica Segovia, Lauren Poor and Mike Bailey Gates.

Tell me about your most recent shoots and your work for Rookie Mag. .

I work alongside Rookie Magazine every month, it is so much fun to work for and the briefs each month are so inspiring. 

I’ve also been very busy recently working on my collaborative exhibition with Mirren Kessling, which will be at the Modern Artists’ Gallery in Oxfordshire later this year. Mirren is another incredibly inspirational teenager, check out her illustration work if you don’t know it already. We work on lots of mixed media projects together, and she also makes a lot of the props for my shoots for Rookie.

What is your most favorite shoot you have done so far?

That is such a hard question! My photographs are my babies, I couldn’t pick out a favorite.

Do you have any dream shoots or ideas that you'd love to work on?

I would love to do a fashion shoot in India. I went on holiday there last winter and I think it is the most beautiful place in the world.

What are your favorite magazines, blogs, books and films for fashion?

Lula and Rookie magazine are my bibles. I’ve been buying a lot of exhibition books lately for inspiration: Yayoi Kusama, Cindy Sherman, Henry Darger… Films are always an inspiration too. For me it would be aything by Sofia Coppola, Michel Gondry, Terry Gilliam, Harmony Korine, Miranda July, Stanley Kubrick, Woody Allen, Shane Meadows, David Lynch…

How was it being featured on Monki TV?

It was the best interview I’ve ever done! I’d never done any video interviews before so I was kind of nervous, but I got so into it and had so much fun hanging out with the crew and showing them all of my favourite things.

If you could photograph any celebrity or model, who would it be?

Lindsey Wixson, Daphne Groeneveld or Iekeliene Stange.

What publication would you love to see your photos in?

Lula or Vogue.

Who is your style icon?

The Banjara tribe in India. Or Strawberry Switchblade!

Who are your favorite designers, artists, and other photographers?

My favourite designers are Meadham Kirchhoff, I love every collection they’ve ever done. Also Comme des Garcons and Luella (R.I.P.)

What is on your summer fashion wish list?

Sunny weather, adventures with friends, and Christopher Kane’s Spring 2012 collection.

What can you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

Too many pretty dresses! I’m after a really beautiful silk and lace slip at the moment.

All photos courtesy of Eleanor.

Emily Harper for Audrey Grace

Emily Harper is a very talented artist based out of UK. She created a series of portraits for me- based on Louis Vuitton SS12, past Lula editorials, Tim Walker, and Vogue Italia editorials. The results are beautiful, and they will be available for purchase exclusively in the Audrey Grace online shop, when it launches on June 18th!

Thank you so much Emily!!

Interview with Hiro of Union Magazine

A couple of weeks ago, Hiro, the creative director and editor of Union Magazine in Tokyo, contacted me about stocking Union in Audrey Grace. After seeing the magazine, it seemed like a perfect fit! The first issue is filled with beautiful editorials, insightful interviews and amazing photography. It reminds me of a Japanese version of Lula. Hiro is a successful stylist himself, having previously assisted the editor in chief of Lula, Leith Clark. He edits the magazine alongside his friend and fellow stylist, the editor in chief, Chiharu Dodo. The pair seems like a dream team. In an interview, they mentioned that it took them six years to come up with the concept and six months to produce. The first issues features the work of Claire Shilland, Marie-Fleur Charlesworth, Marie Hochhaus, Katy Lassen, and the two editors themselves, among others. Union will be exclusively stocked at the Audrey Grace online shop which is launching mid-June. I believe we are the only US stockist of Union! If you can't wait to buy one, email me (jaxybeth@gmail.com) and I will sell you a copy! Enjoy my interview with Hiro below.

Tell me about your magazine. 

It’s simply about creating a beautiful magazine which is full of what we love. ‘Timelessness’ is a key word for the magazine and I always keep that in my head. What’s beautiful is always timeless. It transcends time, gender and national boundaries. Beautiful things made a long time ago but don’t necessarily look old-fashioned. We wanted to produce something which has that quality. Every time we think about images, pictures, layout and content, we always try to go back to our starting point and see if our material is made in our original Union way.

What do you love about living in Tokyo? What are your favorite shops and cafes?

Tokyo is quite convenient for shopping, there are so many clothes shops, and book stores.

I recommend DAIKANYAMA TSUTAYA BOOKS. It is very new huge book store, they have many vintage fashion magazine, and photography books as well. It is great inspiration for me. 

How did the idea for union come about? How did you find all of the photographers, 

I came to the idea by myself. But sometimes I can find ideas from photographs, romance, dreaming, and fragile things. Basically for the magazine, I always thinking about who would be the best  photographer for the editorial, so when I am impressed by a photograph I always remember the name of the photographer.

What are the plans for the second issue?

 I think there are still so many young, talented photographers and artists of the world, I want to find them. I have to introduce these talents through Union, and also use famous photographers.

Who is your favorite designer?

Miuccia Prada.

Where do you find inspiration?

My inspiration comes from romantic things, for example Franz Lisz's & Chopin's piano music, Leos Carax's movies, beautiful nature, people, the city, novels, travelling, etc..

What are your favorite films for fashion?

Les Amants du Pont-Neu by Leos Carax. 

What does the future look like for you? 

I'd like everyone to read Union. Then my life style would change. I would love to spend three months in NY, three months in London, and six months in Tokyo. I'd like to see more talented artists and travel the world. Union is not for money, it's for creation.

All photographs, from Union. 

Moonrise Kingdom

Is everyone as excited about this film as I am? I love Wes Anderson, and the amazing actors in this film- Bill Murray, Tilda Swinton, Frances McDormand, etc. The plot and 1960s setting add to the excitement! The costumes look amazing- bright peter pan collared dresses, capes, and boy scout uniforms! Expect more interviews, photo shoots and details about the Audrey Grace, online shop soon which is launching this summer! I am working on so many projects at the moment.

Collaboration with Market Publique!

Today my collaboration with Market Publique launched. If you are not familiar with Market Publique, it's an online vintage marketplace and you can check it out and shop the Audrey Grace collection here. I met one of the owners of the site, the lovely Pamela, at the opening of my NYC pop up shop. We immediately bonded over my collection of girly vintage frocks and set up a collaboration. You can basically buy a variety of Audrey Grace's vintage pieces over on the site. I am selling everything from 1950s pastel prom dresses to 1920s drop waist party dresses. I hope you do pop over to the site and check it out, this collaboration has been super special! A very special thank you to Pamela who set this up and took the cute photos of the dresses.

On the poster below, which dress is your favorite?

Interview with Nicole Eymard

Nicole is a magical designer based in London. She creates whimsical, beautiful hand made pieces that look as if they were plucked from a fairy tale. She has created two special collections for the boutique, the first was a winter collection based on birds, berries and the colors in Disney's Snow White. The second collection was also inspired by Disney, only this time it was the classic tale of Peter Pan and Wendy. I had the opportunity of interviewing Nicole a while ago, and I am happy to post the interview now. For more on Nicole and her inspiring style, check out her blog, here.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you do, and your line. 
I started out being very interested in botany, etymology, zoology, and literature. When I wanted to wear the animals, plants, symbols, and personification I knew fashion design was the perfect solution. I have been making accessories since I was very very little and I have truly never stop working to this day, even when I talk to someone, I will be creating a collection in mind based on the earrings they are wearing. So I guess I am either a workaholic or I truly live, eat sleep, fashion. I feel very strongly about clothing meaning something, and I stand by this idea in my daily attire. There always has to be a theme, whether its playing with colors, a scene from a movie, or a game of cat and mouse! This applies to my collections as well. In the end I want my pieces to be bought and put together as if they were paint and supplies for an artist.

Tell me about the first special collection you designed for Audrey Grace. 

I was inspired by birds and their nesting routine. The silhouette and fit is very birdlike due to the flared princess seams!  The color palette is all about primary colors with a twist, kind of like the colors in Disney's Snow White. There will be bird zipper pulls, stuffed berries and a nest purse!  

How would you define the type of girl that wears your clothes?  

An artist who doesnt care what people think, and lives out her personal fairytale everyday. Or a researcher who can spot the referances they would only notice.

What is your favorite decade for fashion? 

The first few years in 1800 which is call the Regency period. Everything about that time was so exciting, everywhere around the world!  I think I love it so much, especially in France becasue symbolic

Fashion was very important for survival. People would wear crazy exaggerated things to show they belong to the correct political group, or even chose specific colors. My favorite was wen the women cut their hair short and wore sheer gowns that they would get wet with water to reveal there naked bodies or their flesh toned knitted body suits! This was all in the name of politics!

What are your favorite places in London? Shops, cafes, etc. 

I am a huge fan of Spitalfields Market on Thursday. I also love all the Indian food places. I am a big museum nerd and frequent all the museums constantly...The V&A is my absolute favorite!

Your spring lookbook is beautiful! What was the inspiration behind it? 

Thank you! I was inspired by Victorian flower stands. There are quite a few in San Francisco (my hometown)  and when I was little I thought they were the most magical part of San Francisco, besides the Sanrio store that used to be a department store size haha. So basically the striped paper that the flowers are wrapped in and the pink cellophane were used in my collection. There is a rain cape witch resembles and upside-down bouquet of flowers.

Who would be the ultimate celebrity you would love to see wearing your designs?  

Any of the interesting and or Indie film girls: Amy Adams, Miranda July, Kirsten Dunst, Natalie Portman, Winona Ryder, Christina Ricci, Cate Blanchett...if I could only pick one it would be Amy Adams...I truly love her!

What are your favorite magazines, books and films for fashion?  

Magazines: Lula, Pop, 10,  Amelia's magazine, British Elle can be a guilty pleasure sometimes  

Books: The Great Gatsby, any Virgina Woolf book, surreal early 20th century Russian literature, Poetry by Keats and William Blake, Damien by Herman Hesse, Emille Zola and the list could go on for an eternity...  

Films: The Piano, Angels and Insects, The Red Shoes, Cate Blanchett in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Black Swan, Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day, Bright Star, Sleepy Hollow, Perfume, West Side Story, A Tale of Two Sisters (Korean), Hansel and Gretel (Korean)...the list goes on

Who is your vintage (and modern) style icon?  

Vintage: Schiaparelli, Chanel and Lanvin 

Modern: No one really because everyone has stylists!

Who are your favorite designers and photographers? 

Designers: Miucca Prada, Schiaparelli, Poiret, Chanel in the beginning, Lanvin in the past, Vivienne Westwood  Photographers: Claude Cahun, Tim Walker, SeeBerger, Man Ray, Lee Miller, Pavlunk

What can you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?  

I'd like to shop your vintage selection and Hannah's lingerie (The Loved One)

What are your favorite Audrey and Grace films or looks they have worn?  

For Audrey, I would have to say its a tie between Charade and Roman Holiday. As for Grace I would say Rear Window.

Describe an ideal day for you. 

I would have a traditional English breakfast and then visit a museum house that is rare and interesting, Have high tea at the Ritz Carlton for lunch and then head to Spitalfields market and find some thing really interesting, Go to see a masterpiece movie at the theater and then have a 8 course dinner with perfectly paired wine.

I know you said you were working on a Lula magazine inspired collection. Can you tell me more about that? 

Well the collection isn't inspired by Lula, but would definitely fit into the magazine seamlessly.  I am really obsessed with Victorian hair art, braiding, bows, cotton organdy, gold thread, gold paint, relics, saints in Catholicism...any more information and I will give all the surprise away! 

All photo courtesy of Nicole Eymard. 

Interview with Paula from PinkBow

A while ago I had the pleasure of interviewing Paula from the adorable blog, PinkBow. I always love Paula's posts, her photography is beautiful and she really has a dream closet! Enjoy my interview with her below.

Tell me a little bit about yourself, what you do, and your blog.
Hi, my name is Paula and I write the personal style blog PinkBow (www.pinkbow.net). I have been blogging for over 3 years now and have never tired of this little space I hold on the web. Apart from blogging, I work full-time in an advertising department of a local media company.

 What do you love about living in England?

I actually love the weather… yes, an English person who loves the drab weather! I like definitive seasons and spring and autumn are my favourite months of the year. Also, I like the fact that in the city I live, I am only a short drive to countryside, seaside and mid city – I feel like I have the best of all worlds, depending on my mood! Apart from that, I think British people have a great sense of style – different certainly to French or American style but individual nonetheless.

What are your favorite places to visit in London? (shop, cafes, etc.)

I actually live at the opposite end of the country to London, so for me London is a great city to visit as a tourist. My favourite places to visit are Liberty department store, Selfridges, Anthropologie, Laduree, the huge Topshop in Oxford Street. But also those small individual shops run by independent owners, that you will never find anywhere else.

Who reads your blog?

Such a wide variety of people from around the world visit my blog and leave me sweet comments. I have made many virtual friends this way, it is definitely one of the best things about blogging.

What are your beauty essentials?

 I absolutely must have a lip balm with me at all times, so I have these scattered around my home, office, in handbags etc. I’m currently using Christian Dior’s Crème de Rose but other favourites are Carmex and Smith’s Minted Rose. I cannot do without a bright lipstick and nail enamel – usually in coral or fuschia. And like many others, I have discovered Moroccan Oil hair oil which totally lives up to the hype.

What are your favorite magazines, blogs, books and films for fashion?

I adore bloggers-favourite Lula magazine, Paris Vogue and Frankie. I read many blogs some of the big blogs like Elsa Bilgren and Cherry Blossom Girl, but I mostly prefer the smaller blogs like Le Portillon and Junkaholique, there is something much more individual and fresh about these sites. I’m currently working my way through books by Haruki Murakami, although these aren’t particularly fashion-related, I still believe that inspiration can be drawn from many sources and a feel of a book can often inspire a feel in fashion. For films, hands-down, it is the glorious Technicolor films from the 1950’s; and French New Wave cinema such as those films by Jean-Luc Goddard.

Who is your style icon?

My current muse is one of Godard’s leading ladies – Chantal Goya. She is the epitome of cool sixties style.

Who are your favorite designers and photographers?

Always Chanel, Charles Anastase, Isabel Marant, Sonia Rykiel, Orla Kiely, Miu Miu. Tim Walker is the most amazing photographer, his imagination and creativity knows no boundaries!

What is on your Spring fashion wish list?

I’m still searching for the perfect designer dress by one of my most respected designers. Charles Anastase would be my preference but I have yet to find the perfect piece.

What was your favorite SS12 show?

 I loved the Christian Dior Spring show – amazing pastels with a strong coral lip colour. And Chanel of course, every time.

If you could style any celebrity for an event, who would it be?

Audrey Tatou maybe. I don’t think you could go very wrong with her, she is stunning.

What can you see yourself buying from Audrey Grace?

A beautiful candy-coloured vintage prom dress would be top of my list. I would wear it and be transported back to the era of Audrey and Grace.

What does the future look like for you?

Very bright I hope! I’m looking forward very much to the coming year. I’m hoping for new travels and adventures, inspiring places to share on my blog with a few carefully chosen new buys thrown in for good measure! I’m a big believer in finding beauty in the small things in everyday life and dressing up everyday is always high on my priority list – I find clothes and accessories to be a great mood-enhancer.

Thank you Paula! All photographs courtesy of PinkBow.