No. 008
Muse: Wanda Colon
You've recognized industry-wide for innovation, creativity and foresight and responsible for bringing Virgil Abloh’s Off-White and Jerry Lorenzo's Fear of God to Barney's. Tell us, were you interested in fashion from a young age?
According to my mom, I was obsessed with shoes at an early age and would sing Nancy Sinatra's “These Boots are Made for Walking.” The shoe obsession is real so I guess the short answer is yes.What are your earliest fashion memories?
My paternal grandparents in Puerto Rico. During the week they wore work clothes but come Sunday it was a completely different story. My abuela would sew the most beautiful dresses; crisp cotton and linen dresses in muted colors worn with gloves, matching shoes and purse. My abuelo would don a Panama hat, khaki pants, a guayabera and Ray-Ban sunglasses. They would drive to the pueblo in a metallic blue Volkswagen Beetle, I remember them as such a striking couple - simple people with little means but killer fashion!You spent 25 years at Barney's - what was the biggest lesson you learned there?
Trust your instincts. I never made a business decision based purely on financials. I had to “feel” the produce, brand and designer. This is something you can’t teach. When you know, you know.
Ready-to-wear fashion month is coming to a close with the final Fall 2019 presentations happening in Paris as we speak; which fall collections are you most excited about?
I am obsessed with Pier Paolo Piccioli’s collections for Valentino. His couture show was outstanding and his collaboration with Moncler Genius was not only visually stunning but sent a very needed message about diversity and inclusiveness in the world of fashion. Recently, I've become a huge fan of Jacquemus and Fall '19 did not disappoint. Miuccia Prada never ceases to impress me; her fall collection was exceptionally strong, romantic and utilitarian.We've long admired your distinct personal style. Do you have a go-to designer or look?
I love Japanese and Belgian designers - Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, Issey Miyake, Junya Watanabe, Dries Van Noten, Martin Margiela and Ann Demeulemeester. I love the modernity and clean lines of the Japanese, not to mention my harem pant obsession! The authenticity of Dries’ designs, his use of color and pattern mixing are so unexpected but somehow they work so well. Closer to home, I am a die-hard Rick Owens fan and adore The Row.Talk us through the looks you styled and where you would wear them.
Look 1 - Short sleeve black turtleneck, denim jacket and the Alejandra paired with a Margiela culotte and snakeskin boot. I'd wear this gallery hopping into early evening cocktails.Look 2 - White tee, moto jacket and the Alejandra with a military skirt and Fendi boot. I'd wear this to meet a prospective freelance client, it’s professional bur shows I'm in the creative field.
Look 3 - Alejandra layered over Saint Laurent jeans and sweatshirt with Nike Air Force Ones. I'd wear this to run errands on the weekends or as a post-workout to brunch look.
Describe the Recreo piece you chose for our shoot and why you selected it.
I love the versatility of the Alejandra which makes a great transitional piece from winter to spring. The color palette works with everything in my closet, which is mostly black, navy and grey. I love chat I can wear it over a leather jacket, a jean jacket or a comfy chunky sweater.Speaking of going places, would you share your 2019 travel list and packing essentials?
2019 travel includes Morocco, Portugal, San Miguel de Allende and Tulum. Vacation Wanda is a fan of loose flowy dresses (Ulla Johnson, R13, Dries Van Noten), Recreo kaftans, rock tees, Re/done denim skirts and cutoff shorts, white Nike Air Force Ones and Birkenstocks. A pair of Dries tapestry slides are always in my travel bag as well as Celine sunglasses, an actual book, iPhone for music, a crushable straw hat, white tees, Créme de la Mer, Shishedo sunscreen, Bobbi Brown lipstick and Glossier Boy Brow.We know you're a big fan of hip hop music. What are you currently listening to?
Meek Mill has been on heavy rotation and, according to Spotify, Travis Scott. My music taste ranges from contemporary hip hop to old school disco co go's new wave and there's always some Talking Heads, The Smiths, ‘The Cure, The Cars, Patti Smith and Kate Bush in the mix.You're in unbelievable shape - how do you stay active day to day?
Thank you! I used to run but my joints can no longer handle the impact so I've incorporated pilates and strength training into my fitness regimen and supplement with The Class by Taryn Toomey taught by my friend CJ Frogozo, The workout itself needs to be experienced, but basically it’s a moving meditation with sound involving jumping jacks and burpees. I work one on one with trainer Lawson Harris, who is a walking poster for women over fifty, and enjoy hot yoga at Y7 with Molly Rice, but the most important thing I've added to my routine is stretching and at least a half hour of medication. Sometimes doing less is more.Do you have a personal mantra, quote or words you live by?
Viola Davis said the following during an interview and it stuck with me.“If you're afraid to dive, dive afraid.”