Friday, April 27, 2012

'Thirst' by Jenna Elizabeth styled by Katharina Trappe

Since we recently interviewed Jenna, I thought you guys would want to check out the short film we worked on together staring Chanel Iman. Hope you enjoy!
X,
 Kat

Thursday, April 26, 2012



Start pre-ordering now! Click here!

Perfect for a fun summer night out! Click here and be the first to get it!

Stand out in a crowd with this fun and flirty pleated dress! Click here and be the first to get it!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012


Photo by Sean Sullivan

Let me introduce you to a very dear friend of mine, filmmaker Jenna Elizabeth. She is equally as talented as she is cool and I'm excited to share her thoughts with you here. Her passion and intellect make her what I believe to be one of the best of her generation. Enjoy!
x Kat

KT: What do you do?

JE:I am a filmmaker.
KT: Where are you from?

JE:Where sun meets smog, Los Angeles.
KT: How do you describe your look?

JE:I prefer a clean silhouette that has opposite exaggerated proportions. Typically it starts with a structured jacket and ends with a great pair of jeans. 
KT: What or who inspires you?

JE:Roald Dahl's short stories and Gottfried Helnwein's art.
KT: Did you grow up with fashion or when did you get into it?

JE:My grandmother was a runway model turned fashion illustrator. She was always the one growing up that taught me to invest in key basics. My personal attraction to fashion started with film, I remember my style changing greatly after seeing Fellini movies as a teenager. There was an elegance in 60s films that has sort has been lost over time. I remember saving up my money- working in the summers, and splurging on a vintage Dior corset and Tom Ford for Gucci skirt - which I wore to prom. 
KT: Where do you like to shop?

JE:Tokio 7 in NY is great for unexpected finds.
KT: Do you shop online? If yes which sites?

JE:Huge fan of ebay.
KT: What is your favorite piece you from your closet?

JE:Well the piece that is my staple is my PHI motorcycle jacket - but my most valued piece has to be the thigh high lotus boots from Tom Ford's last collection for Yves Saint Laurent.
KT: What is your favorite vacation spot?

JE:A movie theater. The best vacations are escapes from my own head. I feel like every time I'm on a real vacation all I can do is think about work. So the real luxury for me is being able to just lose myself, even if it is just for two hours.
KT: What kind of music do you listen to?

JE:Everything from Trent Reznor to The Clash. Right now, to be fair, according to my iTunes, my most played song as of late is House of Pain's "Put Your Head Out". 
KT: Best Gift you have ever received?

JE:Signed copy of Hedi Slimane's Rock Diary.
KT: You look very fit .Do you do sports?

JE:Schedule permitting, yoga. But most of my exercise comes from walking as much as I can in NY. I feel like that's the beauty of the city- you get to interact with people on the street. I much prefer walking to taking the subway.
KT: If you could steal a piece from someone elses closet what would it be?

JE: Rolex oyster perpetual submariner watch from 1960s James Bond
KT: Which modern day personas style do you admire?

JE:I've always admired Charlotte Gainsbourg. She always looks elegant yet effortless.
KT: Do you read Blogs? Which ones?

JE: I'm really into Richard Lawson. He used to write for Gawker, now he writes for The Atlantic Wire. I feel like he has a refreshing point of view on pop culture. The way he writes, makes me feel like I am having lunch with him. I've never met him, but I wish we were friends in real life.
KT: Which Magazines do you read? Any favorite?

JE:Love & Vogue Italia
KT: Where do you like to eat in the city? lunch and dinner?

JE: Lunch- I am a huge sucker for the pasta over at Bar Pitti. Dinner- La Grenouille… the presentation and taste is met with the best service. They also have the most beautiful floral arrangements from any restaurant in New York. 
KT: Where would you go for a date?

JE: Best date I've ever been on was a James Brown tribute at Roseland Ballroom - the funk and soul night. Dance till you're drenched. 

Photo by Terry Richardson

KT: Do you go out? if yes where to?

JE: Bowery hotel for drinks. 

KT: What is your beauty routine?

JE: I have raccoon eyes- so my routine is centered on under eye concealer, and black eye-liner. Occasionally some blush. For me, it is all about having good skin. I try to get a facial once a month, and am a huge advocate of spf moisturizer. 

KT: Do you have a to go to outfit?

JE: My uniform traditionally is made up with black ankle boots, jeans, a tank top, something to layer over the tank top, and a structured jacket. If it is fall - I like to get creative with significantly oversized scarves. I hate dressing in the spring/summer. I find spring clothing for the most part, totally repulsive looking. 
KT: Do you wear jewelry? which items on daily basis?

JE: I wear three leather cuffs, a French bulldog ring, and an Edward Scissorhand necklace (slightly dangerous as it can poke people) every single day. 
KT: Which items do you purchase most? or spend most money on? food,beauty,clothes , travel anything..

JE: I'm more about investment pieces so I feel like I only really buy clothes every three- four months or so. I have not cooked anything in three years, so I guess most of my money goes towards food. 
KT: Which are your favorite designers?

JE: Right now, for me, it is all about Riccardo Tisci. Specifically, his 2011 couture collections were some of the best garments I have seen in the last decade. I think he has reinvented couture. I mean he still uses traditional techniques like the use of "cat's eye" and "caviar beading". However, there is an element of modernity that defies traditional couture, the exposed zippers, and use of light fabrics that scale like a fish. Every detail is balanced with exact precision. It challenges the movement of a woman, the lightness gives her an effortless freedom, which in turn looks powerful. I recently used a dress of his for a film with Erin Wasson. The movement of the dress was spectacular. If I could, I'd film every dress he's created.
KT: Who is your ideal women?

JE:I'm one for the Helmut Newton archetype of woman… All of his women exude a confidence and strength while still emoting sexuality. They stand with their legs apart, taking up space. They aren't hunched in a corner. I can't stand when fashion photographers make a woman look frail. 
KT; Who is your ideal man or some you think is a great male character?

JE: This is an odd juxtaposition but I have equal crushes on Peter Sellers and River Phoenix. Peter Sellers was so complex. Albeit torture, I like complicated men no matter how hard I try to avoid them. An air of mystery is attractive to me. He was so great at being everyone but himself. I've read three books about Sellers. The key with Sellers apparently was date him - but don't marry him. He was wonderful at courting women, very thoughtful with gifts but terrible with them once a ring was on their finger. River Phoenix I adore because there's a sincerity there that you don't see in most actors today. Also, he had great hair… sleepy bedhead hair that cowlicks in just the right way. Both of them never felt too "done", and have a sort of street- smart artful dodger quality. 
KT: How did you get into directing?
JE: I’ve known I wanted to be a filmmaker since a very young age. I started a film club when I was I was in high school, I restored the James Bond collection at Lowry Digital when I was sixteen, I interned for Tom Hanks’ production company Playtone, I worked at Momentum Pictures in England ... But I knew I needed to end up in New York, because I wanted to make films in participation with fashion designers. The fashion industry has its own competitive ranking system. So I slipped through the back door, and got my hands on large accounts by working in advertising. First fashion piece I made was for Yves Saint Laurent's fragrance, Belle D'Opium. Since then I have been fortunate to work with Julianne Moore, Brady Corbet, and Chanel Iman.
KT: Which director inspires you?

JE: This question to me is the equivalent of would you rather burn or freeze to death. I feel like the director that represents filmmaking in my mind is Stanley Kubrick. It wasn't just about directing for him, he was involved in every step of the process. I remember reading that there was a post production issue with Dr. Strangelove and he ended up having to re-edit the film from memory. He also negotiated his distribution deals. Kubrick has made a film in nearly every genre. Total package. I also am greatly influenced by Hal Ashby, Jacques Tati, Alain Resnais, Michelangelo Antonioni, Fritz Lang and Lindsey Anderson. Modern day filmmakers I love Jonathan Glazer, Paul Thomas Anderson, Lars Von Trier, David Fincher, Nicolas Refn, Milos Forman, and Anthony Minghella. 
KT: I know you like jewelry, if you could chose one piece what would it be for you to wear?

JE: I have a Lanvin cuff - that is essentially a square of costume jewelry that is hooked on a men's watchband. Sort of a genius juxtaposition. I only wear it on special occasions. 
KT:What is your dream location?

JE: I've always wanted to shoot at Pierre Cardin's house, Palais Bulles. I once went to a party there- it is like Dr. Seuss on Mars. 

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

It's spring finally, lovely weather and all of new york came out of its shell. the colors in this picture remind me of the people and the cherry blossoms in washington square park. unfortunately Frida Kahlo wasn't there ha! Enjoy the sun!

Monday, April 16, 2012

 We got to catch up with Nylon Magazine's Dani Stahl this week to learn a little more about her background in fashion. She is keeping busy these days proclaiming she's a "jack of many fashion trades", and that she is!  Dani is the Red carpet designer for Lia Sophia, she's on E!'s tv show Scouted, and of course, editor at large of Nylon Magazine. Keep reading to find out Dani's style motto, skincare secrets, and tips on breaking into the industry!


KT: Where are you from?
DS: New York City, born and raised!

KT: How do you describe your style?

DS: Eclectic, I don’t really think I have one style. My motto is always fashion is fun. One day a lady and the next day a rockstar!

KT: Did you grow up with fashion or how did you get into it?

DS: I have a mother and I had a grandmother who are both fashionistas. My mother is a vintage jewelry collector, specifically earrings. She has an extraordinary collection of Hermes bags so I grew up a real bag snob. I have been fortunate enough to dig into her goodies as I have grown more responsible (laughs). I have always been surrounded by fashion so I just carry the torch.

KT: Where do you like to shop?

DS: I shop everywhere and anywhere. I think it’s a very Nylon 
philosophy, high/low..I think it’s all about pieces, combining things, and how you wear it. I love to shop at Barneys, obviously Torn by Ronny Kobo, and I've recently become obsessed with Isabel Marant recently gotten into. I shop mostly when I travel.. and when I buy something it’s usually a piece that I wear a lot.. like that perfect black leather motorcycle jacket, a beautiful blazer, or that coat of the season. I feel like the things I will probably be the most noticed in I don’t typically buy because I won't get a lot of wear out of it.

KT: Do you shop online??

DS: I am starting to convert into the online shopper. I am a big fan 
of this new site called  “AHALife” it’s a very chic site and also “Feyt” and that’s a new site that is launching..

KT: What is your favorite piece from your closet?

DS: … I love my closet (laughs). I love my leather jacket collection, specifically my Balenciaga orange leather jacket.. moving into Spring 
I love this amazing Ashish dress I have, I love my Rosette shouldered Valentino jacket.

KT: Where do you like to go on vacation? Favorite spot?
DS: I just came back from the Cove at the Atlantis in the Bahamas. It is the perfect quick get-away there! The Atlantis is a little touch of Vegas but the Cove totally takes you out of that. I went with my best friend Charlotte Ronson and we had the best time ever!


KT: What kind of music do you listen
to?

DS: I love to listen to all kinds of music, I am constantly looking for new music.. like everyone else I am kind of having that electronic 
dance music vibe right now. I love to go running in the park to it. I recently went and saw The Black Keys and it was the most amazing performance. I also really love 90’s grunge... give me a little Alice in Chains anytime.

KT: What is the best gift you have ever received?

DS: Love.

KT: Do you do sports?

DS: I do, I play tennis. I am very active... I like my power walking in my MBT’s..haha, do you know what those are?

KT: Yes!

DS: I recently found this class I am WILDLY obsessed with it’s called 
Figure 4 - it’s at Pure Yoga. I am also a big fan of core fusion at Exhale.

KT: Do you read blogs?

DS: If I’m on them... (laughs) You know.. I need to be more blog 
savvy.. But I'm really getting there - in a constant scour of the net for new material. It’s all about the immediacy right now and there is so much information out there..but I honestly get most of my
information from Twitter- I am a twitteraholic!

KT: Do you read magazines? Which ones?

DS: Yes! Nylon of course.. I have been there since the beginning so it’s really a part of my DNA. I love Vogue and I love Elle I love what they have done with Marie Claire.. I love reading Cosmo on the 
airplane...secretly of course with all that sexy content! I thoroughly
enjoy Hamptons magazine in the summer. And when it comes to European mags - British Vogue, Pop, iD.. And then Japanese mags etc. - I'm in heaven. Love the aesthetic, love the different points of view. Love it all. I'm a real magazine junkie through & through.

KT: Where do you like to eat?
DS: Organic Avenue. It’s amazing I go there all the time. I have changed my eating tremendously in the past year.

KT: Where do you like to go on a date?

DS: The last date I went on we went to Acme. The other one was a restaurant name Alta.. he chose. Sometimes it’s best when they choose. Oh and a really good place for a date is Raouls.

KT: Do you have a beauty routine?

DS: I am obsessed with skin care- I am a Mario Badescu girl all the way- I am dedicated to Irena, my facial girl. I turned Ronny onto it also, the vitamin C serum..the glycolic toner, all of the face masks are amazing. It’s so important, skin care is key! I am so obsessed I am reading a book right now called Forever Young by Dr. Perricone. It’s about the effects of food on your body. The saying you are what you eat is really true.

KT: What is your to go to outfit?

DS: My Chanel ballet flats, my J Brand jeans, a leather moto jacket and Ronny’s Torn tshirts, I can’t live without!

KT: Do you wear jewelry on a daily basis?
DS: I do. Certain pieces I rarely take off. I have this vintage coin ring that I got from designer Jill Heller. I wear my Father’s Rolex it’s very sentimental to me. I always wear black rubber rings. I recently discovered a company Due Punti that makes silicone rings w little diamonds that I love. But as a jewelry designer - I ALWAYS wear LIA SOPHIA!

KT: Who are your favorite designers?

DS: Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld was on the top of my list of the people I want to meet and I recently got to meet him. I’m always so inspired by his work. Valentino and Ralph Lauren..always love a cable knit or a 
Ricky bag. I love the simplicity of Calvin Klein. I love Prada and Miu Miu. Always a Miu Miu girl. I love any bag from YSL and YSL in general. I just watched the documentary “L'amour Fou” it was so sad! I never knew about the tremendous, overwhelmingly impressive art collection!

KT: What inspires you as an editor/designer?

DS: Anxiety! (laughs) but i’m always trying to change that.. I have recently discovered meditation though so I think it’s helping!

KT: Do you have any advice for young people trying to break into the fashion industry?

DS: Internships, internships, internships!! I interned starting at Elle Magazine when I was a sophomore at NYU. That was it, that was how I worked my way through. I worked as an assistant at Rachel Zoe, I assisted at Vogue, I assisted at Elle, you have to be willing to do the stuff you don’t want to do to in order to be able to do the stuff you want to do. I always tell my assistants that.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

   I went to Commerce, a lovely little place, at an almost hidden location in the west village for Easter brunch. The food was amazing. The bread basket offered a variety of fresh made breads and the cocktails were delicious. Nice happening place, I totally recommend it! Don't forget to make reservations!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

   click here to see me snapped on Japanese Vogue!

Monday, April 9, 2012

   Hmm what to wear... gold or silver?  Would it be totally weird if I wore both?! Please help ladies!!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Click here to check out our Candy Coral dress at Intermix!

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Monday, April 2, 2012

    Staying at the beautiful Viceroy Anguilla for my small beach bash! Could anything be more inspiring than this    
     cake? I think I am going to plan my resort collection around this- the colors are amazing!!! Happy Birthday to 
     ME and my dear love Mara Hoffman... I LOVE YOU!