About a month ago, I visited textile designer and painter Rachel Craven (who also co-founded The Echo Park Craft Fair) in her downtown studio. Her studio is light, airy, cool, just like her. But can we talk about the jeans for a second!? Those A.P.C.s are two decades old. I have to say Craven makes the case for many things, like artfully melding natural fibers with geometric prints, and the value of bringing together a community of artisans, BUT ALSO, Craven makes the case to never ever ever throw away a pair of jeans. Time and time again I hear that A.P.C. is the best pair of denim you can buy, and RC sure proves they stand the test of time. You can find Rachel Craven's gorgeous aprons, napkins, tablecloths and table runners at fine stockists in L.A. (and Brooklyn) including Heath Ceramics on Beverly Blvd.
I'm so thankful I got to hang with Rachel and get to know her a little better because I've admired her from afar for quite some time. And now to get to know her even better...If not in Los Angeles, I would live in...Tuscany or The South of France, I pretend often in my backyard.
My dream vacation would be to...I'm dreaming of India today—have been dying to go on a textile trip...sigh. Soon. Current obsessions:
Food: Moon Juice is SO GOOD, I'm addicted to the Deep Chocolate! I also love the Santa Monica Farmer's Market, which is my version of heaven, but recently I discovered a secret Italian import company, super yummy cheeses, olive oils and incredible salts. I live on olive oil. Seriously.
Music: My kids control the car radio, AMP Radio (97.1) I think it's called, lots of pop music in my life.
Fashion: I wear white jeans nearly everyday. I couldn't live without my white Imogene + Willie high waisted jeans. Also I live in Dosa, you cant have enough linen shirts!
Retail Stores: Dosa 818 and I wear Beatrice Valenzuela booties or sandals exclusively. Bea is opening a store in Echo Park soon, YAY!
I channel my childhood self when I...paint with my kids. My parents are artists, it's so cozy to do watercolors with my five year old son.
The fictional character I most relate to is...Huckleberry Finn.
If I had to be outdoors all day I would...paint. My studio used to be in my backyard in Echo Park.
My favorite quality in a man
My favorite quality in a woman is...creativity. I find my female friends endlessly inspiring.
I'm terrified of...suburbs. It's weird, I just get nervous there. I'm a city girl who likes to visit the country.
My dream car is a...I'm not really a car person but I do love a vintage 60s Porche, so pretty and just for me.
My cocktail of choice is...a virgin anything.
My celebrity crush is...I remain true to River Phoenix. First loves...sometimes you never get over them.
My beauty product of choice is...coconut oil. You can use it for everything, on a piece of toast or on your face.
My friends and I like to...go to the beach, swim, surf, paint and read magazines while the kids play in water.
If I could go back in time for one decade it would be...60s-70s in NYC. My parents had the most amazing loft.
As a teenager I was totally into...The Rolling Stones. Some Girls—I listened over and over.
I tend to splurge on...sunglasses. I'm a Retro Super Future addict.
Growing up hanging with the boys and getting my first pair of hockey skates at five years old. ..is what makes me have Tomboy Style.