NYC Interviews
Interview With Model/Photographer Hanneli Mustaparta
Model and photographer Hanneli Mustaparta gives us the hot tips of how to live life as a jet setter, splitting her time between Norway and New York. I met Hanneli on Bleeker street outside of the Marc Jacobs store, where we were both taking street style shots (for my own Advanced Style site and her Lola.no site). Hanneli is one of the most gorgeous women I know, living the life of a successful model/photographer, and still managing to stay down to earth.
How long have you been New York and what part of town do you live in ?
I moved to New York in 2004 and lived here for a year. Then I went back to Norway for a week just to see my family before going to Milan for work. While home I met the guy that a month later would be my boyfriend , and the love of my life. Now we have been together for 3.5 years, so I moved back home and took a break from modeling and started studying. More »
Interview With Artist, Musician, Designer Emma Red aka “Red Said Circus”
Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Emma Red, or perhaps better known as Red Said Circus, moved to New York to pursue her artistic passions. I recently met up with her at Izzy Gold’s studio and I was struck by her passion, talent and sincerity. Emma is a true artist with quite a moving story. If Courtney Love was a little more sober, that’d be sort of like her. By moving to NYC on her own, Emma took a risk and found herself in situations where she had no choice but to find out who she was and deal with it. No easy feat, indeed. Many people walk through life without a care and without trying to discover their inner strengths and even weaknesses, but part of Emma’s journey has been learning who she is and channeling it through creative and expressive endeavors. Whether it’s songwriting, designing clothes, or making something out of nothing, she has a natural drive that inspires her art.
How did you embark on your career in music? More »
Interview With Steve Lau, Music Maker Turned Organic Wine Maker
The past few years a number of my friends chose alternative professions in food and wine. Steve Lau is doing something worth mentioning. Back in the 90’s (yes I am still stuck there) his Kinetic Records was giving us artists like Paul Oakenfold, Sasha and Digweed and Timo Maas. Even further back in the 80’s and early 90’s he was playing keyboards in the successful new wave band The Ocean Blue. Does it get any better than that? Yes! Make your own wine! I love people who know how to live and my friend Steve just always gets it right. Read more about Steve’s passion for creating wine and look for the brand in your local Dean and Deluca later this year!
Steve you were in The Ocean Blue in the 80’s, you owned Kinetic Records in the 90’s and managed some of the hottest super star DJ’s around, and now you are a wine maker. Explain yourself please!
Its been a crazy journey for sure. I guess if you’re looking for a common thread it’s a passion for what I am doing. I put my heart into producing and promoting music that I loved and now I’m putting my heart into making our wines. Music and wine both seem to make people happy which makes it a lot of fun. More »
Interview With Jaf Glazer, On Networking In Nightlife And The Three Best Clubs: Rose Bar, Bijoux And 1Oak
Last week, I got in a healthy debate with one of my friends about if nightlife was a worthless whirlwind of debauchery or a powerful networking tool. I argued that anyone you met in a club was probably sleazy and untrustworthy. Only regrettable activities resulted from frolicking around New York at night. She argued that she’s built her entire PR empire off of clients she’s known through the party circuit, and that powerful alliances ensued.
Granted, nightlife and networking have always gone hand-in-hand. But how often do these relationships actually result in solid business deals? Can we really use business advancement as an excuse to party until the wee hours at Bijoux? To what extent is professional advancement justification to party?
To get some answers, I decided to ask real estate mogul and New York scencester Jaf Glazer. As Managing Director as Conquest Advisors Real Estate Firm, Jaf acquired an impressive network of entrepreneurs, celebrities, and socialites with whom he is frequently spotted at the hottest events around the world. Over the years, he’s become the go-to source for all things real estate by his A-list social circle. Jaf closed on some impressive deals finding the perfect Hamptons Estate for Tenjune in SagHarbor, NY for Mark Birnbaum and Eugene Remm, and finding Australian Supermodel Miranda Kerr her dream New York City condo. More »
Interview: Jamie Mulholland, On His Big Cain-Luxe Opening, Why This Was His Best Summer Yet, And What’s In Store For His Team
[Jamie Mulholland with Family at Surf Lodge. Photo by K. Doran for Rob Rich]
Jamie Mulholland has always managed to stay ahead of the curve. Whether it’s turning the eastern most tip of the island into the hottest place to spend your summer, or staking out the territories of the Bahamas, and, more recently, Dubai; many just look to see what Jamie and his partner Jayma Cardosa are up to and follow suit accordingly. Goldbar has withstood the test of time in Manhattan, still managing to cater to an elite crowd of club goers, and, with the unvieling of the new Cain Luxe tonight, Jamie may be just the man needed to turn around a little block of street in Chelsea. With flip flops on and South African accent in tow, the “Bru” gives me the scoop:
Tell me about the new Cain Luxe. Did you look at other locations? How did you settle on staying put (on 27th street)?
Cain Luxe is a brand new concept. Everything’s been ripped out and we have installed a top of the line sound system that you won’t find anywhere in the city. Of course we looked at other venues, but this is such a great space. It’s over 5,000 square feet and this area is really going through a change. With the new Highline going up, and no police coming around like usual. I know that the top venues on the street are staying and the others will most likely leave. Mark my words: 27th street is going to be hot again!
Filmmaker Sean Baker Talks Chinese “Take Out”, Crif Dogs, And 3AM Karaoke Nights In Flushing
[Sean Baker Filming]
Sean Baker’s latest movie, Prince of Broadway has been hitting up all the film festivals. It was just at Locarno this summer and more recently at Woodstock where it was well-received. Talking with this independent filmmaker was quite an experience. I learned about his work, of course, but also things about the “old New York” that I didn’t know. For example when the topic of speakeasy bars came up, PDT (Please Don’t Tell) was mentioned. Apparently $20 drinks were not the first thing that Crif Dogs has kept a ’secret’.
“You know Crif Dogs? That place used to be a pot shop. You used to go in and they’d have these..it was so obvious, it was so incredibly obvious. They had like a Jamaican flag… and all you’d do is just like… and what are they selling I mean there was like a poster on the wall and like a couple of CDs it was so obvious that it was a front for weed and then everyone would just go in the back [what is probably now PDT] and get the weed. It’s always been a hot spot for some reason.”
Sean shares his thoughts on his last film, “Take Out”, a story based around a Chinese delivery man, how he came to NYC “right at the end.”, why Angelenos all look the same, and his 3am karaoke nights in Flushing.
Getting “Raw & Real” With Comedian Robbyne Kaamil
Comedian/Actress and New Yorker Robbyne Kaamil is not afraid to sit you down and tell you how it REALLY is. She stars in her own one woman show Raw & Real which explores the worlds of politics, racism, relationships, and sex with her “raunchy, over the top, in-your-face demeanor” like no one else. Raw & Real, which you can catch at The Crown & Anchor in Provincetown on October 11th-13th, also features excerpts from her controversial book, Get Off The Titty: Poetry That Bites and you have probably shaked it to her Dance-hits “Bitch Slap” and “Free To Love” at the club. This jack-of-all-trades diva also finds time to dish out advice on her website, CanWeBeReal and on DList.com. She talks with us about her relationship with Howard Stern, what to do if you find porn on your boyfriend’s computer, and why nothing is off limits on stage, in our funniest interview yet:
You talk about everything from politics to race to sex in your one-woman show “Raw & Real”. Is there anything you consider off limits while on stage?
There is nothing off limits when I’m on stage. The stage is about the only place left where you can tell the truth. All of our information is watered down and altered. Most people act like they’re walking on eggshells and have a problem speaking what’s on their mind. God forbid they say something deemed politically incorrect! Not me. I call a spade a spade and a rat a rat – on stage and off.
Have you ever been stumped with a question on your advice website Can We Be Real.com?
No. I was raised in the South Bronx – Fort Apache. I’ve heard it all and seen it all. The problems people have are basically the same whether they live on Sutton Place or in Bed-Stuy. Everybody’s drama is about one of three things – love, sex or money - sometimes all three.
Jill Zarin, On The “Grown Up Mean Girls”, Her Love Of Spanx, And Everything Else You Don’t See On Screen
Jill Zarin is not your typical “housewife” of NYC. Although she is one of the main cast members on Real Housewives of NYC, she’s first and foremost a mother, daughter, wife, friend and a successful businesswoman.
I love her tactful honesty. Our interview followed the Republican National Convention, which we had both watched on TV the night before, and naturally turned toward the subject of politics:“The whole situation is painful to watch and there are pros and cons to both sides. I think McCain blew it with his VP choice. He’s made my choice easy for me.” I agreed, but we moved the conversation along, and from the sidelines of the US Open, Jill gave me the scoop on life as a Real Housewife of NYC, the second season, what we don’t see on TV and fashion.
Have you experienced any changes that have occurred in your life from the success of Real Housewives of NYC?
Absolutely, people are very friendly and doors have opened; not that they were closed before. I’ve met so many new people. Just today, I’m at the US Open and was recognized. Someone came to introduce themselves because they recognized my voice. I have a very unique voice.
Interview With Jules Kirby On Jolika And Mission “Green Fashion”
Jules Kirby is not just your average jet-setting international socialite. Rather than dazzling the benefit circle, Jules is more likely to be found on the beach surfing or diving in exotic destinations ranging from Thailand to St. Barths. This spring she added to her list of accolades and opened a boutique, Jolika, in Belle-ile-en-Mer, France - an island off the coast of Normandy where she’s called home since March 2007. I recently connected with Jules in France via Skype to get the dish on Jolika, her move back to NYC, and how France has been treating her.
What was your inspiration for opening Jolika?
I love to shop. I love nature. It keeps me very busy, and out of trouble.
Kelly Cutrone Sits Down With Steve Lewis
Kelly Cutrone has been around for a long time. Way before Lauren Conrad ever stepped into People’s Revolution. Before the Hills, Kelly Cutrone was New York’s Kelly, and an integral part of our city’s nightlife. She recently sat down with our favorite nightlife king, Steve Lewis for an interview. This was my favorite part:
SL: In all of this, you’re doing this TV show. Now, the people at JoonBug office are saying, ‘You know Kelly Cutrone? How could you know Kelly Cutrone?’ I go ‘I know people, I’ve known Kelly for a long time.’ They don’t believe me. So I’m doing this interview by myself, I’m usually surrounded by people that help me spell and all that. And they don’t believe that I’m talking to you here. Now why are these people so impressed?
KC: I don’t know. People have to celebrate mediocrity.
Todd English Talks Libertine, Eva Longoria, And What Food Turns Him On
Todd English along with the Thompson Hotel Group will open Libertine this fall in the Financial District. Following in the footsteps of his other long lasting restaurant at the W Hotel in Union Square, Olives, Todd E. will bring his creative flare to an area on the revival.
Aside from being an accomplished chef and entrepreneur, Todd is one of those personalities that light up a room by sheer presence. We have been friends for quite some while and it always gives me pleasure to know I have new place to eat under his wing. Get ready for some good food and some good times at Libertine!!
How was the concept created for Libertine? Where did you pull inspiration for the menu? Any particular pub or place?
The inspiration for Libertine is really that clubby, 1970’s London vibe, updated into something modern. I’ve always really loved tavern food, so the menu reflects a lot of classic dishes reinterpreted with cheeky twists.
Nestor Jazmani Dutan On Fashion, Taking Risks, And Why Luck Follows No One…
Editor’s Note: This came in our inbox. And, you know what? I’m making it post worthy:
Hello my name is L. L., its better if I initial my name. I am an up-and-coming fashion journalist and I would like to introduce myself with an article/interview. On Sunday afternoon I found myself with none other than Nestor Jazmani Dutan. As you know he is new in the scene, but just by talking to him, you can tell he will go far in this industry.
L.L.- First, I have to ask, What are you Wearing?
NJD- Lol Why does everybody ask me that first.
Top- Vintage Kim Jones,
Pants- Got it in some thrift shop in Queens,
Shoes- SM on sale
L.L.- What are you doing here at 6 N. St. in Williamsburg? More »