 So, you’re a skater and you own a skate shop (KCDC in Williamsburg, Brooklyn). How does it feel being woman in a male dominated field?
Well, I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m a skater. I do skate and have fun and love doing b/s slappies but as ironic as it sounds, I’ve skated less and less since we opened the shop. I’ve always felt comfortable in the skate industry. It’s a big family. I wasn’t really raised as a girly girl and have been treated with respect as a hard worker.
How and when did you pick up skating?
I grew up in Eastern Long Island and started getting into it then. Along with music, punk rock especially. The kids I hung out with were into the same stuff and we bonded over that.
Are you seeing a big increase in girl skaters?
There have always been girls that skate. I’ve seen an increase in skateboarders across the board, girls and boys. We really try to support everybody that’s into it.
At your shop, for instance?
At our shop we have some regulars that skate the ramp almost everyday. Some are women. We have secret girls sessions sometimes though, those are fun.
What made you decide to open a skate shop?
My partner was interested in opening a shop and I had had a shop in Westchester a few years before that, so I originally was going to just consult but then saw the potential and became a partner. We both love this band the Melvins so we were a perfect partner match.
KCDC has a mini ramp and an art gallery. Why the art gallery?
We have shows with people who are familiar names in skateboarding but have work that they don’t have an outlet to show. My partner and I curate most of the show and like to put work together from, say, a known skate photographer like Mike O’Meally and show it next to one of our local kids' work. It’s awesome. I’ve ended up buying a lot of artwork! We keep the shows up in our gallery for a month so that if people miss the openings (or aren’t 21) they can come check it out another time. We have some really great shows coming up in 2007. I’m very excited.
Do you see a links between your artists and skaters, the art world and the skate world?
Skateboarding to me is an artistic outlet. I’m way more into watching a kid with style than a kid that just does technical tricks perfectly. Lots of the pros get to travel the world and get inspired to take photos or paint and to me it all makes sense.
You started modeling after being spotted skating. How did you balance the two?
Well, that’s a huge part of why I had to not skate as much as I wanted. I got reprimanded for being bruised up or not dressing presentably to castings. It was a sacrifice I had to take. By that point I was supporting myself, so I need to make the money from modeling!
Familiar with any other model-skaters or skater-models?
My best friend, Haylynn Cohen skates. We used have late night sessions in parking lots and skate to clubs. Rie Rasmussen skates, Shelly Zander skates too. She’s good!
Did you ever try to teach any of your fellow models how to skate?
I think I taught Haylynn some stuff. Shelly helped me with shuv its.
How would you describe your personal style?
I’m very New York. My style consists of what I have to do or where I have to go that day. I've been changing it up recently though. I’m getting more into jewelry. It’s hard to wear jewelry working in a skate shop setting up skateboards though!! I just bought myself a diamond ring and now I’m hooked.
What are you wearing at this moment?
My signature outfit, tight jeans a WeSC t-shirt and tight sweatshirt with some Vans.
Ok, WeSC. You love WeSC, and we here at Karmaloop do too, but you took your love one step further by becoming a WE Activist. What exactly is that?
An activist is someone who reflects the WeSC image. They have a hilarious sense of humor, pay attention to detail and are down to party!
So how and when did you become a WE activist?
I became an activist a few years ago: they asked me and I said yes! I love their whole deal. I love being a part of such a creative force. A few other companies have approached me to be a part of them, but WE represented a lot of my own ideals so it was an easy choice.
Can you talk about the “Superlative Conspiracy” or is it a secret?
It’s kind of a secret but everyone has their own opinion on how it all happened that one day back in the late ‘70’s. I definitely have mine.
What’s your favorite WeSC piece ever?
I get lots of compliments on their tops. They have a way of making cotton pieces very sexy. Simple and sexy - that’s what I like to go for.
Your last name sounds Nordic; are you part Swedish?
I’m 9 different ethnicities but I do have some Nordic in their somewhere. I’m mostly German though.
Have you ever visited the WeSC folks in Stockholm or LA?
Both. Haven’t you seen my ad with Patti the Seagull jumping the Jersey barrier in Stockholm?
That was awesome!
WeSC has lots of kooky events and parties; how would you grade their partying prowess?
Their parties are the best. Always something unique. Love it!
Do you shop at their store (282 Lafayette Street) or do they collect stuff for you and send it over?
I love the store and visit when I can, but the Activists have our own personal helper monkeys (mine is named, Claus Weiger, III) that take care of our wardrobes for us.
Plans for the future (with or without the Superlative Conspiracy)?
You think the Superlative Conspiracy has created controversy, just wait and see what I got planned!
|
