RUN Collection by Susan Cianciolo Fall 2012: “New CITY of Movement”
Q & A:
TF: You have been a fashion designer, professor, mother and a very respected artist in numerous medias - were you ever at one point considering just to focus on only one of those aspects?
SC:
At the moment I do consider myself to focus only on being a fashion designer, yet it is true within that title many parts form underneath, such as teaching and being an artist, and a mother is existing always while everything else exists, to be a fashion designer includes many parts, performance, film, cooking, painting, but it has one title.
What was it like to work with Kim Gordon on X-Girl?
Very inspiring and it had a large impact on my work with out realizing it then, but now I see how much it helped shape me into forming my own way about working.
During your time spent in Japan, you created an entire collection from organic materials - do you feel that more designers should be taking an eco-friendly approach in their designs?
I don't feel I have a say in what other designers should or should not do, it seems like everyone should be aware of what they are doing when they make work, but that is actually very hard to do. I am always striving for that goal.
Have you always incorporated hand-stitching into your collections? It's such a wonderful personalized touch, we were immediately drawn to it in the showroom!
Yes that has always been an aspect of the work, some type of hand involvement.
It seems lately that many designers are looking towards Japan for inspiration. The Japanese have an extreme fascination with American culture and denim, and yet the Sashiko style of stitching has had a bit of a resurgence lately. You also have a very interesting history with denim. How important for you was the collaboration with Cone Denim?
That collaboration to me was so successful in the pieces that I made and work that went along with it, the book and film and performances influenced much of my later work as well.
I love that you are able to carry each of your projects through a variety of your multimedia talents. 1960's Butterfly Girl, for me, was almost as if I was watching a similar dream I have - with an incredible soundtrack! You seem like a very hands-on artist, were you a fan of No Age? Frankie was such a great choice for the movie, she is mesmerizingly beautiful in your dresses! Would you consider showing another collection through a film?
Yes I was a fan of No Age and was introduced by Aaron Rose, then the collaborations became very natural after that, I would like to and will make another film, probably an animation next.
Do you have a preferred medium you like to work with? Each of your collections have such a wonderful array of textures and shapes - do you have a particular method you follow when you create a new collection?
I suppose my medium is clothing within every other medium-context at different times, drawing and watercolor-collage work would be my most preferred medium as much as the clothing also.
I read in an interview from VICE Magazine how you define what RUN means to you, "Run equals “floating,” so that you are not a part of whatever else exists and you’re running so far ahead—really running away from anything and everything. You are doing your own work that comes from you." I have to admit, your way of thinking and philosophy are truly inspiring. It must have been an incredible time to be in New York in the early 90's, do you have one exceptional memory that really paved the way for your career?
That is really the hardest question to pick only one memory that could paved the route of my entire years following, I can only say that always many memories pop up unexpectedly and some I can not believe existed, others I don't want to remember and most are truly inspiring.
For the Fall 2012 Collection, City of Movement, there is an underlying feeling of a great energy. Various forms of travel: motorcycles, bikes and vintage cars - all can refer back to your original definition of RUN, does each Collection have a personal connection for you?
Yes each one is so different and always extremely personal.
What does your studio look like?
It is full of many colors and shapes, it looks exactly like one of my drawings.
Looking at the collection, one is immediately drawn to the intricacies of the craftsmanship. There is a mixture of layers and innovative fabrics, yet there is also a balance between femininity and masculinity. Which for you comes first, the inspiration or the materials?
They come together at the same time, never has one been before the other weirdly enough as that sounds.
Did you think you were going to become a fashion designer when you grew up?
Yes, and fashion illustrator.
How do you usually go about finding the inspirations for your collections?
I have never gone and found any of them, they have always found me, even if they are not my choice I listen and follow them.
Thrills in life?
When you reach very high vibrations.
Which music fits with your style?
Tones of sounds.
Who else would you like to be?
Some one who travels in outer space.
If you could be anything besides human, what would it be?
I am not human.
Something you do differently than most people?
Probably most everything I do is different then others.
Your dream of happiness?
Having a beautiful store, and an art school in the countryside.
First thought when waking up?
I try not to think at all when I wake up and when I go to sleep.
Why fashion rules your world?
It is my favorite form of creation.
Best memory of your life?
Always it is swimming.
The Stones or The Beatles?
Both.
Jackson or Prince?
Both.
One thing you would most like to change about the world?
Pollution.
What are you most grateful for?
Creativity.
Who inspires you?
Many great athletes.
What is your next project going to be?
Growing my work in many new ways.
