What's it like backstage at one of your fashion shows?
Backstage is always so much fun. I have worked with the same people, Garren and Pat McGrath for hair and makeup, for years. It's wonderful to be surrounded by friends as we get ready. Also, the models seem to really enjoy doing my show—and I think it shows on the runway.
Music plays such a huge role in your design process. Which albums and artists inspired your current collection? How do you choose the music that plays
at your show?
This season I'm been thinking about the Crystal Method, "1979"; the Greenhorns, "Shine Like the Sun"; the Only Ones, "Another Girl, Another Planet"; Hole, "Gold Dust Woman," from The Crow: City of Angels sound track; the Good, the Bad and the Queen,” Herculean"; and AFI, "The Hanging Garden." I work with Frederic Sanchez on the music for my fashion show.
What's your favorite way to wind down after the craziness of Fashion Week?
I always take the day after my show off and spend time with my family.
What are three words you'd use to describe your personal style?
Eclectic, vintage, rock star.
Who is your favorite model, past and present, and why?
Twiggy and Jean Shrimpton; Naomi Campbell and Linda Evangelista. They embodied all the excitement of
their period.
What was your most memorable Anna Sui moment on the red carpet?
I made a velvet coat for Marilyn Manson to wear at the MTV Video Music Awards. He had stopped by my office and looked through photographs from past fashion shows. He chose a coat that Christie Turlington had worn from my fall 2003 show. He got the idea to wear the coat with chaps—without pants—from a photograph of Naomi Campbell wearing them that way for the finale of my fall 1992 show.
Who are you dying to dress, past
and present?
Past, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg, and present, Louis Garrel.
What's the one quirky thing most people don't know about you?
I secretly dream of having a rose garden one day.
What's your favorite word? Why?
Bamboozled or splendiferous. I like the way they sound. I think they'd make great perfume names.
