Barberich Christene - Refinery29: style stalking

Copyright 2014 by Refinery29
Photographs copyright 2014 by Refinery29 except as noted on .

All rights reserved.

Published in the United States by Potter Style, an imprint of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House LLC, a Pengun Random House Company, New York.

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available upon request.

ISBN 978-0-8041-8553-0
EBook ISBN 978-0-8041-8554-7

Book and jacket design by Gabriela Alford
Photographs by Mark Iantosca
Additional photography acknowledgments can be found on .
In collaboration with Connie Wang and Kate Hyatt

v3.1

This is dedicated to our readers, who truly are the ultimate muses in making it happen and always inspiring us with their infinite smarts and unconventional style moves.

An extra special thanks to Philippe and Justin, our R29 founding partners in crime. To our amazing family, friends, and global R29 community for supporting and encouraging us, and, most of all, challenging us. And to the ultimate Refinery29 All-Stars who REALLY helped build and bring this incredible book across the finish line: Kate, Gabriela, Sara, Mark, Camaren, Caroline, and Connie.

More than a decade ago, Piera and Christene met while working at an indie magazine functioning (illegally) over a bar in SoHo. They didnt realize it then, but their wackadoodle ideas of what true, memorable, distinctive personal style was all aboutwhite majorette booties! Kooky 60s caftans!began over late nights of brain-storming, vodka gimlets, and way too many bowls of pretzels. Today, at Refinery29, theyre still collaborating, eating pretzels, and making up their own rulescreating a world, every day, that celebrates the coolest, weirdest personal style out there.

Christene: Weve been planning this book for two years now its honestly surpassed my wildest dreams. Whats the most important message you hope readers will get from Style Stalking?

Piera: Weve always wanted to do a book together, since Day One of launching Refinery29, and here it isfinally. For me, I just hope people walk away feeling inspired to take a risk with their style. Fashion can be so fun and confidence-boosting when you get past this perception of exclusivity or judgment.

You only live once, so why not just go for it?

C: No judgment! It can take a while to process it, but to really embrace your style, you cant be driven by what other people think. You only live once, so why not just go for it?

P: Definitely. Whats the one thing that would make you feel like the book was a success?

C: That it becomes a constant companion. I want women to read it and feel included, like this is their personal manual for getting dressed for anything, feeling more equipped to push the limits, and ultimately take their style mojo to the next level.

P: I think because were in the process with our readers, weve gone through all the exercises of the book, we can totally relate its really US in this book, you know?

C: Yes, totally its about these little breakthroughs. And you and I both have them every few years. I think these shifts in how we see ourselves and what we like to wear to express that are super important to acknowledge in your life and your closet. It inspires A LOT of closet purging. Are you going through a breakthrough now?

P: I do think Im going through one now. Im actively trying to take risks and be a bit more expressive with my dressing. But that goes in waves...some days when Im tired and its raining, I fall back into a safer space.

C: I feel you...

P: I have to say, its been really amazing watching your fashion sense evolve throughout our friendship. As someone 10 years younger, youve really inspired me with the fact that you keep getting cooler year after year. I dont think youve ever been more stylish than you are now!

C: Well, that makes me want to cry. And you know, the feeling is mutual. I have to credit you for always activating that ageless spirit in me...being around you and getting to collaborate with you has been one of the biggest gifts of my career.

P: You have so many closet treasures, but youre also a relentless closet purger is there anything that youd never let go of?

C: Definitely. This vintage long white Chlo vest, a very old pair of black pony hair Alaa heels, and these vintage Karl Lagerfeld trousers that were also a gift and are seriously like the perfect cropped baggy pant. I would put them in a safety deposit box if it meant theyd be secure forever!

P: Haha! I know those pants and I dont put it past you.

C: Okay switching gears, what do you think your old lady look will be?

P: Ooh...I love to imagine what different friends will look like when theyre in their advanced style years. I want to wear turbans...maybe even have pink hair. I like the idea of bringing out lots of color, pattern, and accessories. I imagine at that point in life, Ill have lost all my hangups and be done with giving a shit what other people think about methe ultimate style liberation!

C: Here, here....being a decade older than you, Im rapidly approaching that level of self awareness. I can totally see myself wearing printed Rachel Comey tent dresses and Clergerie platforms on my deathbed! But you know, speaking of old ladies in training, I can also see youre vibe translating to the twilight years! Whenever Im shopping, youre a bit of a muse to me, as Im always seeing things I think would look amazing on you. You gave me a lot of courage when it came to playing around with prints.

I imagine at that point in life, Ill have lost all my hangups and be done with giving a shit what other people think about methe ultimate style liberation!

P: Mixing prints is like the ultimate rebellion!

C: It feels like a million years ago since we cooked up that infographic on How to Get Shot By the Sartorialist in the early days, street style had such a signature look in terms of what photographers were drawn to. What do you think is special about street style now?

P: Well, I think the biggest way its grown and changed is that its a real business now. When we go to Fashion Week, the pack of photographers snapping attendees is almost as noteworthy as the show were going to see. Whereas it was once a way to observe and capture a moment in time on the street, its now so much more intentional. But is that good or bad?

C: I think its both, but really, the root of street style is just personal style and independent choices. Doing it yourself, without a stylist, flying by the seat of your pants, and just going for it. Thats what I love so much about the early days.