HOW AND WHEN DID YOU MEET AND HOW AND WHEN DID YOU DECIDE TO DEVELOP KOBO CANDLES? WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER?
We first met at a party in southern Japan in 1986. For one of us it was classic love at first sight. The other needed a little more time for it to settle in. It is great to have someone totally trusted with the same goals in mind. Junko has a wonderful eye for detail and Louis constantly keeps things rolling toward the big picture. We are constantly bouncing ideas back and forth off of each other. It can be a double edged blade however. Working together has a series of benefits as well as challenges that take time to occur and resolve. How to keep the office out of the home especially when our lifestyle provides most of the inspiration for our product developments, is a long standing challenge. It can be simultaneously inspiring and overwhelming.
ARE YOU BOTH INVOLVED WITH ALL ASPECTS OF YOUR BUSINESS — CREATIVE AND OTHERWISE — OR DO YOU DIVIDE AND CONQUER?
Our work life looks like a Venn diagram. We each have our own areas in the running of the business that are uniquely our own yet are supported by the other. The overlap occurs in the management and most importantly the development and creative processes and areas.
THE DEVELOPMENT OF YOUR BEAUTIFUL SCENTS SEEMS PART SCIENCE AND PART GREAT TASTE AND STYLE. WOULD YOU AGREE AND WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB?
No doubt creating the scents and graphic themes is super fun and challenging. We use everything we do to inform our aesthetic both in the visual and olfactory areas. There is a lot of science and technology used in creating the KOBO products. After 10 years of manufacturing we can see that so many companies come and go. It is quite easy to make a so-so candle but very difficult to create an excellent candle. We feel remarkably fortunate to have such a loyal following in such a crowded market.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Surely family first our two sons……most of the time. We are avid travelers and love to go to new places around the world. We have spent quite a bit of our time together living or traveling in different areas around the world. We love to head off to unknown places spontaneously. For example last summer we were at a tennis match in NYC. An Argentinian player was involved in a grueling 5 hour match. As the match progressed more and more Argentinian fans filled the stadium. They became lively and in between each point were chanting and cheering wildly for their player. We became filled with their passion and exhilaration for their player. After the match we sat down to have a drink. Still full with the feeling of the crowd we looked at each other and knew we had the same idea. Let’s go to Argentina. Soon after we had booked our tickets to Buenos Aires and an apartment ready for our arrival. We will eagerly depart soon.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Wide toothed brush for Junko. Louis just uses his fingers after towel drying (and it looks like it too).
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
Junko- yes I do. It means innocent or pure child. Louis- not so much.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS……………
Louis…..how mature I should really be. Junko……changing from day to day.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Lobster ravioli with creamy tomato sauce. Burrata drizzled with aged balsamic vinegar and garlic olive oil served with sliced black tomatoes. Micro greens and Mesclun salad with Lemon vinaigrette. Washed down with a nice light Italian red wine. OK- You caught us on a good night for home cooking.
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YOU STARTED OUT AS A RADIO DJ. WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST RADIO SHOW LIKE AND DID YOU IMAGINE OR PLAN BACK THEN THAT YOUR CAREER WOULD TAKE YOU TO TELEVISION BROADCASTING?
From the time I was about ten all I ever wanted to be was a Top 40 radio DJ. So my first radio show was me, in my bedroom, playing 45’s on my old-school combo stereo emulating my favorite radio personalities for an audience of one (me). The first time I was ever truly “on the air” doing my own show was at summer camp in the Berkshires in Massachusetts when I was twelve. The camp had what’s called a “carrier current” radio station where the station’s signal radiated through the power lines and could be heard in the cabins, along with a loud buzz, on 640 am. I hosted one of the shows that was on during the cleanup period after breakfast which was particularly cool because it got me out of having to sweep the bunk. Through my teen years I was on my high school station which played over the P.A. system at lunchtime so, of course, nobody could hear it over the crowd in the cafeteria. When I got my driver’s license I could finally be heard on FM, for at least a few miles, when I did a Friday afternoon show after school on the radio station at Westchester Community College where they were kind enough to let a high school kid come and play. My first commercial gig came when I was seventeen at WVIP-FM in Mount Kisco, NY. The radio station was in a small, round building, the last in a corporate park in the middle of the woods. I was live from five to seven pm on Saturdays playing adult contemporary hits and oldies and from seven to midnight I “babysat the board” during Dick Bartley’s satellite show, “Solid Gold Saturday Night,” playing the local commercials and reading the weather. The AM side of the station shut down in the evening so I was the only one there late into the night. It was kind of creepy. As I made my way through college and continued to work in radio in those early days I never imagined or planned on transitioning to a career in TV. I was having the time of my life and living my dream.
WHAT IS YOUR MOST MEMORABLE ON-AIR MOMENT TO DATE?
It is impossible to pick a single moment as my most memorable, but one of the most spectacular times I have ever had doing what I do was being a part of VH1’s “Lift Ticket To Ride.” For a week I was hosting shows from Aspen Mountain in Colorado while skiing and presenting concerts from the artists VH1 had assembled for the event. It was all of my passions coming together in one place and I remember very distinctly stepping back from it all to appreciate how absolutely fortunate I was in that time and place.
YOU WILL ONCE AGAIN BE HOSTING CNN’S LIVE OSCARS PRE-SHOW FROM THE DOLBY THEATER IN HOLLYWOOD. WHAT DESIGNER WILL YOU BE WEARING?
I will be wearing Ted Baker at the Oscars this year – one of my favorite designers. Their suits have just the right amount of edge to step beyond something that is too traditional while remaining classic enough to be appropriate for Hollywood’s most formal awards show.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Boating has become my life’s great passion and fewer things give me greater joy than being out on the water with my family, whether traveling to a new destination or sitting dockside and taking in the sunset with the perfect margarita. It’s rare to not find me smiling when I’m on a boat.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Fingers.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
for some reason diminishing every year. I can’t figure it out.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
YOU WERE BORN IN MEMPHIS AND GREW UP IN SOUTH CAROLINA. HOW HAS BEING A SOUTHERNER INFORMED YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC AND YOUR LIFE IN NEW YORK?
Oh lord, I wish I could say something slithery and juicy, but the bottom line is that growing up in the south gave me a great appreciation for understated grace & the humility in being polite. As a result, I am by nature, a very well mannered girl who sometimes leaves understatement at home, with a huge love of drippingly beautiful music. Also, trained as a classical pianist, I was a very poised performer. I tried to buck these basic realities when I first landed in NYC, fancying myself to be more exotic and edgy. While I quickly became successful as a free-lance player, I couldn’t manage to get my artist career off the ground. This was the mid-90’s and while I was definitely being noticed by labels, they wouldn’t seal a deal. After a show at CBGB’s I was scouted by a well known producer who was looking for new talent & he requested a meeting. He’s comments were eye-opening and dead on. I’ll never forget it, he said “You are a great songwriter and performer but I don’t see or hear any of ‘you’ in your music. Sitting here with you, you are a charming & quirky southern girl, with a cute crooked smile like you have a big secret. But with your guitar driven band, there is absolutely no evidence of your accomplished piano playing.” I took his advise to heart, succumbing to my roots instead of fighting them and have found my musical and personal happy place. Good, bad or ugly, our roots shape who we are and embracing them is part of the value we bring to any table.
YOU HAVE BEEN PERFORMING SINCE A VERY YOUNG AGE. AT WHAT POINT DID YOU KNOW FOR SURE THAT YOUR ART WOULD BE YOUR LIFE?
The first day I played a cardboard keyboard at age 4. Never looked back.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR JOB AND WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO STILL ACHIEVE PROFESSIONALLY?
Connecting with listeners & clients. To be able to inspire or touch people emotionally is hugely gratifying. I just hope to keep growing, whatever direction that takes me.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Outside of the givens, my 11 year old son, my husband, my cats, my house in Williamsburg, it would be a good hair day.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Comb!! Must be able to tease!
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
Yep, it never bothers me when people mispronounce it.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
significant….or is it insignificant? I forget.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
I make a mean, super simple radicchio salad with aged balsamic vinegar, EVOO, and black truffle salt. Then I call La Nonna’s around the corner on Bedford & order the most amazing Grandma Pizza with pepperoni, black olives & onions. Yum.
YOUR LOVELY WEDDING THIS TIME LAST YEAR AT THE MUSEUM OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK WAS BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURED IN TOWN & COUNTRY. ONCE YOU DECIDED ON THE VENUE, DID YOU CHOOSE THE DATE TO CORRESPOND WITH THE WONDERFUL CECIL BEATON EXHIBITION?
Oh, man. There were so many things surrounding our wedding that were just drenched in good luck. I went to my best friend’s house in Connecticut to try on the wedding dress she’d found for me in Houston (before we were engaged!), not knowing that Peter was five miles away at my parents house asking for my hand in marriage. Peter proposed to me in my favorite spot in New York, not knowing I’d ever been there. We booked our wedding date not realizing it was the two year anniversary of our first date. And after we’d inked the contract with the museum, we learned that there’d be a Cecil Beaton exhibit installed within a few weeks, to be removed the day after our wedding. (As a matter of fact, it was later extended beyond that date.) I’m a huge fan of Cecil Beaton and the artwork fit our personal aesthetic perfectly. So no, we didn’t choose it. But we were thrilled about it!
YOU ARE A LAWYER BY DAY AND A BRAND NEW BLOGGER BY NIGHT. DO YOU EVER IMAGINE A SHIFT IN THESE ROLES?
My law degree is the most important investment I’ve ever made – both with my time and my money. It has given me analytical and logical reasoning skills that are incredibly valuable and that I wouldn’t otherwise have. For better or worse (and I’d argue better!), law school changes your brain. That said, I always thought the law would be the first step in my career. I’m a very energetic, visually creative person and I love being around people. It’s rare to find a corner of the law that caters to those priorities. So in other words: I hope someday!
THE ESSENCE OF YOUR BLOG IS OF COURSE STYLE — FASHION, ENTERTAINING, ETIQUETTE AND SO ON. WHO IS THE MOST STYLISH PERSON YOU KNOW AND HOW DOES HE OR SHE INSPIRE YOU?
I keep a close circle of very loyal friends who I admire outrageously. There’s not one most stylish person. But each person I love has his or her own superlative. I think “style” includes absolutely everything. Style is perspective. The only way to have style is to keep learning and evolving and staying inspired. I’m very lucky that my friends and family are a constant source of inspiration. And I’m always looking for new friends to learn from and swoon over!
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
A truly joyous life to me would be partly fabulous clothing, excitement and chaos, full of challenges and problems to solve, enough time to be frequently surrounded by friends (and a home where everyone is always dropping in!), and at least one day a week of total peace with just my husband and my pup, an excellent book and a cup of something warm. I wouldn’t be disappointed if that cup were limoges.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Fingers!
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
I love it! I’ve always been a two name person, “Annie Dean.” Never just Annie. I want to give my kids strong names. It gives you a sense of confidence.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
27.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Tonight is Sunday so Peter gets to pick any takeout he wants (we generally eat healthy and homemade during the week). I’m rooting for Indian!
DO YOU HAVE A SINGLE FAVORITE CAKE THAT YOU HAVE CREATED TO DATE OR IS THAT CLASSIFIED INFORMATION?
I would have to say the Honeycomb cake we did for the NY Magazine Spring/Summer ’12 issue, it was to use the “ombre” theme and create a cake. It’s a very graphic and modern cake but had really soft and beautiful groupings of white and yellow flowers. My husband jokes that it’s a blend of my interior design/architecture background and cake design…he thinks the hexagon pattern looks like floor tile.
WHAT IS THE BEST BUSINESS ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN AND WHAT IS THE BEST BAKING ADVICE YOU’VE BEEN GIVEN?
The best business advice I was given when I first started in interiors and architecture is that everything you send out the door and every conversation you have is a representation of your company/brand, meaning stop and review and pay attention to the details. The best baking advice I’ve been given is when you are starting out, say yes to everything you can and then work your tail off. Nothing wins the heart of a client more than being able to take on a last minute order for them in an emergency.
IF YOU COULD BAKE A CAKE FOR ANYONE — IN PRESENT DAY OR THROUGHOUT HISTORY, REAL LIFE OR FICTIONAL — WHO WOULD IT BE, FOR WHAT OCCASION AND WHAT TYPE OF CAKE?
It would be for Forrest Church, who sadly passed away the fall of 2009. I only knew him through being a member of his congregation at All Souls and through his books. The occasion would be a long lunch to chat, share ideas and thank him for his inspiration and courage. It would be the dark chocolate cake with the triberry compote filling served with a bit of vanilla ice cream and a great cup of coffee. In the mantra of Forrest, do what you can, want what you have and be who you are.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?Having a dance party with my twin nieces.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Neither. The curse of having very curly hair as a child made me dislike brushes and combs.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
Yes. My last name is fairly unique and there weren’t too many Lauren’s. I’m getting used to the new addition to my last name…White.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….32.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Appetizers, we’re heading to a friend’s “Stock the Office” party for his newly launched interior design firm, hopefully there might be a late dinner afterwards!
as interviewed by Angie Nevarez, co-author of THE BATON:
YOU ARE AN AUTHOR, WRITER, RESEARCHER, MOTHER, SISTER, DAUGHTER, ALUMNA, DEDICATED COMMUNITY MEMBER AND SEEKER OF THINGS THAT DELIGHT — HOW DO YOU INTRODUCE YOURSELF?
I love to introduce myself as Ella and Grace’s mother — it’s my favorite position in life and the one I find most inspiring.
HOW HAS YOUR FIRST MAJOR PUBLICATION, THE INVENTION OF CHIC: THÉRÈSE BONNEY AND PARIS MODERNE, INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE AND WORK?
In the most tangible sense, I discovered new subject matter while I was researching and writing this book. It pretty much set my course for the next several years and very much continues to do so. In a less tangible but certainly more profound sense, I met a lot of fascinating and generous people here and in Europe during the preparation of The Invention of Chic — many of whom I remain close friends with. I am still in awe of all of the doors that were opened to me during that process and all of the information very willingly exchanged. This generous and open spirit has definitely influenced my professional life resulting in a number of great collaborations and connections with other scholars and writers.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE YOU WORKING ON NOW?
Two books, two articles and this blog!
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
My family first and foremost. And second, travel — with my family, of course.
COMB OR BRUSH?
A large wooden paddle brush — it’s the only thing that can get through this head of hair.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
I do, although its a bit of a mouthful — Lisa Pilar Schlansker Kolosek. I especially enjoyed growing up with the middle name Pilar — its so beautiful and strong and I was named after a family friend in Spain which I find quite endearing. In fact, I think it’s such a good name that I passed it on to my daughter Grace as her middle name. She really likes it too.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
something I hope makes me more interesting and something I know makes me more confident. I don’t worry about the small things like I used to and I know myself so much better now which is really quite liberating.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Lovely organic blueberry pancakes. Its been a crazy day……….
YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF AN INTUITIVE ARTIST. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT WHAT THAT MEANS AND YOUR PROCESS AS AN INTUITIVE ARTIST?
I saw two butterflies flying together. It looked like they were in love, floating and dancing and seemingly playful. Yeah, I think about shit like that. I knew it was a human fantasy, but I embraced it knowing so. And it made me feel like a little boy again. I wanted for that moment to be with them. Free.
I thought about what they ARE before they were…worms, for the most part, called caterpillars that went through growth stages called instars. They crawled slowly, they ate, they constantly shed layers and in the last stage of instar their wings began to develop. They lived half their lives in slow motion and then by some natural design, wrap themselves up in a cocoon and are reborn. Were they capable of being aware of any of this, of how slow they moved, of how a transformation was constantly happening? Did it even matter? Miraculously they transform inside of their own space and then break out of it. No longer trapped on the ground they see and go where those of us without wings, those of us that once towered above them, cannot. Then after a short life they die. Their entire journey of slow rewarded with flight and float and hover and see…and escape. Their freedom of movement is the beginning of the end of their journey.
These butterflies were a catalyst for my own truth – found in nature, making me feel childlike, as if I needed to be a child to remember. Their movement and their truth affected me. I had been looking for my own truth, confused as to the purpose of my journey and more so in the slowness in which I was crawling and in the layers that I was constantly shedding.
My truth is in the journey to, and my expression of movement – constant, from subtle to extreme – driven by my unending restlessness for next. My truth is in the shedding and the constant rebirth of my self. My truth is in MY movement, seen in all the work I’ve ever done, in the energy of all I have created. My truth is in the escape and the freedom of that movement.
This expression is not OF me, it IS me. “I” am the “art” – a living, breathing, evolving creating organism. I am not caught up in the ego of discipline but rather in the Id and the abandon and exploration of all things intuitive to my nature and to my journey. I must touch every thing that I am pulled to touch – paint and paper and food and flowers and words and music and wood and stone and steel and…and.
I crawl. I nourish. I shed. I grow. I shed. I build. I transform. I break free. I fly. I die…I begin again.
I never really gave a shit about butterflies, really, until they saw me on that day.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON TODAY?
The second edition of my kid’s book, Your Very Own Space. Specifically, the digitally created illustrations using my photos and my Illustrator drawn characters. I’m also working on some anger management due to some Twitter political discussions.
SOME OF YOUR PIECES, FOR EXAMPLE THE MOTHER SERIES AND ELEPHANT GRAVEYARD SCULPTURE, INVOLVE THE RECYCLING OF MATERIALS INTO WORKS OF ART. HOW DID THESE PROJECTS COME TO YOU AND IS ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS PARAMOUNT IN OTHER ASPECTS OF YOUR LIFE TOO?
I have a special place for saving things, thanks mostly to my father I think, who hated to ever throw anything away given his very poor childhood and his belief that all things could be used for something. And I have a drive to use them, thanks to my mother, who was not fond of the “clutter and junk” my father kept but rarely discouraged him.
I also grew up roaming the fields and woods of the countryside, it is the place where I created things from what I found and not from what I was given. I have a powerful and emotional respect and love for that (environment) teacher. I believe it must be preserved and cherished for the sake of all the young students who are meant to explore it.
The idea of finding beauty in things that have been deemed worthless is also a peek into my own dark waters.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
The sweet and gentle puff of my husband’s breath as he sleeps beside me. The piercing blue eyes of my 97 year old grandmother. The sound of my mother’s laughter. The beginning of the sentence “Uncle Tim…” The unquestioning and commanding love of my siblings. The phrase “fuck it.” My BFF Rich’s fried chicken and okra. Finding words and feeling color. Trees. Lilacs. Making shit.
COMB OR BRUSH?
Fingers.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
I would never reject a gift given with such love. But yeah, I do, it’s not a sexy name but it’s who I see when I look in the mirror every morning.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
of no consequence, I was way old a few lifetimes ago.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
It’s a clever question because it’s the hardest one to answer and who the fuck has time to eat!?
ARE YOU IN THE TREE BUSINESS ALL YEAR LONG?
We have been buying Christmas trees from you on this very corner (97th and Broadway) for seven years. when you’re not here, where do you call home?
West Fali, my camper. I take it everywhere I travel – Mexico, Canada, Latin America.
Last December you were singled out by The New York Post as one of the city’s “Hunks to Pine For”. Congratulations. Did this honor impact tree sales or any other aspects of your life?
Definitely! Sales went up 20%! Just kidding. I never tell people about that article.
What brings you joy?
Selling lots of Christmas trees!
Comb or brush?
None.
Do you like your name?
Yes! Very much! It’s like Mario Andretti – very Italian.
Finish this sentence: My age is…………….
too personal to tell.
What’s for dinner tonight?
Whatever my girlfriend wants – sushi, I think.
HAVE YOU ALWAYS LOVED JEWELRY OR IS IT A PASSION THAT HAS DEVELOPED OVER TIME?
I have always loved jewelry and all things that sparkle! My grandmother had a tradition with her granddaughters that when we turned 13 we could pick out what we wanted from a special jewelry box designated for just this. I loved everything I chose, mostly because of the sentimentality. It was then that I learned about Regard Rings, a type of ring whose gemstones spell the word “regard”. I would later come to discover that acrostic jewelry originated in the Georgian period. Certainly my passion for jewelry has developed with time and continues to develop on a daily basis!
WE STUDIED ART HISTORY TOGETHER IN GRADUATE SCHOOL. HOW HAS YOUR BACKGROUND AND SCHOLARSHIP IN ART INSPIRED AND INFORMED LARKSPUR & HAWK? ARE YOU STILL DEALING IN ANTIQUE JEWELRY OR ARE YOU FOCUSING SOLELY ON YOUR NEW COLLECTION NOW?
My studies and work in the history of decorative arts and material culture have played a huge role in my professional life. While I never formally studied jewelry and jewelry design, my exposure to and education in antiques taught me how to approach, evaluate and research objects. My foray into jewelry was as an antique jewelry dealer which came very naturally to me because each piece I sold had a story to tell and I loved teaching and revealing each tale! Just as the antiques reveal the past, my new designs also do so in a special way. The entire modern collection employs an 18th Century jewelry making technique of foiling gemstones, a labor-intensive art that plays with color and light. Sharing and, as such, reviving this very special craftsmanship with my clients continues to connect me to antique jewelry. As a result, the modern collection has superseded my longing to sell antique jewelry.
THE JEWELRY YOU DESIGN FOR LARKSPUR & HAWK IS TRULY BREATHTAKING. I AM ESPECIALLY INTRIGUED BY THE PIECES THAT ARE FOIL-BACKED — A VERY OLD PROCESS YOU HAVE REVIVED — BECAUSE OF THE EXQUISITE COLORS YOU ARE ABLE TO ACHIEVE. WHY IS THIS PROCESS SO APPEALING TO YOU AND ARE YOU STILL SURPRISED BY THE RESULTS WITH EACH NEW PIECE?
For me, it was love at first sight, long ago, with Georgian foiled jewelry. I adored the duplicity that colored foils offered a gemstone. There is a unique and specific play of color and light that comes with placing faceted gemstones over metallic foils and I had the urge to experiment with this myself. Each piece of jewelry is literally transformed by its foil and it is endlessly fun and rewarding to see which colors look best with certain pieces. I never tire of foiled jewelry!!
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
My husband, boys and cats!
COMB OR BRUSH?
Fingers.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
I love my name and always have. My middle name is Jane and I feel that I truly am an Emily Jane.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE. MY AGE IS…………….
A woman never tells!
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
China Spice… “smile and dial” as they say!
YOU WERE ASKED BY OPENING CEREMONY TO CREATE THE NEW STORE MIX. HOW DID THAT COME ABOUT AND WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION?
When my DJ partner Johnny Cocco (his real birthname) and I were working on a mix two summers ago, we had this captivating 30 minute chunk of all-girl alternative music from the 80’s and 90’s. We were like “why don’t we do an entire mix that is just female artists?” That mix turned into a one year-long journey of curating over 150 female artists for 4, 1 hour long mixes, each with their own vibe.
My inspiration also came from living in the room next to my older sister. My father ran a radio station in the 80’s and early 90’s so she always had the radio on or records, tapes and CD’s, blasting the current hits, many of them from the divas of the day.
After hearing the first 2 mixes, Opening Ceremony asked us to come up with a mix especially for them. We still had a 3rd mix to create for our site, so we saved the best diva jams for their mix, and its been trending pretty well in the fashion community.
WE MET YOU AT A RECENT EVENT ON THE ROOF AT THE GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL. WHERE CAN ONE MOST OFTEN FIND YOU AND WHERE DO YOU MOST WANT TO BE FOUND?
I often do special events all around the city, and often times outside. I have DJed Andre Balazs daughter’s prom party at his upstate estate. It was in such a remote location, that the GPS stopped working. I have DJed at numerous clubs and bars around the city, including Avenue, Cipriani’s Wall Street, Bowery Hotel, The Montauk Club, Anchor Bar, Santos Party House, 200 Orchard to name a few. I also work as an experiential producer for Barbarian Group, so I generally prefer special events over DJing at a club until 4:30 in the morning.
DO YOU USUALLY WORK ALONE OR DO YOU LIKE COLLABORATION?
When I DJ out I generally do it alone, although it is nice to spin with a partner, allows you to get food, meet new people and it always makes bathroom breaks less of a juggling act. However for the Chicks with Hits Mix series, I worked very closely with Johnny Cocco. We spent many many hours/days/weeks on the mix,going through dozens of iterations. Sometimes laying the groundwork for large sections of the mix only to tear it up and start all over again. Ears can often hear things differently depending on ones mood/mental state. Cocco and I recently played the mix out live at La Esquina in Williamsburg. We have also been approached to DJ the mixes across Canada. We’ll see how that unfolds.
WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?
Joy for me is a hot bath, a jazz record from the early 70’s and a pepper turkey sandwich. Perhaps also a plate of Glidden Point, Maine, oysters, but in no particular order.
Joy in a more abstract sense, is having people enjoy my mixes and music. I also produce music as well.
COMB OR BRUSH?
I generally go with the comb. When I travel I like to pack as light as possible.
DO YOU LIKE YOUR NAME?
Yes I do. Winslow Turner Porter III is a pretty uncommon name. Only 3 of us so far, ha! A few people have already named their boys Winslow, after hearing my name, and it seems as though there are a few more considering it. People don’t always get it right. One place where I DJ one of the bartenders calls me Winston and the other calls me Wilson. I have learned to accept that not everyone can remember it.
FINISH THIS SENTENCE: MY AGE IS…………….
A funny thing. 31 is just around the corner, but I remember when I was 9, like it was yesterday. I got my first tape cassette, Jane Child.
WHAT’S FOR DINNER TONIGHT?
Great question. Why are you making something good?
I will probably go to Maison Premier for their oyster happy hour and then head to the Meatball Shop on Bedford Ave, for some of their season lamb meatballs with a side of pesto. Pretty amazing.
