Darling of understated style

Sofia Coppola: Darling of understated style
Sophia Coppola - muse, director, mother and style icon - has followed her friend Marc Jacobs into the Louis Vuitton studio to produce a new range of timeless accessories.

Sofia Coppola, the enigmatic star of one of Hollywood’s most cherished film families, grew up surrounded by epic talents.

Her father Francis Ford Coppola cast the waifish beauty at age two in his renowned film The Godfather Part II (1974) and over the next few years she appeared in four more of her father’s films, including The Outsiders (1983), Rumble Fish (1983), The Cotton Club (1984) and Peggy Sue Got Married (1986).

Despite her illustrious film family connections Coppola took her time developing a career as a director eschewing the limelight in favour of quite dedication. Her first feature film Virgin Suicides was quickly followed by Lost in Translation staring Bill Murray and Scarlett Johansson, which was deemed a cult success and secured her place as one of the hottest young directors, along with her then husband Spike Jonze.

Coppola’s interest soon diverged into fashion when her friend Marc Jacobs cast her as muse for his range. At the hands of contemporary art photographer Juergen Teller Coppola’s disinterested gaze captured the Marc Jacobs aesthetic. Following in his footsteps Coppola has collaborated with Louis Vuitton designing a small range of accessories to fill the gaps in her own classic, quaint wardrobe.

How would you define your style?

That’s hard to say about yourself. I like beautiful things, so I enjoy clothes, but for myself, I like things that are classic and not too loud or flashy.

Do you remember when you first became interested in fashion?

As a young child- I was always interested in my parent’s friends jewellery and accessories…and then as an adolescent, I loved looking at Paris Vogue and The Face.

Who are your fashion heroines?

Tina Chow, Lauren Hutton (had her in mind when we did the Monogram pochette)….Diana Vreelend.

What is your best fashion memory?

Sitting on Yves Saint Laurent’s lap at Dave’s for new years when I was about 12.

How did you first become friends with Marc Jacobs?

I saw pictures of his grunge collection when he was at Perry Ellis, when I was about 19 or 20 I was visiting NY with my mom, and asked if we could go see it. Robert Duffy, Marc’s partner met me and was nice to show me collection and then Marc said hello, and we started talking and got along and had interests in common…I don’t remember after that, but I remember hanging out with him and Anna Sui in NY in the early 90s.

Aside from Marc Jacobs, who are the fashion designers, past or present, whom you most admire?

Yves Saint Laurent

How did your collaboration with Louis Vuitton come about?

I had met some of the people who work there through Marc Jacobs, and the idea of doing something together came after I visited the factory and museum. After seeing all the things they’re making and custom orders, its hard not to imagine what you would want for a custom order for yourself.

Did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to do before you started?

I had an idea of what I was looking for and couldn’t find. I wanted a day bag that could fit everything I wanted, but wasn’t too big or heavy, something chic and discreet. The day bag was based a little on the Keep-all duffle bag- something chic and classic, but not formal, for everyday use.

What were your key considerations in designing the collection? What, for you, makes a great bag and a great pair of shoes?

It was great to be able to make exactly what you want- For a day bag, I wanted something that can fit all of my things I need, but not too big, I wanted something that could go with everything, and was chic but not flashy. For evening, I love to have a small envelope that fits just a phone, lipstick, a key and a credit card. I like leaving all my work things behind. For the shoes, I wanted something chic, but not too dressy..I wanted a 70’s version of a 40’s sandal, that wasn’t too high, so easy to really wear- but looks great on…and you can wear with a lot of things, so when you travel you don’t bring too many shoes.

Which products are your personal favorites?

I like them all, anything I didn’t love we eliminated from the line…but I especially like the navy day bag, and asphalt grey suede day bag…and the black pochette with gold piping with matching shoes- those are the ones I use the most…

What is your favorite item in your wardrobe?

silk pajamas

What piece of clothing could you not do without?

A t-shirt

What item would you never, ever wear?

I don’t like to say never, but I’m pretty sure I’d never wear a velour sweat suit

Do you agree that, as the French say, il faut souffrir pour être belle (you must suffer to look beautiful)?

I don’t, but I do admire these French women who walk around all day in crazy high heels.

Source: Louis Vuitton