ODDA Conversations
By ODDA magazine
ODDA Conversations is an open-door invite into our universe, offering moments of immersion and knowledge born directly from the mouths of those we deem most significant. From designers, curators and actors to philanthropists, models and photographers, witness those who are defining culture and the surrounding conversation with every word.
ODDA ConversationsApr 18, 2022
Conversation 075: Nicklas Skovgaard
Nicklas Skovgaard is an exploration of the self and a deep understanding of the human experience. His brand started as a way to find calmness and peace and now transcends mere garments. After working in the interior design industry, a sick leave and a career change led Nicklas to create unexpected combinations and explore new paths. As he learned to weave by himself, he created the first braids of this new journey with a simple loom, where every thread woven is a declaration of self-love and self-discovery, representing the quest for expression and creation. We sat down with Nicklas in his studio in Copenhagen, to discuss his brand, his inspiration for Madonna and his mom, the subtle dance between art, craft, and the dreamlike narrative that de!nes his label.
Conversation 074: Stephanie D'Heygere
One early January morning, while the snow was still falling down in Paris, Stephanie D’heygere cleared her throat on camera. In her hand was a mug of tea to keep her company. Beyond the view presented on screen, a sunflower-shaped lamp stood tall on what seemed like a fireplace behind her. It seems that the flora and beautiful objects that ornament Stephanie will never escape her immediate periphery. This idea of beauty–one that seeps into and away from the jewelry designer–is done with ease. Second nature even. As such, it only makes sense that beauty holds no structural meaning at her namesake label, D’heygere. The designs are first conceptualized with a unique story, holding multi-functionality at the heart of each piece that exits D’heygere’s atelier door
Conversation 073: Mean Girls, Directors Arturo Perez Jr. & Samantha Jayne
Paramount Pictures' is set to release "Mean Girls" theatrically on January 12, 2024, from directors Arturo Perez Jr. and Samantha Jayne. The husband and wife filmmaker duo will be making their feature directorial debut with their delicious take on the hilariously classic 2004 comedy. The duo meets with ODDA ahead of the film's release to talk about their approach on adding their own spin to the story, their casting process, and how they became entangled with Tina Fey.
Conversation 072: Stefano Martinetto
Conversation 071: Anna Jewsbury - COMPLETEDWORKS
Conversation 070: Jake Cauzza - Supima
we explored the process that creates the world’s finest cotton. During our time there, we explored the SUPIMA Cotton Gin and the farms where the long staple fibres are birthed. In turn, we were educated on the processes of cotton production and the levels of surety placed to ensure its best classing.
Conversation 069: Buxton Midyette - Supima
we explored the process that creates the world’s finest cotton. During our time there, we explored the SUPIMA Cotton Gin and the farms where the long staple fibres are birthed. In turn, we were educated on the processes of cotton production and the levels of surety placed to ensure its best classing.
Memorabilia 036: Kizzy Edgell
Kizzy Edgell is a British-based actor who made their acting debut last year in Netflix’s “Heartstopper,” the hit LGBTQ+ show based on the popular graphic novel of the same name. Ahead of the premiere of the second season on August 3, we invited Edgell to meet with us to not only celebrate the success of their show and their character Darcy, but to celebrate Pride, as Edgell identifies as non-binary.
SAG-AFTRA members are currently on strike; as part of the strike, union actors are not promoting their film and TV projects. This interview was conducted prior to the strike.
Conversation 068: Fin Argus
Fin Argus is a Los Angeles based actor, musician, and performer who most recently can be seen on screen as Lucas in Season 3 of Max’s “The Other Two.” Last year, they starred in Peacock’s reimagining of “Queer As Folk'' and previously had a breakout role in the Disney+ feature film “Clouds.” They meet with ODDA to talk about celebrating Pride, his ideal type, and what’s on the horizon.
Memorabilia 035: Shae Detar
Memorabilia 034: Darcy Miro
Artist Darcy Miro’s metal work has straddled the line between sculpture, jewelry, glass, fashion, and functional objects. Her pieces have earned a place in museum collections like the Museum of Art and Design and captivated collaborators like architects Tod Williams and Billie Tsien, who worked with Darcy on the façade of the American Folk Art Museum. She meets with ODDA to discuss her practice and what’s next for her.
Conversation 067: Nadine Faraj
LA-based writer Spencer Walker and Juno Youn of Galerie Youn have launched Mon Dieu Projects at Mohilef Studios on April 1, 2023 in Los Angeles. We spoke with three of the artists from their inaugural exhibit, Shen Wei, Ian Stone, and Nadine Faraj to learn more about them as an artist and how they’re contributing to this show.
Conversation 066: Ian Stone
LA-based writer Spencer Walker and Juno Youn of Galerie Youn have launched Mon Dieu Projects at Mohilef Studios on April 1, 2023 in Los Angeles. We spoke with three of the artists from their inaugural exhibit, Shen Wei, Ian Stone, and Nadine Faraj to learn more about them as an artist and how they’re contributing to this show.
Conversation 065: Tommy Hilfiger
American fashion’s cultural connector is back — just in time for New York Fashion Week. Mr. Tommy Hilfiger speaks with ODDA about his knack for staying ahead; his first and favorite collaborations; and how he’s pushing the core visual concepts of his brand forward today.
Conversation 064: Dree Hemingway
Actress Dree Hemingway shares with ODDA immersive tales on her personal and professional life — revealing what it’s like to become an “It Girl” for luxury brands, expressing her love for vintage cars, and unpacking how her idea of womanhood connects to her relationship with beauty.
Conversation 063: Gaetano Pesce
An intimate conversation between two long-time friends. That’s how we can define this exchange between legendary Italian Sculptor, Designer, and Architect Gaetano Pesce and design Entrepreneur and Founder of Moss [Design Gallery] and Moss Bureau, Murray Moss.
Conversation 062: Jiyoung Lee (10 Corso Como Seoul)
10 Corso Como Seoul, a multipurpose concept store with the core idea of a living magazine that mixes a myriad of sections such as fashion, design, books, and music — as well as a beautiful garden and a restaurant cafe — has become a full sensorial experience for its customers. With the aim of speaking about the matter of the importance of printed books and the relevance they have in the Korean society, ODDA had the pleasure of chatting with Jiyoung Lee, Book Chief Buyer at 10 Corso Como Seoul, to find out more about the store focusing on the book section, which offers an incredible selection of art books and special items.
Conversation 061: Romma Alyskewycz (La Librairie du Palais de Tokyo in Paris)
The rise of screen devices offers new opportunities to readers and writers, but printed books are still a relevant part of our culture and society. ODDA had the pleasure of talking with Romma Alyskewycz, the Head of the Magazine, Fashion, and Architecture sections at La Librairie du Palais de Tokyo in Paris, guided by Arnaud Frémaux, its manager. In a technological world, they’re boosting the cultural and poetical importance of printed art books.
Conversation 060: Gimaguas
Gimaguas is a Barcelona-based clothing brand founded in 2018 by twins Claudia and Sayana Durany. For ODDA, there was no better time to interview the sisters than the summer itself from the comfort of their home in Barcelona before they embark on a vacation with their family to discuss where the name originated from, how they divide their day to day, and their proudest moments of the brand thus far.
Conversation 059: Gustaf Westman
Gustaf Westman speaks about his creative process, his aspirations for his career as a designer, and hopes for the design world.
Conversation 058: Jacqueline Rabun
Illustrating the human experience with jewelry as her medium, the internationally renowned American jeweler Jacqueline Rabun has gained recognition amongst collectors of contemporary art and design with her wearable art pieces and miniature sculptures that convey a profound message. Rabun explains to ODDA the immersive, meditative process that allows her to create and materialize ideas, as well as her personal ambitions and feelings about the future.
Conversation 057: Linda Simpson
Linda Simpson was at the core of the New York City Drag scene during the industry's golden era when it was still underground, prior to becoming a mainstream movement. From her own origins to her professional work, Simpson shares with ODDA her story, creative view, and the roots of the Drag world.
Conversation 056: Laure-Anne Tchen
Tattoo artist Laure-Anne Tchen's art and aesthetics have been shaped by her Colombian heritage, fascination with manga art styles, and Paris's lifestyle and diversity. Known for creating fun and colorful tattoos, Tchen shares with ODDA the process from starting tattooing her friends in her bedroom for the first time to now being part of the cool Parisian tattooing collectives.
Conversation 055: Terrence Zhou
Known for his bulbous silhouettes and massive dresses, celebrities like Olivia Rodrigo, Karlie Kloss, and Rina Sawayama have been seen wearing his pieces. We caught up with Terrence Zhou to talk about how his cultural roots have influenced his designs, how living in Wuhan has impacted him as a designer and penning the nickname “Bad Binch Tong Tong.”
Conversation 054: S.S. Daley
From suburban Northern England to the top of the LVMH prize, Steven Stokey-Daley’s career has risen like no one else’s. Only graduated from the University of Westminster in 2020, he took the world of fashion by storm during the pandemic.
Conversation 053: Flaminia
The fantasy expert and Milan-born multidisciplinary artist Flaminia Veronesi invites us to question what is fantasy and experience wonder in all its possible ways. Using her own contemporary symbolic language, she fights patriarchy and violence to free our reality from taboos. Veronesi sits down with ODDA to talk about her whole journey, her mission of bringing back a less oppressive reality, and highlights the importance of having fun and playing all the time through art.
Conversation 052: Creole
Set to reclaim and celebrate the meaning of being creole, Vincent Frederic-Colombo, founder of the Paris-based and Caribbean-focused brand C.R.E.O.L.E shares the story you have never been told about creole heritage, its history, its culture, and the incredible people that form this diverse and huge family. What started as a photographic exhibition led to a marvelous fashion project and probably the best event in Parisian nightlife, strengthening the union between minorities.
Conversation 051: Michaela Bosch
Michaela Bosch is a makeup artist living in New York who got into this industry in a very curious and funny way. After six years of professionally working as a makeup artist, she’s been put on the list of the 50 most innovative and inspiring young creative talents from around the world by the British Fashion Awards 2022.
Conversation 050: Ruben Östlund
Ruben Östlund is a two-time winner of the top prize, the Palme d'Or, at the Cannes Film Festival. With consecutive wins for his two latest films, “Triangle of Sadness” is widely accredited as one of the best films of the year as a yacht filled with snobby, rich elites takes off into the open seas before chaos reigns down on all vacationers and employees. Beyond a wildly successful year, Östlund collaborated with CDLP, a Swedish design house of luxury essentials, to bring together a collection celebrating his portfolio of films. He meets with ODDA to discuss the pressure of making his new movie after his first Palme d'Or win, where he drew inspiration from, and what it was like collaborating on a fashion collection.
Conversation 049: Amna Alsalem
The ethical luxury brand AMNA ALSALEM yields its own articulations of art, time, and humanity from a multidisciplinary practice, mixing a sense of freedom with a witty spirit.
Conversation 048: Artsi Ifrach
Known in the fashion world as Maison ARTC, his influences come from history, culture, and traditions, which he translates into colors and prints to create imaginative designs reflecting on space and time.
Conversation 047: Karen Gaballa
Her sustainable slow-fashion, wearable-wood brand BOADḰ focuses on the experience of belonging to nature to create spirited wooden handcrafted bags centered on material individuality and uniqueness.
Conversation 046: Ceylin Türkkan Bilge
Her brand SIEDRÉS represents a utopian lifestyle in an imaginary Mediterranean town, for which she uses playful graphics, prints, and textures to embody a relaxed but refined lifestyle
Conversation 045: Leila Roukni
Her contemporary luxury brand Talel Paris offers leather handbags and accessories with sharp designs with unconventional shapes, designed for modern urban life with a sustainable approach
Conversation 044: Dani Coyle and Shalva Nikvashvili
Dani Coyle, an award winning visual and visibility artist, activist, and model, meets with with German based artist Shalva Nikvashvili to talk about a myriad of topics including how intersecting identities and backgrounds influence Shalva's work, using queerness in art, and what's to come.
Conversation 043: Gogo
New York-based fashion designer Gogo Graham speaks to ODDA about the inspirations and motivations behind the showing of her latest collection, “Speedrun.”
Conversation 042: Moses Sumney
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Moses Sumney produces a kind of music that is so difficult to define, and maybe we shouldn't even try, because categories are not that important. The singer, songwriter and all-round artist has opened up with ODDA to guide us through his world.
Memorabilia 033: Tom O’Connor
Tom O’Connor is an Australian artist, actor, and visual storyteller who currently resides in Los Angeles. Driven by his need to create and express, his art, whether that be his paintings or photography, depict his personal experiences, often recalling moments of falling in love to the thrills of attraction and connection. Most recently, O’Connor released his latest series, titled PLAYGROUND, which is a continuation of his self-documentation work and explores vulnerability, impermanence, and his own interplay of masculinity and femininity. He met with ODDA to talk about making the move to California, expressing his creativity through different mediums, and self nudity within his art.
Conversation 041: Dion Lee
Known for his experimental silhouettes with sharp tailoring that fuse together men’s wear and women’s wear, Dion Lee started his eponymous brand fresh out of college. At just over a decade old with massive success, there is still an element of people still discovering the brand internationally. We caught up with Lee ahead of New York Fashion Week to chat about his Fall 2022 collection, learning through mistakes, and hopes of dressing Björk one day.
Conversation 040: Meg Ryan
Naturally hilarious, easygoing and down-to-earth are all perfect adjectives to describe the iconic Meg Ryan. Throughout her incredible — and incredibly funny — career, she has achieved a massive and global success, getting three Golden Globes nominations, acting with some of the most important actors and directors of the international panorama — such as Tom Hanks and Nora Ephron — and also dedicating herself to directing as well.
Conversation 039: Diana Silvers
Diana Silvers has spent the last 11 years of her life establishing herself as an actress, and is currently celebrated as one of the industry’s upcoming talents. Working with hard-hitters like Olivia Wilde, Octavia Spencer, Steve Carell, and more, the actress meditates on the importance of being grateful for her opportunities while creating more on her own. She speaks with us about her career inspirations, youth’s perspective on our digital culture, and her future hopes for coming-of-age films with a distinctive female gaze.
Conversations 038: “Signs of Love'' premiered at the Brooklyn Film Festival
On Friday, June 3 “Signs of Love'' premiered at the Brooklyn Film Festival. Ahead of the premiere, we sat down with stars Hopper Jack Penn, Dylan Penn, and Zoë Bleu, as well as director Clarence Fuller and producer David Michaels to talk about filming in the rocky neighborhood of Port Richmond, Philadelphia, working alongside family members, and the outpour of love that radiates both through the set and on screen.
Conversation 037: Lee Soung Yoon
Youngsoon Lee is a Korean artisan who has mastered the 500-year-old jiseung technique; an intricate process that means the making of each basket can take up to six months. With collections shown all around the world, she was honored as a Loewe Craft Prize Finalist in 2019. Continuing her partnership with Loewe to bring their seventh exhibition to Milan’s Salone del Mobile, we caught up with the expert paper weaver to discuss the creative process and inspiration behind “Weave, Restore, Renew,” giving new life to ancient techniques, and how one unique task from a professor sent her on a path of success.
Conversation 036: Camille and Michael, The Cohle Gallery
Founded in 2016, The Cohle Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in Paris, France. Co-founders Camile and Michael chat with ODDA about what goes into choosing artists to showcase, authenticity, and opening a second space in Menorca this June. Additionally, French artist Ador, who has an upcoming exhibition, chats about his admiration for “childishness” and whether or not he has a favorite work.
In conversation with Alberto Calabrese
Original Music by Valerio Parrotta
Edited by Charlene Frett
Conversation 035: Rona Pondick
Internationally acclaimed sculptor, Rona Pondick, shares her interpretation of time, reflects on varied aspects of human nature, and explains her view on our world being an ongoing evolution with familiar twists.
Memorabilia 032: Marrknull
In the midst of London Fashion Week, Marrknull released his AW22 digitally on February 22. Close to Chinese popular culture, the Beijing-based brand finds inspiration through home this season and integrates household items with clothing to form a new vision. Designs include metal rivets shaped as a remote control, buttons embellished on denim, a plastic wash basin is turned into an installation dress, and the iconic hanger bags are re-invented with new shapes.
Memorabilia 031: Oliver Cain
The Nomadic Art Gallery opens its doors for us to meet artists Merijn Verhelst, Oliver Cain, and Amat Gueye, three incredibly talented artists that open themselves and their work for us to understand their intentions with their art, their values, and their personal stories.
Memorabilia 030: Joan Margarit
Inspired by a roadtrip from Las Vegas to Palm Springs, Spanish Gen-Z creative Joan Margarit is one of the cofounders of the jewelry brand TwoJeys. Margarit speaks about his Christmas traditions, including appreciating the time catching up with his family and his "day one" friends, shredding in the mountains on his snowboard, as well as calming down a bit and reflecting on his very busy, but very successful year.
Memorabilia 029: Biel Juste
Blurring the gender line within the jewelry industry and having a deep rooted knowledge in understanding the ins and the outs of what is trending in the world of social media, Biel Juste is one of the cofounders of TwoJeys. He speaks with ODDA about his end of the year plans — including wanting to take some time for himself, designing his next 2022 collection, and taking an upcoming vacation with his family to Kenya.
Memorabilia 028: Sean Ford
Adult film star Sean Ford speaks with ODDA about sexy memories from Christmases past — “Needless to say, I’m sure I made his naughty list that night.”