Salomon and RIER Reunite for the XA MID GTX Boot

Produced by Nikki Fina, the show was marked by its emphasis on collaboration as a variety of artists came together to collaborate on Pietro’s distinctive vision. Ryann Fitzgerald’s intricate chains and beading combined with the millinery work of Sideara St. Claire guaranteed that every look was exceptionally detailed. Seeping through the the work was a playful essence, fusing traditional balletic elements with the art deco costuming of the early 1920’s. The night before the show, office was able to get behind the scenes with the visionary herself and ask her some questions about her vision for the show and all that went into it.

How are you feeling about the show tomorrow?

I’m feeling really good because I found out I’m ahead of schedule. I thought it was 12 hours later than it was because I took a nap. The work is beautiful, that’s kind of all that matters at the end of the day is clothes. Everything else is just theatrics.

What are you exploring in this collection that you haven’t before?

COLOR! I’m exploring color for the first time in a while. I hate being associated with any adjectives and being put in any type of box at all. I think as an artist, career longevity is the most important thing to focus on and none of us talk about this. Knowing that I’m synonymous now with hating color, and being this brooding goth makes me sick to my stomach. SO I have to do something about it and switch it up.

What was the last thing you fell in love with?

Some beads on ebay I couldn't afford to add to this collection. I’ll probably think about them for a while.

What about Serge Diaghilev inspires you?

His approach to directing. He never felt he had any raw, specific talent but he had the vision and was able to facilitate people working in a really good environment together. That’s what his talent was. And that’s just how I view myself in the grand scheme of things. I sew, obviously, but I’ve never been a technical person. My biggest strength is bringing together really creative people and having a strong enough vision that we all are on board. Finding the most talented person in their respective field to do each role creates a lot of trust and a family dynamic at the end of the day.

If this collection was an animal, what would it be?

It’d be a cat. If you ask me about an animal for anything it has to be a cat. My mom has 20 rescue cats at all times.

What part of this collection are you most proud of?

Everyone I’ve had the pleasure of working and creating it with. Specifically, Ryann Fitzgerald who does my embellishment and beading. She’s part of this collection in ways that are hard to even put on paper. And Sideara St. Claire who is a millinery designer. We met 2 years ago and the art we make together is so beautiful and intricate and we have such a telepathic communication style. And my producer, Nikki Fina, is more than a collaborator. I am just so proud of everyone who worked on this collection and so grateful to have so many artists in my life who are dedicated to putting their energy into my art as well.

What is your favorite shape at the moment?

I love teardrop shapes. I like things that are pointy but I’ve been really enjoying art deco shapes and spirals. Anything that you look at and reads as fun automatically. I think, for some reason, designers are too afraid recently to delve into things that just read as fun and nothing else.

What’s your “nails on a chalkboard?”

Nails on a chalkboard. Most noises I do hate. I work in 100% silence as much as possible. People tapping, talking, just breathing sometimes even.

What’s the first thing you’re doing when the show is over?

TOO POOR and carolesdaughter are performing at my afterparty and they’re both people I consider friends so it’d be fucked up to not come for a little bit. Otherwise, I’m going to smoke a joint, chill, and just relax with my cat and people I like for a minute.