Catherine Malandrino : Being A Woman Above All.
We’ve known each other for a long time and for me, Catherine Malandrino has always been above all the incarnation of French chic.
Originally from Grenoble, she quickly became a figure of the New York artistic life.
Active, urban woman, her signature style is elegance and ultra-feminity. Aware of the challenges women face as mothers, lovers, friends and workers, she has created a wardrobe that blends the raw and the refined, that is both feminine and strong, and that also speaks about determination.
Adored by New Yorkers, as well as by stars such as Mary J. Blidge, Sharon Stone, Meryl Strip, Halle Berry and many others, the designer appreciates, as soon as she has the opportunity, the calm and resourcing moments, far from the sunlights and the effervescence of the city. Her vision of luxury is linked to what is unique and to the time she allows herself to enjoy those she loves.
20 years after her debut, the one who was among the most influential designers of the 2000s, has decided to leave fashion to fly to new adventures, which are not lacking. Thus, she began by taking time to write a book “A French woman” published by ST. Martin’s Press, in which she recounts her fascinating career.
Today, she dreams of another world, better, more human, where women would play with their grace and men would stop being afraid of them.
Also passionate about photography, between New York and Provence, she gave us some time to talk about photography!
Your first photographic trigger ?
Catherine Malandrino : For my 15th birthday, a Polaroid ! With it, I photographed everything, everywhere, all the time, instantly.
The man of images who inspires you?
Catherine Malandrino : There are two of them, Man Ray for his fascination with strangeness and Helmut Newton for his erotic and provocative images.
Man Ray
Helmut Newton
Which image would you have liked to make?
Catherine Malandrino : All the ones in Richard Misrach’s book “On the beach”… they are my oxygen.
On the beach – Richard Misrach
Which one moved you the most?
Catherine Malandrino : This image Richard Drew in New York, photographing the man who falls from one of the twin towers on September 11.
Richard Drew
The one that made you angry?
Catherine Malandrino : These images of the bombing of a maternity hospital in Ukraine.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
Catherine Malandrino : My portrait in an American flag dress by Peter Beard.
Catherine Malandrino by Peter Beard
What quality do you think is necessary to be a good photographer?
Catherine Malandrino : To be a thief of moments.
The secret of the perfect image, if it exists?
Catherine Malandrino : The improbable second.
The person you would dream of putting in front of your lens if you were a photographer?
Catherine Malandrino : Zelensky for his courage.
An essential photo book?
Catherine Malandrino : The magazine “Égoïste” for all the images of Avedon, Paolo Roversi, Steven Meisel or Ellen von Unwerth.
Egoïste
What camera do you use today?
Catherine Malandrino : My Iphone11 pro.
Your favorite drug?
Catherine Malandrino : Love. Giving it, receiving it. I can’t get enough of it and always want more!
The best way to disconnect for you?
Catherine Malandrino : To be on the sea, in the air and always with music.
What is your greatest quality?
Catherine Malandrino : My joy and my desire to live. But also my curiosity.
A picture to illustrate a new banknote?
Catherine Malandrino : recto / verso Sister Emmanuelle and Elon Musk.
Soeur Emmanuelle
The job you would not have liked to do?
Catherine Malandrino : A mortician.
Your greatest professional extravagance?
Catherine Malandrino : Conquering the world with the “Flag” dress!
Flag dress – Photo Gwendolyn Daan 2000
The city, country or culture you dream of discovering?
Catherine Malandrino : Namibia and Botswana.
The place you never get tired of?
Catherine Malandrino : The balcony of my house in Provence.
Your biggest regret?
Catherine Malandrino : Not being able to play the piano standing up.
Facebook, Instagram or Tik Tok?
Catherine Malandrino : Instagram but I rarely post, I just like and comment on other people’s pictures!
Color or B&W?
Catherine Malandrino : Both.
Daylight or artificial light?
Catherine Malandrino : Both.
The most photogenic city in your opinion?
Catherine Malandrino : New York.
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him?
Catherine Malandrino : By his light, he is present in all successful images.
Which image represents for you the current state of the world?
Catherine Malandrino : A funambulist on a tightrope.
Philippe Petit entre les Twin Towers
What is missing in today’s world?
Catherine Malandrino : Lightness, sincerity and humor.
What if everything had to be redone?
Catherine Malandrino : I would love to be reborn as a man … to better understand the opposite sex …
