Carine Roitfeld has been busy of late. As well as her role as Bazaar global fashion director and editor of her own magazine, CR Fashion Book, she has managed to find the time to curate an immersive fashion installation in London as part of Veuve Clicquot's Widow Series.
The influential fashion veteran has taken over seven rooms in a building in Islington, each of which explores her interpretation of the seven deadly sins. To help bring her vision together, she's called on her famed fashion peers, including Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld and Rick Owens. You'll be unsurprised to hear that there will be no cheap house wine or diluted cocktails here; Roitfeld will be serving champagne only. Basically, it'll be quite the spectacle and must for anyone interested in fashion this autumn.
Here, Roitfeld talks us though what to expect from Seven, what sins she's guilty of and how she stays relevant in an ever-evolving industry.
What made you want to get involved in the project?
'Well it's something I never did before. I thought it was a great occasion to curate an event, and very exciting for me. I have complete freedom and it was a way for me to express and work with people I have known for a very long time such as Patrick Kinmonth, but I haven't worked with him in years.;
How did you come up with the concept?
'I have a world and I knew the event had to be a part of that. Working with my team at CR Studio, we developed the concept around my world. I like to call my tricks my 'recipes'; it's the DNA that I have developed through my career. Patrick Kinmonth and Antonio Monfreda helped bring the idea to life.'
Why do you think the idea of sin is so pertinent today?
'Sins are timeless. Sins are an everyday reality for every one. Sin has been in existence since the beginning of man, since Adam and Eve. It will always be pertinent. What I loved about the concept for the event was to highlight the virtue of every sin. A happy ending.'
What makes the installation unique?
'It's something that's not forever, which I think makes it very exciting.'
What do you think people will take away from it?
'I'm always called a dreamer, and so what I hope is that people walk away with a dream. Maybe they will know me better.'
How did you decide who to work with?
'I don't hesitate - I go to the best of the best. I first asked Patrick Kinmonth. He's English, and he understands my world. He's an opera designer, creative director and visionary - a huge talent. More than all of that, he's fun. When I knew that he joined the project, I felt very comfortable immediately as I knew the event would be a success. After all these years, I've created a family in fashion and I always like to include my family in what I do. They're my family and oldest friends - Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Gianvito Rossi and Rick Owens.'
Which of the seven sins are you most guilty of?
'Everyone has a little bit of each sin in them, I'm not an exception!'
Aside from Seven, what are you currently working on?
'Too many! What's great is that after all these years, I'm still very busy. Right now I'm working on my new magazine, CR Fashion Book Issue 12 and CR Mens' Book Issue 6. The rest I would say are more confidential."
How do you switch off from work?
"Netflix. It's like a brain cleanse. Narcos is my obsession right now. The worst thing is you can't stop watching once you start, so I end up more tired the next morning."
What does it take to stay relevant in the fashion industry?
'I don't really think too much about staying relevant. I just like to do what I like!'
Seven is open to the public on 20 and 21 October 2017. Tickets are available to buy here at Veuveclicquotwidowseries.co.uk
