Selena Gomez is busy. But you know that—everyone knows that, right? In the last few months she's dropped music videos for "Fetish" and "Bad Liar", executive produced one of the most talked about TV shows (ever?), 13 Reasons Why, and began work on a Woody Allen film. Yesterday, she sat front row at the Coach spring 2018 fashion show and today she celebrates the launch of her new Coach x Selena Gomez collection with a very special appearance at Coach House New York (1:30 PM, 685 5th Avenue, if you're in the neighborhood). Here, Selena talks about everything from her go-to couch clothes to her obsession with Khalessi's costumes on Game of Thrones.
How did this partnership come to be?
I think it happened pretty organically. I feel like when I met the team at Coach there was this shift, they're constantly evolving and changing, yet still classic. When I came in it was really great because I was able to bring in my thoughts on the situation, on this bag specifically and all my accessories. It happened really organically. I think they wanted a different perspective on my generation and I feel like I'm really connected with my fans, and all of my friends, so I just worked like that. It worked like, 'Hey this is what I feel girls my age would wear. This is what Coach is and should be.'
Did you grow up loving the brand?
I did. For me when I was younger, it's probably in storage in my Nana's house in Texas or something, I remember me and my cousin saved all of our money and bought this adorable wallet. That was the biggest deal to us. It was huge having the small wallet from Coach. It was everything having it in your backpack in school. That's one of my first memories, it's a classic American brand. I feel like every generation of my family can wear it and be it.
It was all about the wristlet when I was growing up. Did those memories influence how you wanted to design the collection?
I always think about her. I always think about the girl that will hold the bag or cherish the bag. Every detail is personal, it has meaning. The bottom of the bag has "love yourself first" [on it] because that's my tattoo. I wanted it to feel like that was hers.
Have you had people stop you on the streets to say anything about the bags?
My fans know at this point and I get so excited. Yeah I've gotten a few compliments! I'm never though like it's mine, though! [laughs] I would never say that, but I'm very proud of it. I'm always just like thank you, that makes me so happy, it's Coach.
SHOP THE SELENA GRACE BAG, $395
If you could gift one to a friend or someone in your family, which one would you give?
My family takes advantage of all the free stuff I get. They're all going to have this stuff. Anything I do, they're all on it [laughs].
What was one of your first luxury purchases?
That's hard. I don't know. I feel like maybe it was honestly a Louis Vuitton tote. I remember that was the bag. Well, It was more just the LV. Everybody was into the LV. Buying that for the first time was overwhelming but it was also cute.
You have been working since you were kid. What have been some of your favorite costumes over the years?
I kind of dress within my mood. So I went through a phase where I loved all of the '50s style and I loved the floral '70s style. I kind of have these phases of what I like depending on my mood. I don't have a favorite, it always depends on where I'm at.
Are you a shopper? What do you find yourself buying most often?
Yeah for sure. I fully believe in even just walking around by yourself. I love doing that by myself because I can focus on it. It's kind of therapeutic in a way. I love sweaters. I think things that I can picture myself wearing on a date.
SHOP THE COACH 1941 REXY SWEATER, $695
The Rexy sweater looks great on you!
Thanks. I literally live in that kind of space when I'm at home and comfortable.
Is there a piece in your closet that brings back wonderful memories?
There are definitely moments where I'm in my closet and I'll flip through something and look at a shirt and that happens. I think probably when I was 18 or 19, it was such an important year in my life because it was me being on my own and there was this striped shirt I wore all the time (I'm sure I can find it on my Instagram). It was a crop top. I wore it all the time— to concerts, my friends' house, I was sad and I would cry [in it.] It's like putting on a song. I had great memories in it. I still remember it, I want to know where it is now.
Your BOF interview mentions you're watching Game of Thrones.
I'm on season 4.
So you're going through a binge-watching phase right now.
I for sure am. I want to be Khaleesi. Who doesn't? I think Jon Snow is very attractive.
What's your binge-watching outfit?
You know what's funny is that when you're home you can be a little inhibited. I love wearing cute satin shorts. A cute little top that's maybe a little oversized. I love big socks, chunky soft ones. Put my hair in a ponytail. Sometimes you feel prettiest in those moments. I think I do when I'm with my friends.
How do you feel about the costumes on Game of Thrones?
Oh they're beautiful. I literally went online and tried to buy this beautiful dress that kind of flowed and had a neck that was all sewn together and the details are unbelievable. I think it's phenomenal—everything about the show is. I sometimes wish we could have moments where we could dress like that. That would never happen. That's not in right now, by the way, I'm just saying they're gorgeous
Maybe Khaleesi braids?
They're killer.
SHOP THE COACH 1941 UNI INTARSIA SWEATER
You're working on a Woody Allen film right now. How psyched are you about those costumes?
I think when you're playing a character in any film it's so crucial to have the costume that makes you feel like you're going to be that character. It's all very comfortable and when I put it on I feel like the character I'm supposed to play. I just started so I'm beyond excited to be able to continue.
