CHARLES ANASTASE
BRANDS & MAKERS
Photography and video by Patricia Buren
Charles wearing a coat he made for his brand Chrales X
Who better to sit down with than Charles Anastase? A Sky Blue contributor, an eccentric of the highest order, and a dear friend, he is the sort of conversational wildcard whose answers you can never quite predict—except that they will invariably shift your perspective. Over coffee at Patricia's house, he even unpacked his bag for us, producing a small trove of cherished objects and launching into an impromptu tour of his favorite spots in the city. We took a moment to speak with Mr. Anastase about his ideas of elegance, and to ask him about the things he holds closest.
Explain Elegance for us, please.
Elegance is being aware that many things are not right in our society, and expressing this view through your clothes rather than through opinions or words.
Elegance is bringing a softer touch to a world that has always been rather violent.
What are you looking to accomplish by designing clothes?
People like me don’t “accomplish” things. I design clothes simply because I feel like it. But it’s more like a hobby. Everything, for me, has to feel like a hobby or I’m not interested. I don’t think you wake up one morning saying, “I’m going to be a designer because I want to change the world.” In my case, if you wake up in the morning, it’s already a miracle, and I don’t have particular thoughts about things.
Sometimes I feel like wearing an Edwardian coat with a velvet collar, so I cut one.
I don’t have a plan. I never have.
Tell us about your vision of design, and how you have mastered many different crafts.
I don’t have a vision. I just make things. And those things are always related to my past, my story.
I’ve always had the luxury of never having to pitch or sell myself to anyone, yet I still ended up with the most interesting clients—Mylène Farmer, Rei Kawakubo, Yoko Ono, or Winona Ryder. These people who bought and wore my clothes didn’t even know I truly existed, and they didn’t mind.
So my vision of design is to disappear completely behind my clothes, allowing them to stand on their own.
Why I’m good at making hats, shoes, tailoring, and evening gowns is a mystery that simply imposed itself on me. It’s not something I decided; I just did it.
The fact that I had the time and the wealth from an early age that allowed me to do it might be an explanation.
"People like me don’t “accomplish” things. I design clothes simply because I feel like it."
Coat, trousers, and bag from Charles X,, and shoes from Tricker's of Jermyn Street
My favorite restaurant: Aux Deux Amis, 45 rue Oberkampf, 75011, Paris
My favorite artist: Alina Szapocznikow
My favorite bar: The Hemingway Bar at the Ritz
My favorite musicians: Yoko Ono, La Monte Young, Lou Doillon
My favorite song: Summertime by any artist
A film that inspires me: Baby Doll
My favorite color: cerulean blue
Bag and apron from Charles X, airpod holder from Prada, shoes from Tricker's of Jermyn Street
SKY BLUE
Est. 2019