Profile: Charlotte Ronson

I met Charlotte years ago through mutual friends and we have stayed in touch ever since. I completely admire what she has built and the world that she has created – apart from her eponymous line of apparel and accessories, she has launched numerous successful collaborations in creating a remarkable brand that is distinctly her own.

Her NYC apartment is much the same. Situated in a pre-war building in downtown Manhattan’s Noho neighborhood, it is an eclectic mix of the nostalgic and new, and completely Charlotte. A French New Wave influence can be seen throughout, along with her amazing collection of artwork and books.

Her home is filled with both light and beautiful objects, each with their own meaning attached. Perhaps my favorites: the many photographs of family and friends that decorate her walls, and not only tell stories, but also create an incredible warmth. I hope you enjoy this look inside. XXJKE

Beauty

R+T: What are your go-to beauty products? Why?

Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara – you only need to apply once to get long, full lashes.

Stila Eyeliner Pen in black – almost foolproof to apply.

Charlotte Ronson for Sephora A Perfect Kiss Lip-Gloss. I love that they are bright lip stains but still subtle and perfect for day to night. You can also apply on your cheeks for a touch of colour and sheen.

Charlotte Ronson for Sephora 2x a Charm crème blush and bronzer stick in Mindy is perfect for a subtle sun kissed glow.

For nighttime I love a burst of red, either Nars Heat Wave or Mac’s Ruby Woo.

My miracle worker is Cle De Peau Concealer; I never leave home without it.

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

I wash my face with Cetaphil and I apply Cle de Peau Beaute Contour Des Yeux and Cle de Peau Beaute Lotion Tendre – it’s nice and light. Skyn Iceland makes this amazing product called Hydro Cool Firming Eye Gels, which are the perfect cure for tired eyes.

R+T: What are the 5 products you couldn’t live without?

My makeup must haves are Cle De Peau Under Eye Concealer, Giorgio Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara, and Charlotte Ronson for Sephora 2x a charm blush bronzer creme stick in Mindy, for when I want a subtle glow. I like YSL, MAC and Nars lipsticks and glosses, depending on my look.

R+T: Bath or Shower?

Shower.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

My super soft vintage tees.

Health

R+T: Do you have any health tricks?

Drink lots and lots of water, take Wellness Formula immediately once you feel a cold/flu coming on.

I also take Phyto Paris phytophanere caplets, for hair and nails.

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

Work out, sleep, and lots of me time.

R+T: Do you workout, what do you swear by?

I love SLT, spinning at Soul Cycle or Flywheel; Barry’s Bootcamp is seriously intense, and occasional cardio at the gym. I try to get my heart rate up, since I don’t feel like I’ve had a proper workout unless I break a sweat.

R+T: What do you do to relax?

Watch movies, create my photo & inspiration books, listen to music, and write in my journal…

Food

R+T: Is there anything about your diet you would like to share with R+T?

Eat everything in moderation, try not to eat too close to bedtime, and pick the healthier alternative when possible.

Drink lots and lots of water.

R+T: Do you cook?

I’m trying to cook more, practice really does make perfect.

R+T: What is your favorite recipe?

I usually get my recipes from my mother and friends, or online.

Roast chicken

Roasted potatoes

Roasted Brussel sprouts

Or Veal Milanese.

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

Feminine, clean, neutral, with touches of color throughout.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

My wrought iron 4 poster bed from ABC, my dining table, my Aurel Schmidt drawing, all of my Harry Benson and Pamela Hanson photographs.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

ABC Carpet & Home, John Derian, Restoration Hardware.

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

I spend most of my time in my living room – there is so much light and my couch is almost too comfortable…

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

George Condo, Lucien Freud, Dan Colen, Aurel Schmidt, Lisa Yuskavage, Kim McCarty, Jose Parla.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

My Aurel Schmidt drawing.

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home?

Yes, I am trying to do so more. I love having people over, it’s always much more cozy and intimate.

R+T: How do you set the scene when you have people over?

Depending how many people are over, I like to have lots of mini candles, and flowers.

R+T: What is your favorite song/playlist when you have people over?

My twin spoils me, Samantha always keeps me up to date on my music.

R+T: Plated, Buffet, or Family Style for a dinner party?

Buffet, for sure.

R+T: What are your favorite flowers?

Peonies.

R+T: Do you do them yourself or do you use a florist?

Sometimes I order them from a florist, or they have great flowers at my corner deli, Le Basket on Broadway.

R+T: Who is your favorite florist?

Adore Floral.

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

Feminine with a touch of tomboy.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

Stella McCartney, Isabel Marant, Valentino, Chanel, Dolce & Gabanna, Guillaume Henry for Carven.

R+T: What are the 5 pieces you can’t live without this season?

My I Heart Ronson for JC Penney sweater with my dog Oliver on it.

Delfina Delettrez triangle ring.

Charlotte Ronson black lattice lace jumpsuit.

Jawbone Up wristband.

R+T: What is your uniform?

Depends; ditsy floral dresses and short shorts in the summer and jeans or mini skirts with tights and lots of layers in the winter…I love wearing chunky knit sweaters as coats in the fall.

R+T: What is your newest purchase?

A new pair of black patent leather Charlotte Olympia Gretchen heels.

Design

R+T: When did you first realize that you wanted to be in fashion?

I come from a creative family, and it exposed me to lots of different areas from Music, to Art and Fashion. I felt most like myself and a sense of freedom in Fashion. I started off creating custom Vintage T’s for friends and haven’t looked back since.

R+T: What’s your favorite piece that you’ve designed?

My Charlotte Ronson leather jacket from the Spring 2011 season. The more beat up it gets, the better it is.

R+T: Any new projects you’re working on?

I recently collaborated with One King’s Lane on Holiday wrapping paper. The prints on the paper were the same prints from my Fall/Winter 2013 collection! The wrapping paper is exclusively sold at One King’s Lane.

R+T: Any favorite new designs?

My Charlotte Ronson spring 2014 white convertible leather jacket. The sleeves have a hidden eyelet panel that can be exposed once unzipped.