Claire Cottrell
Claire Cottrell is a talented young film director who lives and works in Los Angeles. She has a pet rooster.
Describe your personal style.
simple, easy and classic with a touch of the unexpected.
i think you could sum it up by saying i love basics that make a statement.
Who are your favorite designers?
isabel marant, A.P.C., A.L.C., dries van noten, balmain, band of outsiders, j. crew, american vintage
What are your favorite places to shop?
heist, creatures of comfort, satine, lake, steven alan, ok, bazar, LFrank, mona moore
Who are your style icons?
françoise madeleine hardy, anna karina, charlotte gainsbourg, haydée politoff in eric rohmer's la collectionneuse
Are there any key pieces you find yourself wearing constantly?
striped t-shirts, cashmere cardigans, common projects black high tops, rag and bone jeans, rose gold jewelry, something knitted by me or my mom, and my fjallraven backpack goes with me everywhere
What is your most recent purchase?
a silver vintage whiting and davis-esque wallet and a new pair of glasses, matte black oliver peoples o'malley frames
Do you have any stories about amazing deals you've gotten on awesome pieces?
vintage silk christian leboutin ankle strap heels in perfect condition. i got them for $55 at a second hand store on melrose.
Can you give us smart shopping advice?
spend money on the basics. so, if you find the perfect pair of jeans, buy them in every color. if you find the perfect pair of boots, buy them in black and brown. it might seem like a lot of money at the time, but you won't regret it. promise.
Which beauty products do you recommend?
arcona white tea cleanser
arcona chamomile balm
dr. hauschka lip care stick
josie maran tinted moisturizer
nars velvet matte lip pencils
bain de soleil orange gelée sunblock
santa maria di novella melograno soap
kneipp valerian and hops herbal bath (it helps you sleep!)
Do you ever feel like you have nothing to wear?
yes. i love having a sort of uniform. it makes it so easy to get dressed every day, but then i'll get sick of wearing the same thing all the time and it'll feel like i have nothing to wear. digging around in the back of my closet usually solves this. and when in doubt, a new lipstick does wonders.
What do you love about being a film director and what's next for Claire Cottrell?
i'm an observer, and filmmaking is all about observation. the process heightens your senses. you become so aware of your surroundings, relationships, strangers on the street, sounds, cars, signs, light, everything. it opens your eyes to our incredibly rich world, and that is an amazing thing. i also love the collaborative nature of filmmaking. it's a beautiful thing to wake up every day and be working with such talented people towards the same end.
let's see, what's next... i'm working on a year long documentary with an amazing couple in santa monica. they own huckleberry, rustic canyon and a great small batch ice cream shop called sweet rose creamery. the film tells the story of a modern family business and how they've united a community around quality, sustainable food. i'm also planning a series of short films based on these cartoons about dating that a friend in brooklyn writes. hopefully, another music video or two. and, stella and i have discussed collaborating on a piece she's written!
