Ari Seth Cohen, the founder of Advanced Style — the blog, book, and now a glorious coloring book — gives us a glimpse into a world where clothes pop at any age. (We’re guessing Andy would approve of this message.) As Cohen writes on his blog, “Respect your elders and let these ladies and gents teach you a thing or two about living life to the fullest.” Below you can find out which glamorous elders Ari would like to dine alongside, what outsider artist he reveres, and which American celebrity he thinks Andy would tackle now.
What was your first Warholian moment, and when did you first encounter him?
When I was a kid I went out for an audition for a commercial. The funny thing is that they noticed my grandmother and she got cast instead of me. She starred in a cable commercial and bought new carpet with the earnings. This made me pretty popular with the kids at school. I first encountered Warhol in museums as a kid.
What or who would be Andy’s muse if he were alive today?
Iris Apfel would be pretty great.
What are your latest cultural obsessions?
Outsider artist Eijiro Miyama, the Japanese grandfather who models women’s clothing for his granddaughter’s online store and always and forever this short film about a woman in Florida who used to make her own clothes called ” Irene Williams: The Queen of Lincoln Road.”
What would you consider Warhol’s most memorable quote or anthem?
“It would be very glamorous to be reincarnated as a great big ring on Liz Taylor’s finger.”
If you could collaborate with Andy on a project, what would it be?
A reality TV show about the lives of glamorous old ladies.
Dream dinner-party: you, Warhol, and…?
Vivienne Westwood, Anna Piaggi, My grandmother…
Whose portrait would Andy most want to do now?
The Obamas.
Soup can or coke bottle?
Soup can.
Drag every day or only on special occasions?
Every day.
Image: From Advanced Style by Ari Seth Cohen, published by powerHouse Books.
