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THE WARHOLIAN QUESTIONNAIRE: DEREK BLASBERG

By Christie's

In the same way that Andy held court behind the velvet ropes at Studio 54, Derek Blasberg can be found most evenings rubbing shoulders with the hottest artists, fashion designers, supermodels and socialites du jour – many of whom he counts as close friends. It’s all in a day’s work for the globe-trotting fashion writer, editor, and New York Times best-selling author, who currently serves as the Editor at Large of Harper’s Bazaar and V magazine, and contributes regularly to titles like Vogue, WSJ Magazine, W, Women’s Wear Daily and the London Sunday Times. You can also find him on his website, MrBlasberg.com, where he muses on such topics as best-dressed lists and behind-the-scenes at London Fashion Week. We couldn’t wait to pick Derek’s brain on all things Warhol, starting with his first eye-opening encounter of the Pop master’s work (let’s just say Liz made a lasting impression).

 

 

What was your first Warholian moment, when did you first encounter him? 

I grew up in Missouri, and my mom would take me to the St. Louis Art Museum often. My first Warhol moment is actually one of my first art moments: she stood me in front of one of his Liz Taylor silkscreens, and I remember being transfixed and impressed and confused. After so many school trips to look at pictures of Old Masters and naked chubby women on velvet couches, I was stunned by the colorful, wonderful idea of Pop art. Been a fan ever since.

 

Who would be Andy’s muse if he were alive today?

Jeez, probably Lindsay Lohan.

 

What are your latest cultural obsessions?

I’m obsessed with social media because I think I need to be better at it.

 

If Warhol were alive today, who’s runway show would Andy attend?

I think he and Marc Jacobs would get along in New York, and perhaps Karl Lagerfeld in Paris.

 

If you could collaborate with Andy on a project, what would it be?

A movie, of course.

 

Dream dinner-party: you, Warhol, and…..?

No one else, of course. I want his full attention.

 

Imagine Warhol had a Twitter account. What kind of thing might he say in 140 characters or less?

I imagine Andy would say very little, but retweet a lot of other people’s amusing observations.

 

Whose portrait would Andy most want to do if he were alive today?

Barack Obama, don’t you think?

 

If you could own one work by Andy, what would it be?

Andy and I are both fans of wiener dogs, and he did some drawings and paintings of them. I want one of those.

 

Soup can or Coke bottle?

Soup. I’m always cold.

 

Studio 54 or Régine’s or Jane Hotel?

Studio 54. One hundred percent. I’m waiting for disco to come back!

 

 

Follow Derek

‏Twitter:  @derekblasberg

Instagram: @derekblasberg

www.derekblasberg.com

www.mrblasberg.com

 

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