Certain things in life are essential. Fresh air, clean water, a well-fitting trench… Okay, the last one might not be essential in the strictest “take away my trench and I will surely perish” sense of the word. But along with the biker jacket, jumpsuit, and killer hoodie, it’s a pretty good place to start.
That was the thinking behind model Anja Rubik’s new collaboration with French brand IRO, as seen below. A capsule collection of 35 versatile and easy to wear pieces, its goal is to provide a series of “must haves” for every woman’s wardrobe, all bearing the hand of IRO founders Laurent and Arik Bitton and all reflecting the Polish beauty’s own timeless style. And with an accompanying campaign shot by Collier Schorr and styled by i-D Fashion Director Alastair McKimm, they succeeded; the resulting collection is a testament to the unadulterated cool of keeping things simple.
What does an average day look like for you?
My schedule is so sporadic but if I’m home in New York, I’ll wake up, wash my face, have my morning coffee and a light breakfast, then go for a session with my trainer. I usually have a day full of meetings and appointments so I’m running around all over the city. If I have time, I’ll pass by a museum or gallery. At night, I’ll have dinner with friends at Sant Ambroeus in Soho, my favorite spot right now, then unwind with a movie or catch a live show.
You’re known as one of the very best-dressed supermodels around. How do you approach getting dressed every day?
I consider myself a modern woman with a free spirit. My style is a mix of tough and feminine. I like modern classics with a punk twist. It usually depends on my mood and what I have planned for the day but I always like to wear something that has an attitude, interesting details, and some wild element. It’s important that I’m comfortable. I love a look that has an effortless ease.
Tell us more about your IRO collection.
There’s a timelessness with pieces that are both classic and cool. Each item is something special that I feel every woman should have in her wardrobe; from chic rock pieces to more minimal basics. The collection is meant to be mixed and paired together, creating an effortless vibe with a modern twist. The leather biker, trench coat, and kimonos, a great hoodie, well fitted pants, a leather mini skirt, a jumpsuit — all must-haves for every woman’s closet. I like the idea of creating fashion that looks and feels expensive at an accessible price point.
In what way is the collaboration a reflection of you?
The collection is really a reflection of my personal stye. I wanted to include pieces that I would wear in real life, pieces that are my go-to favorites. It’s the perfect balance between tough and sexy, feminine and masculine. I hope people love it as much as I do.
You were photographed without makeup for the campaign. Why was that important to you?
I really wanted to shoot with Collier Schorr, who I think perfectly captures the women I want to represent. I wanted the images to be very straightforward and easy, not forced. I like the idea of colored backgrounds in a collage that references a bit of a 90s Yohji feel. I wanted to keep it simple — no major hair or makeup, very natural… All about me and the clothes. The whole collection is about embodying me and I wanted that to come across in the campaign.
Who are some other people you appreciate for their style?
In general, I appreciate women with a strong sense of self and individuality. Patti Smith, Brigitte Bardot, Debbie Harry, Charlotte Rampling, Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger, David Bowie, Grace Jones, Lauren Hutton, Betty Catroux.
What has your career as a model taught you about style?
Individuality is number one. Wear what you love and what makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. It’s also important to know what works for you and what doesn’t. As they say, wear the clothes, don’t let the clothes wear you.
Credits
Text Matthew Whitehouse
Photography Collier Schorr
Styling Alastair McKimm