Random Questions For...Libertine

Proving the old adage that opposites attract, Libertine design duo Johnson Hartig and Cindy Greene see eye-to-eye on pretty much....well, nothing when it comes to life’s big questions, including where to live (he’s based in LA, she lives in New York).

When it comes to matters of fashion and style, however, the bi-coastal BFFs are totally simpatico, as witnessed by their consistently quirky one-of-a-kind separates. Hartig finds and reworks vintage garments, then ships them to Greene, who silkscreens nineteenth century images such as birds, vines and skulls onto them and - viola! - another Libertine masterpiece is born. The line is currently carried in 23 stores internationally, and has been worn by everyone from Karl Lagerfeld to Gwyneth Paltrow - and in 2006, they collaborated with artist pal Damien Hirst on their spring collection.

Next week, the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation Award winners will unveil their hotly anticipated Libertine for Target collection, which will feature the themes they’re now famous for - Victoriana, goth, punk - rendered for a mass market audience via pleated skirts, dresses, pants and bermuda shorts and all manner of tops, priced from $13 to $40.

The Fashion Informer recently got the chance to ask them a few questions as to what makes Libertine tick. So, Johnson and Cindy...

What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
HARTIG: Playing with my dogs, hunting squirrels, planting flowers and vegetables - and admiring luxury and beauty.
GREENE: N/A

What’s the last book you read?
HARTIG: “God Is Not Great” by Christopher Hitchens.
GREENE: I’m reading  “Welcome to the Monkey House” by Kurt Vonnegut.

What did you do last weekend, and what are your plans for this weekend?
HARTIG: I went to Olsen twins 21st birthday party, swam with friends and loped around.
GREENE: I’m presently shopping in Tokyo.

Who do you think is the most underrated designer?
HARTIG: Rodarte and Thom Browne - my three best friends - although they're hardly underrated.
GREENE: Hmmm...

What's your favorite movie of all time?
HARTIG: Well, actually, my friends and I make little movies all the time. My current favorite stars Kate and Laura Mulleavy with Margaret Yen. It’s a real show stopper.
GREENE: I would have to say “Sherman's March” by Ross McElwee.

What scared you as a kid?
HARTIG: My parents dying.
GREENE: I was so scared that a monster lived under my bed that I had to sleep on the floor.

What scares you now?
HARTIG: My dog dying. And this Administration still being in power.
GREENE: Sky diving.

What is your favorite work of art?
HARTIG: Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, and LOVE YOU TOO by Damien Hirst
GREENE: A photo of a giant ferocious bear made of faux flowers holding a model (like King Kong) who is bleeding petals by my friend, Nagi Noda.

Brunch: pro or con?
HARTIG: CON!!! I Can’t really even stand to hear that word. Either brekky or lunch for me.
GREENE: Love it!

Favorite sport?
HARTIG: Cricket.
GREENE: Is riding my bike leisurely in NYC a sport?  I love to watch b ball.

Biggest style icon?
HARTIG: Pat Buckley.
GREENE: Bianca Jagger.

Do you believe in suffering for fashion/beauty?
HARTIG: Life is suffering [so you] might as well look great living it. So yes, I guess I do.
GREENE: A little bit but sometimes you have to be practical.  I do tend to wear heels all day at work but I’ve worked up a tolerance.

For what will you be arrested?
HARTIG: probably nothing. I’m pretty dull, really.
GREENE: Shopping.

Do you believe in love at first sight?
HARTIG: Absolutely, 100 percent. It means we've encountered a spirit we've had a deep connection with in another life.
GREENE: Nope.

What's your beverage of choice?
HARTIG: French 75.
GREENE: Mango-Kombucha.

If you found $15,000 cash in a brown paper bag, how would you spend it?
HARTIG: Half on a painting, half to a dog rescue.
GREENE: Today I feel like buying a horse.

When are you happiest?
HARTIG: Sitting in the sunshine, enjoying nature and the company of someone I really like.
GREENE: When I’m making things.

Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For Luca Luca.

Photos below courtesy of Libertine for Target.