Random Question For…Vena Cava

Brooklyn-based duo Lisa Mayock and Sophie Buhai have been designing the Vena Cava line since 2003, the same year they graduated from Parsons.

Known for their signature hand-drawn prints and elegantly edgy cuts, which reference silhouettes past (Poiret, Biba and Jean Muir are influences) without ever feeling dated, the California natives won the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation award in 2006 and were nominated for the CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund in 2007.

They also mount the coolest Fashion Week presentations around, throwing a house party titled “Withdrawing Room” one year - where models lounged around a a charmingly realized faux-living room, bedroom, game room and dining room setting where they read, tried on shoes, played Scrabble and nibbled on cheese and grapes - and hosting a touchingly nostalgic Astroturf picnic in the Bryant Park tents the next (for their Spring 2007 collection, which was inspired by turn-of-the-century Japonisme and the work of Scottish architect Charles Renni Mackintosh).

We can’t wait to see what they’ve got up their sartorial sleeve come Fall (in addition to being named one of American Fashion’s “New Guard” in the September issue of Vanity Fair, that is).

In the meantime, The Fashion Informer caught up with the witty, whip-smart duo the day before their Resort presentation to get the low-down on their tuneage du jour (they kick it old school, yo!), must-have beauty products, and their favorite summer activities (cold brewskie in the shower, anyone)?

So, Lisa and Sophie...

What did you do last weekend, and what are your plans for this weekend?

LISA: Last Friday night we got back from Italy, where we were at Linea Pelle. Sunday I went to an indoor BBQ where there was a man dressed as a lightbulb. In my zombie-like jet lagged state, it made perfect sense. This weekend I am researching Oaxaca for a trip with my mom this summer and falling asleep in the park.

SOPHIE: Last weekend was movies, chess class, pizza party, and a day of exploring a tropical plant nursery in Red Hook. This weekend is shoe repair, hair cut, and flea market/road trip.

Favorite summertime activity?

LISA: I have two that I like a lot: Falling asleep in the park while reading is pretty fantastic; it’s a close second to coming home really hot and sweaty and drinking a cold beer while showering.

SOPHIE: Lobster, cards by the pool, top secret lake.

What's in current rotation on your iPod?

LISA: Goblin, The Gap Band, E.U. Tom Tom Club.

SOPHIE: Bo Hansson, Roy Orbison, Glenn Gould.

Tell me about your pet(s).

LISA: I don’t own any, but enjoy checking out the lizard section at Petco. I particularly like the leopard iguanas.

SOPHIE: No pets; just looking after number one.

What's the one beauty/grooming item you cannot live without?

LISA: I make a practice of using deodorant.

SOPHIE: Mascara or my black tooth.

How do you relax at the end of a long, hard day?

LISA: When I feel really stressed out, I like things that require zero cognitive ability. For example, watching "Nacho Libre" or "Fletch,” or taking a bath while reading Us Weekly.

SOPHIE: Spagetti Bolognese, a Parliament cigarette, and the newspaper - all in bed.

What was your nickname as a kid, and what's your nickname now?

LISA: I've somehow gotten Lisaface, even though it’s longer than my name.

SOPHIE: Then and now: Countsophulaa, The Count, Papula, Nanook, Blondeau, Binkette, Soph.

What is your most treasured item of clothing/piece of jewelry?

LISA: I have a giant safety pin that is threaded with freshwater pearls. It was my great aunt's, and reminds me of her every time I wear it.

SOPHIE: My dad's 1984 “Revenge of the Nerds” bomber jacket - the real deal.

What's your favorite method of communication?

LISA: I do enjoy the text messaging; it’s a good way to pass on jokes without feeling like you’re interrupting someone too much.

SOPHIE: Pay phones.

What song never fails to make you cry?

SOPHIE: The Isley Brothers “Who's That Lady."

If you had the chance to ask God one question (assuming s/he exists), what would you ask?

SOPHIE: “The Godfather” I or II?

What's your favorite sport (to watch and/or participate in)?

LISA: Badminton and soccer.

SOPHIE: Bowling.

Do you believe in suffering for fashion/beauty?

LISA: Maybe just a little.

SOPHIE: No.

What will be the title of your autobiography?

LISA: An Ark Kit Puncture, Anarchy Torture, an Arctic Lecture, an Orchid Texture, an Art Collector...a quote from Gordon Matta-Clark. I have no idea what this means but I enjoy saying it - and I think it would make a good book title.

SOPHIE: Blackgreynavy.

When are you happiest?

LISA: I'd like to create a scenario where I’m with all my close friends, barbequing some cheeseburgers in a backyard, listening to good music, and eating gummy worms. That would make me really happy.

SOPHIE: In a very crowded junk store or a very expensive steak restaurant.

Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For...Costello Tagliapietra.

Comments

[Wholesale costume jewelry]

Interesting article on the fashion duo. They look quite young as well, they should be commended for their success and contribution thus far.