Always on the pulse of the art and fashion world, Milk Studios hosted a new exhibit through the winter, celebrating new work from emerging artists, including that of model and artist Coco Young. Among the sixty artists represented, Coco’s work stood out for her innovative inspiration and vision. Though Coco wasn’t in town to enjoy the celebratory closing, Modelinia snagged a moment with the model - who’s currently in Japan - to talk about the experience, her art work, and how her life has changed as a model.
Some describe your art as an observation of model off duty style. How would you explain it?
I have been working on a project titled “Hurry Up And Wait” that documents models but not necessarily off duty (sometimes I sneak a picture while they are being shot). Hurry Up And Wait is sort of an on going project and I don’t really know what I’m going to do with it yet. I am not really concerned with the model’s “style” when I shoot a photo because I try to keep a neutral documentarian’s eye and just shoot thing the way they are without trying to make too much of a judgment or have too much of an opinion. I am more interested in capturing an emotion or an action than an outfit that is being worn.
Who are some women that inspire you most?
My really good friend Florencia because she is such a “Woman” - always elegant and put together but she is also very tough and real. I like strong women who have a presence when they enter a room. Women who can adapt to any situation, because to me that is a proof of intelligence. The designer Cynthia Rowley is a great inspiration to me because she stays cool and true to herself in the midst of the manipulative fashion industry.
MOD style has a range of looks – how would you characterize it?
Well, it seems to me that it can go from one extreme or the other. Some girls will dress as plain and “passe partout” as possible because the last thing they want to think about when they’re not working is clothing. Others, can dress over the top crazy, probably to make a statement or something like that. My favorite “off duty” style is the one of my friend the model Susie Bird. She dresses very chic and stays true to herself.
Who do you look to for inspiration?
People that I don’t understand inspire me the most. I photograph them as an attempt to understand them better. I feel stimulated by the process of getting to know someone though the camera.
How has your life changed since walking for Marc Jacobs?
I went from being a full time student in New York City to a full time model. In this past year, traveling has taken a big place in my life. I have to adapt to other countries and situations. I have to be prepared to leave my social life in New York (that I am very attached to) for long periods of time and make new friends in other cities. The loneliness of the road has pushed me closer to my camera because it is always there for me, in my purse, everywhere I go. Becoming a full time model also enabled me to have more time to work on my personal projects. I am currently working on writing a short film.
What is your favorite part about modeling?
Traveling is my favorite (and my least favorite!). As lonely as it can get, I still wouldn’t trade that opportunity for anything else. I feel really lucky to be able to explore the world.
In addition to modeling and expressing yourself through art, you’re also acting. When did that passion begin and where would you like to see it evolve?
Actually I’ve only acted in one short film (Runaround by KT Auleta). To be honest, I’m not really trying to persue a carreer in acting but obviously if something I find interesting comes my way I’ll do it.
You were born in NYC but grew up in the South of France. What parts of yourself do you attribute to each area?
I think really fast and I don’t really have much patience for things because I want life to be in constant motion. I think those are trait that most New Yorkers have. Growing up in France exposed me to great art and literature. Many of the things that I learned and saw there have a big impact on my life now and on the way I see the world. I smoke too many cigarettes so that’s probably caused by my french upbringing. My taste in food is definitely french. I love oysters and cheese and… (the list can go on for ever) like every self respecting french person, food in general.
