From Film to Fashion: An Interview with Co’s Stephanie Danan
Stephanie Danan was born in Morocco, raised in Montreal, attended college in Boston, lived in Paris and finally moved to LA 15 years ago. She’s produced films for 20 years, and four years ago began Co, a luxury womenswear label she designs with her partner, Justin Kern.
Stephanie has impeccable taste, which is reflected beautifully in Co’s thoughtful, feminine collections. She and Justin seem to be totally in sync, collaborating in both business and life. Together they share their two-year-old son, and a soulfully decorated ‘50s post-and-beam home. I hope you enjoy learning more about Stephanie and her life.
How did Co come to be?
Stephanie Danan: I was a film producer before I started Co, and my partner, Justin, was a screenwriter. We were in between projects when we decided to make a small collection for our friends. We produced the samples and made a film to go along with the collection. Barneys saw the film on Style.com, called us and our new business began.
How would you describe the Co aesthetic?
SD: Co is about feminine classics. It’s about luxury for a woman who doesn’t want to shop contemporary but also wants to find great value in the luxury pieces she buys. Co is for a woman who likes to have a considered and thoughtful wardrobe, who is active, who loves fashion but is not a fashion victim.
Can you tell me a bit about your collaborative process?
SD: My partner and I design together but go our separate ways when it comes to branding and production. The design process and inspiration always begins with fabrications.
How would you say that your work in film has influenced your design process and the collection as a whole?
SD: My training in film has been essential to my process as a fashion designer. A great film is all about great character and story. When we design we know who our woman is as a result, and we know what story she tells when she will wear a certain piece from the collection. That kind of connection to the emotional life of the women we design for is essential to creating cohesive and thoughtful product.
Where do you look for inspiration?
SD: Everywhere: my son, my country (Morocco), music, travel and, of course, film.
What’s new and next for Co?
SD: We are presently evolving our denim collaboration with Francois Girbaud and starting an eyewear collection. We will also be returning to making content in 2016. We took a break from that to have our son, who is now two.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
SD: My team. Some people on our team have been with us since the start when we had a tiny collection and worked out of our small living room. There is nothing more rewarding for us than sharing the growth of our company with the people who help us create it every day.
Fashion
How would you describe your style?
Minimalist but very feminine.
Who are your favorite designers?
Comme des Garcons, Yohji Yamamoto, Céline.
What are the pieces you can’t live without this season?
My new Céline heels, my Yohji bag, my Filu Hats hat, my Jacque Marie Maje sunglasses.
What is your uniform?
Black.
What are your favorite stores for clothing?
Mameg, Amaree’s and Net-a-Porter.
What is your favorite city for shopping?
Los Angeles.
Beauty
What are your go-to beauty products?
I can’t live without Crème de la Mer and By Terry black mascara. I also love face oils. Right now I’m using Sunday Riley. I also cannot live without my scent, Habanita de Molinard.
Is there anything special you can share about your beauty routine?
Sleep is key. Without sleep no product can help.
What do you sleep in?
J.Crew cotton men’s pajamas.
Health
What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?
I eat a lot of sprouted rice and vegetables for lunch and often skip dinner or eat very early. I really believe in giving your digestive system real rest. I also go to We Care Spa once a year to reboot.
Do you work out, and what do you swear by?
I love hiking and yoga but ever since I had a baby it’s been more difficult to find time. Now that my son is two I’m hoping to find more of a workout routine.
What do you do to relax?
I know it’s strange, but cleaning and organizing relaxes me.
Decor
What is your design philosophy for your home?
Less is more, but warmth is key. I’m originally from Morocco and homes there always have warmth. I don’t love homes that look like museums. I also don’t like to only have one style of furniture or décor in a home. I like to mix midcentury with Moroccan and African. My pieces all have a story. It makes the environment feels more soulful.
What is your favorite room in the house?
The living room because of its high ceilings. It’s surrounded by windows and the house is surrounded by plants and trees.
What are your favorite pieces in your house?
My Soriana Tobia Scarpa couch set. It was in my home growing up and my father sent it to me when my son was born. My parents picked it up in Italy on their way to Montreal. It was their first piece of design furniture.
What are your favorite home stores?
Blackman Cruz and 1st Dibs online, but most of my furniture comes from vintage shopping and my trips to Morocco.
Art
Who are your favorite artists?
Sally Mann, Elliott Hundley, Rothko and so many more.
What is your favorite piece of art you own?
A painting by my godmother and artist Margueritte Takvorian.
Entertaining
Do you entertain at home?
Yes, I love to entertain. I did it a lot more before I had my son.
How do you set the scene?
Lighting and music are key.
What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?
I like to go to the flower market downtown next to our office and make my own bouquets. I love Casablanca lilies and peonies.
Food
Is there anything about your diet you can share?
Eat dinner very early or skip it. Take probiotics.
What is your favorite recipe?
Rice bowls with steamed veggies flavored with all kinds of French herbs, cilantro, dill and oregano, which is amazing for digestion.
