pick a category to view work samples :
- PRINT |
- WEB |
- PHOTOGRAPHY |
- TIME-BASED |
- DRAWING |
- MUSIC |
- DANCE |
- CRAFT |
- OTHER
OTHER : an interview with rupee
i got the chance to photograph and interview rupee - the international jet-set fashionista - in her modest greenpoint mansion. how does a world-class trend-setter really live? now we'll finally know :
by Chris Giarmo and Laura Berlin Stinger
CG : hi, rupee.
R : in the beginning. (laughs). Lemme just thank God real quick.
CG : what is the most important thing to remember to maintain international fame and fortune?
R : i'm not some dyke, i'm not some washed up spice girl, i am exactly what the world needs. that is the kind of confidence you have to have. believe you were meant to be where you are because of your actions up to that point.
CG : what's the most deplorable thing you've ever done to get what you want?
R : oh chris. well. there was a nuclear arms shipment coming into south africa when i was doing a benefit concert there a couple decades back, and the aparties (that's what i liked to call the apartheid administration because they threw great parties) decided that the only way it could come in undetected to the country was if it came through my concert, as if it was a part of the show. so we dressed all the dockworkers up like concession workers, little tutus, fishnets, and cute hats, and they just went right through with the shipment. i had to agree, it was the only way i would be allowed to do my concert.
CG : what makes a girl's day when she's got everything?
R : oh, the little things. i just got a japanese douche in my bathroom, i highly recommend it girls. now ramone doesn't have to lick me clean. kidding! my chauffer is pakistani not mexican, this is 2008! but for real. actually, i love the food he cooks.
CG : what is your favorite accessory?
R : actually, i have this little rabbits ear that i wear under my clothes, not really advertised, no one really knows i wear it all the time. it was given to me by my best friend growing up. he was killed in a freak accident with some rebels in kashmir. he was handsome, and i think we were in love but to young to know it. i carry him with me know. both his legs were blown off, he died in my arms.
CG : what advice can you give to aspiring jet-set fashionistas?
R : location location location! ha ha. pack well, there's a really illuminating article about packing in harper's bazaar right now. they always have their finger on the pulse, right boo? also, never forget where you are coming from. i mean, if they ask you in immigration, it can lead to some sticky situations if you say the wrong country! haha. but kind of sexy. i love a man in uniform.
CG : are there any tenets by which you live your life?
R : my trends. oh! i thought you said trends, tenets. i love serving and i have a great backhand. i'm pulling your leg, chris! that frown, shit, no more jokes i guess. well, that would be it, really. i'm always joking around with my crew, my mom even. i take her with me a lot on tour. so i travel so much i have to have a good sense of humor. which hotel am in, which city am i in, etc...and peace, and be nice to your brother. and love all colors, and i try not to eat too much meat. there's an incredible documentary out about how animals get treated in big farms. and be yourself.
CG : if you had to save five men's lives but in order to do so, kill one man, would you?
R : shit. in a heartbeat.
CG : what is your first thought when you wake up in the morning?
R : i love my LIFE!!!!!!!!!!
CG : if you had the chance to do something over again, would you? what?
R : no, never. i have learned something from everything i have done.
CG : tell me about the vitamins...
R : shit. you're getting all wawa walters on me. um. i have a hectic schedule. i work out for 6 hours a day and then i rehearse, or write, or perform. i need a lot of supplements, unfortunately love isn't quite enough.
.......
copyright © chris giarmo 2010.