An Interiors Pro Shows Us Around Her Boss Bedroom (& Denim Collection)

Name:
Athena Calderone

Occupation:
"I am an interior designer, own a company, Rawlins Calderone Design, and my work has been featured in the New York Times. I'm super-excited for the renovation of my Amagansett Mid-Century modern beach house to be featured in Elle Decor's July 2012 issue — this project was a labor of love for me! I'm a visual creature who is continually inspired by all that surrounds me... I pride myself on pairing the unexpected in life, design, and the food I create...my passion, which can be experienced on my new blog, EyeSwoon, a destination for creativity, food, and design dedicated to lovers of living with beauty and deliciousness in everyday life. You can check it out here [www.eyeswoon.tumblr.com], but I am in the process of designing a custom blog set to launch next month."

What were your first pair of jeans?
"As a pre-teen, my very first job was at a store called The Jean Outlet, and I had every pair of acid-washed jeans imaginable... Skin tight, lots of zippers, and in a multitude of colors and washes. That was in the early '90s."

What are you wearing?
First look: "A pair of super-short Current/Elliot jean shorts...amazing fit...love the deconstructed removal of the back pocket. I like to pair sexy, revealing shorts with an elegant, buttoned-up silk blouse like this patterned one from Zara and a blazer, this one is Helmut Lang. I tend to only wear mini, mini shorts and usually cut them shorter! The perfect gray summer wedge by Alejandro Inglemo... Ring, necklaces, and cuff are by Anndra Neen."
Second look: "A great pair of vintage jean overalls I purchased at the Brooklyn Flea with a mesh Isabel Marant shirt."
Third look:"A navy and black striped, torn-edged silk tank from Raquel Allegra, a pair of bright-orange tailored trousers by O'2nd, navy suede shoes by YSL, jewels by Anndra Neen (which I LOVE!), and my absolute favorite shrunken vintage boys' Wrangler jean jacket. I have had this jacket for over 10 years now, and I wear it A LOT...maybe too much, it’s never met a look it doesn’t play well with! Paired with a flowy, feminine dress, with a maxi-skirt and tank, layered under a heavier coat in winter, or in summer over a flirty dress, or with shorts. It is without a doubt the go-to piece in my closet that always works. Throwing it over a more-sophisticated dress gives my look a street edge, and its mini proportions don’t distract a silhouette — they add to it — and are perfect for my frame!"

How many pairs of jeans do you own?
"Hummmmm...25-ish?"

Do you have a preferred philosophy when it comes to jeans: Sexy and skinny, or loose and comfy?
"Usually sexy and skinny, but I am an extremist, so it's one or the other... Super-skinny or super-oversized and baggy...skater style... Nothing in-between."

Used or new?
"For jean jackets, used for sure. I have three that I rotate... One of them definitely represents NYC to me, as it was the first piece of clothing I bought when I moved here at Cheap Jack's... It's falling apart in all the right places!"

What's your signature wash...or does it matter?
"Doesn't matter....I love black jeans or a lived-in wash, especially for shorts and jackets."

What's your favorite way to wear your jeans and with what?
"I like to wear a chic, sophisticted outfit and juxtapose or offset the look with a grungy jean jacket. I like to turn things on their side a bit... I never like to wear the obvious or a complete look."

If your jeans had a name or theme song, what would it be? Or do they?
"That's a really hard one...something rock 'n' roll... Lenny Kravitz's 'Want To Fly Away.' The song just feels badass and sexy."

Favorite example of celebrity-jean wearing (i.e., Bruce Springsteen's Born in the USA album cover).
"Erin Wasson in her white silk blouse and ripped short-shorts...so hot!"

What do you love most about your favorite denim pieces?
"That my jeans have been on many journeys with me over the years, so they feel lived-in, tell a story, and truly represent me."