by Dov Kornits
Where did the idea for the book and documentary arise?
“The book and the documentary actually arose in two different ways. With respect to the book, while shopping in Bergdorf Goodman’s studio services, I noticed a book by Rebecca Paley called I’ll Drink to That, which caught my eye because it was about Betty Halbreich, a long-time friend and colleague. The rest is history.
“The documentary, on the other hand, arose when I met the director Michael Selditch while he was producing a fashion segment on CNN, and I liked his presentation.”
Was it a conscious thing for you, to address your legacy, as you were approaching 80?
“Formally addressing my legacy was definitely a new experience for me. Frankly, it had nothing to do with my age, but was more about my work.”
Did you have final cut in the documentary? Were there things that surprised you?
“Frankly, my original reaction to the swimming intro was surprise, and it took me a bit to get used to. In the end, I believe that people enjoyed it, as it was a different and unexpected way to kick off a documentary about fashion.”
How did you feel having an author and a documentary crew tail you? Were there days where you asked them not to be there?
“Having an author and a documentary crew tailing me was definitely a new experience. Towards the end, I was honestly looking forward to the conclusion.”
You’re surrounded by people younger than you. Has that always been the case in your life, and is that a conscious thing for you to keep things fresh?
“I have always been attracted to the energy of young people, as they tend to have an optimism and a creativity that can often be lost with age. Thankfully, not me at my age. We have our energy and optimism in common.”
We recently heard Fran Lebowitz saying that life is so much harder in New York – everything is really hard to do / get done in New York. Can you comment on that?
“I 100% respect Fran Lebowitz, but having been born and bred in Manhattan and Queens, I guess I never considered life in New York as hard. For me, life in NY was and is busy, inspiring, and very social.”
Have you enjoyed the recognition that has been brought to what you do since working in TV/film? What comes first, the amazing work that you do or the recognition that you get when part of a TV show/film? Do you think that working in TV/film plays to your strengths as a collaborator?
“I love communication, and as such, TV and film are perfect venues for my expression and creativity. I fell into TV and film as a happy accident, and have enjoyed it professionally and creatively, as it exposed me to wonderful, talented and creative people. Any recognition that came from my work is an appreciated gift.”
How are you feeling about your age, and what’s ahead of you?
“I love life, and I love living it. I hope ahead of me, is more of the same.”
Happy Clothes: A Film about Patricia Field is screening at the Queer Screen Mardi Gras Film Festival on Thursday 22 February 2024. Click here for more information and tickets.
