Q&A: Johnny Weir on His Fabulous Clothing Collection, Fur, and Upcoming Clothing Line
Figure skater Johnny Weir let Bluefly video cameras into his closet so that the nation might ogle his vast clothing collection, which contains much more than controversial fur unitards. Weir has a two-bedroom apartment in New Jersey, one bedroom of which he uses just for clothes — in addition to his two walk-in closets. "I live in New Jersey, and that affords me a lot more closet space than the average New Yorker gets," Weir explained. "And believe me, I need it!" We spoke to him more about his Chanel jacket obsession, fur pillows, Louboutins as art pieces, and his upcoming clothing line.
What is your advice on closet cleaning?I don’t get rid of anything — I’m such a pack rat. There could be something that I got ten years ago that I wouldn’t get rid of. I have a vintage Chanel jacket that I don’t actually fit into — a very classic Chanel tweed jacket. I just have it as a sort of art installment. And someday I’m going to have a kid, so whether it’s a boy or girl they’re going to inherit a really great wardrobe.
Do you wear women's clothing?I’m lucky because I’m really small so I can wear men's clothes and women’s clothes.
Do you wear women's shoes, too?Usually I try not to buy women’s shoes — I have no heels in my collection. I want to buy a pair of Louboutin patent-leather heels just to fit in the apartment as an art installation. I have a pair of Chanel women's boat shoes and a pair of women’s sneakers from Gucci. And I have a small foot.
How do you feel about man heels?I don’t like the idea of that look — I think it’s not quite right. But there are those situations where you’re performing or doing a shoot where, you know, there’s nothing wrong with a little heel. I think more men should walk in heels and run in heels and see what women have to deal with every day.
How often do you shop?It depends on the paychecks. It depends if I’m having a good month or a bad month, but if it’s a good month I’ll go and treat myself once or twice a week. I recently got a deal to write a book and I had to treat myself and I went and bought myself a Chanel jacket — a new one, a modern one from one of the recent collections.
What are your tips for closet organization?I know exactly everything that I have. Whether it’s a tank top or fur coat, I’ll be able to pinpoint exactly where it goes in the house. I have special bins for things I don’t actually wear because I don’t actually need them. And I keep everything color coded, so I have a very strict system of closeting.
You encountered a spot of trouble earlier this year for wearing a bit of fur on one of your skating outfits. Do you own a lot of fur?I do have a lot of fur. I’m a big fan of fur. I’m not a fan of nutria or fake fur and I’ve taken a lot of flack for that, but it’s just a choice that I make. I travel a lot to Russia and it’s usually in winter when I’m in Russia, so you can’t walk around in a plastic coat and plastic boots when it's minus 40 degrees. I’m from the country, I’ve gone hunting, so I know what happens. I know everything there is to know about the fur industry and I choose to wear fur.
How do you store your furs?I have one closet that’s special and air conditioned just for fur, but it’s all fur coats and scarves and blankets and pillows and things like that.
You have real fur pillows?I like to have a furry bed. I like to get cozy even in the summertime. The air conditioning gets cold and I like to snuggle.
How's the clothing line coming along?We’re meeting with several different producers and people that are willing to help and want to help and are very passionate about me sort of putting my name on some fashions. I’ve been so busy, and it seems like it’s been a long time since the Olympics, but it really hasn’t and I haven’t stopped doing appearances and performing. And I'm writing my single and trying to write my book. And I found a little bit of cellulite yesterday so I’ve been in the gym every day.
What kind of price point are you aiming for?I want Chanel quality, of course — a different price point, but of course Chanel quality. If I’m going to put my name on it, it’s gotta be good enough for Uncle Karl. Price point? I’m thinking along the lines of All Saints or Topshop — I wouldn’t go crazy and put my name on a heel for $700. I’m not a tried-and-true designer just yet. Maybe when I’m 50 or 70 I can put my name on a shoe for $700.
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