Exclusive: Erin Wasson Takes Us on A Dreamy Escape to Ojai
Throw Erin Wasson and photographer David Mushegain like a boomerang into the majestic Ojai Valley, and what will come back to you? A dream-worthy fashion story. We wouldn’t expect anything less from the model, whose innate sense of cool-girl style has lead to an array of inspiring looks over the years. So we tested our aforementioned theory early this month, giving Wasson complete creative freedom in a town full of charming haunts and unexplored finds. The vibe: a luxe road trip during the dog days of summer. The look: easy dresses and lightweight separates made for exploring.
Keep reading for our exclusive editorial and interview with Wasson.
Photographer: David Mushegain
Creative Director: Erin Wasson
Producer: Jenna Peffley
Market: Nicole Akhtarzad
Who What Wear: What inspired the creative direction of this shoot?
Erin Wasson: I wanted to show a different side of California, something above and beyond the typical beach culture and pilfered resources that everyone's been over-exposed to.
WWW: Do you have a favorite look from the shoot?
EW: I really loved the black, suede open-back dress that I wore while checking out books at Bart's.
Credits: Tamara Mellon Suede Fringe Cut Out Dress ($995) in Black; Wasson's personal boots.
WWW: You shot everything in Ojai. What do you love about the city?
EW: Ojai has recently become one of my favorite destinations. I feel a strong sense of attachment to it—it reminds me of home, of Texas. What I love most is the community and the scenery; it's a true form of escapism for me.
Credits: For Love & Lemons Vixen Maxi Dress ($215, available late August); Wasson's personal boots.
Photo taken at Camp Bartlett
WWW: What mood were you trying to achieve with the clothes?
EW: I wanted to take away usual suspects of road trip styling—denim-heavy, rustic pieces—and offer new breath with some dress silhouettes.
Credits: Knitz by For Love & Lemons Back To Basics Crop Top ($105, similar style); Haute Hippie Camisole Slip Dress ($207) in Nectar; Wasson's personal boots.
Photo taken outside the Hip Vegan Cafe
WWW: What item makes you feel sexy the moment you put them on?
EW: I feel sexiest when I'm not thinking about being sexy.
Credits: Raquel Allegra Cosmic Tie-Dye Silk Blazer ($240); For Love & Lemons SKIVVIES Femme Fatale Panty ($73, similar style).
Photo taken at the Thacher House
WWW: There is a bit of that road trip vibe in the story. What items should every woman pack for this kind of trip?
EW: Jeans, a pair of ****-kicker boots, an easy dress to throw in the mix, and lightweight t-shirts that you don't mind getting dirty.
Credits: Mother P.E. Still Behind The Hustle T-Shirt ($88); Reformation Rossi Two Piece ($198) in Black; Wasson's personal boots.
Photo taken on Highway 150.
WWW: What’s your go-to fall look?
EW: The usual: leather pants with cowboy boots and a great piece of outerwear.
Credits: Levi’s Suede Trucker Jacket ($298); Paige Verdugo Jeans ($249) in Blue Galaxy Coating.
Photo taken at Ojai Deer Lodge
WWW: If we could peek inside your makeup bag, what would we find?
EW: RMS Un Cover-Up ($36), Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Sheer Colour Powder ($58), Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz ($21), the Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant ($21) by Elizabeth Arden, and RMS Mascara ($28).
Credits: Cheap Monday Pleat Dress ($125) in Black; Wasson's personal boots.
Photo taken at the Thacher House
WWW: Are you working any projects you can tell us about?
EW: I am working on a fine jewelry project (planning to launch by the end of 2014), as well as a few others under wraps as of now, but that I am extremely excited about.
Credits: Kaelen Stretch Wool Overlap Gown ($760, available September at Avenue32 and American Two Shot); Kiki De Montparnasse Enchante Stretch Charmeuse-trimmed Chantilly Lace Briefs ($265); Wasson's personal boots.
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