Sounds as though she is in her late 20's. Here's an excerpt from an interview from
www.questforit.com
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
THE QUEST EXCLUSIVE: The Incomparable Genevieve Jones
It was December 19, 2005 when socialite Genevieve Jones was added to the “it” list of this very site. Not long before her list inclusion I’d found her photos continuously being updated on the websites of Wire Image and celebrity event photographer, Patrick McMullan. The list’s inclusion of Genevieve Jones has sparked much interest over the past six months from both readers and other publications alike as to just who Genevieve Jones is. As recently as June 16,th a profile appeared on another on line publication that dispelled a bit of the mystery, unfortunately it did little more than provide a mere glimpse leaving more questions than it actually answered. It did, however, solidify what was already known--that Genevieve Jones is a fashion icon in the making and worthy of a full fledged interview.
To follow is the first full length one on one interview with New York’s most sought after socialite, muse, and budding fashion icon… the incomparable Ms. Genevieve Jones.
The Early Years
New York is New York, it’s the greatest city in the world and everybody knows that” is how my conversation began when asked what brought Genevieve to Manhattan. In the mid nineties at age 18, the Baton Rouge, Louisiana native (a product of a generationally successful father and mother*) headed to New York. After a few years of extensive travel overseas (London, India, etc.) her gal about town, almost fairytale life seriously took root. Her first career choice as a singer was short lived, when she realized that fashion and all things fashion related were her sincerest passions. Admittedly, there was a while when she did not work and wasn’t trying to, but it wasn’t long before Genevieve had the tremendous good fortune of connecting with all the right people--one of which was the then unknown designer, Zac Posen --a working relationship and longtime friendship was formed.
As time progressed she worked for and hung around town with Zac Posen. Genevieve’s ability to get noticed, undoubtedly, was helped by frequenting many of New York City’s then hot spots.** Her late 90’s were spent clubbing and generally hanging with Mr. Posen (himself a standout) along with several others doing as Genevieve states “what kids did at the time”. Unknowingly, the benefits of being a New York party girl were slowly being infused into Genevieve’s life, and as any hipster worth their weight in gold knows...laying the ground work is everything.
On Style & Fashion
What constitutes fashion (good fashion) is anybody’s guess; there are several components that come into play. What constitutes style (incredible stlye) is someone who lives and breathes fashion…good fashion and such is the case with Genevieve Jones.
As a lover of vintage wear in high school, and having the ability to restyle purchased items ranging from old Levi’s to more dramatic pieces, Genevieve was able to get a feel for quality designer wear early on. Most of her free time was spent in the company of adults which gave her entrée to sophisticated styling and no doubt inspired her love for things like alligator shoes and matching bags.
At present, Genevieve’s style and sense of style has evolved into the classic, yet frequently artsy looks she wears today. Francisco Costa (Calvin Klein) and of course, Zac Posen are friends, as is Roberto Cavalli --her style is reflective of a combination of said designers. While it’s true that at this point in life she is most often sophisticated in her look, her style also includes fun playful outfits. When asked if she ever wears jeans she replied, “I like dresses”, jeans she added “are not comfortable”. Funny, I had to concur as I watched her giving a physical demonstration of their discomfort in her yellow frock on a sunny Friday afternoon...dresses become her.
On Friends & The Art of Being a Socialite
The single most important question many ordinary people would pose to a socialite (if they could) might be--What is your life really like? or at what point did your life become this way? I posed this question a few times in different ways, and found that in the case of Genevieve Jones her life has always been this way. Genevieve explained quite matter of factly that when it comes to her friends her closest are uber model Anouck Le Prere (whom she shared a birthday party with this past February at Double Seven) and Julia Restoin Roitfeld, the daughter of the Editor & Chief of French Vogue, Carine Roitfeld. While Genevieve is seen frequently at various events with Ms. Lepere, the two are not photographed nearly as much as Genevieve and fellow socialites Tinsley Mortimer or Fabiola Beracasa. In regards to her socialite friends, her closest are Fabiola Beracasa, Tinsley Mortimer, Zani Gugelmann and Lauren Davis***
Interestingly, Genevieve is both gracious and understated when explaining the role that socialites have currently taken in society. She contends that in comparison to livng the fairytale life of a 19 year old supermodel, her socialite set is actually “more realisitic”, offering “a more attainble lifestyle”. She sums this belief up by pointing out, “we’re all (meaning various women of her type) pushing 30 or in our 50’s”. In other words, becoming a socialite is a possibility whereas it may be unrealistc for a 5' 3" girl, 130+ pounds to think that she can be a model.
When I slipped in what I thought was the ulitmate question of race and why is she...the only African-American girl prominently featured on the New York socialite
scene, she explained that she is (at her core) more fun than most. Fun? Clearly she is truly gracious, and in a sense she is being quite accurate. There are African-American socialites in New York, but for whatever reason they do not fit the carefree, fashion loving mold that Genevieve does, and decidedly this certainly isn’t her fault.
In a nutshell as she explained further “I’m glad I’m the black girl, I don’t promote diamonds and fur. I’m just having fun--I downplay everything.”
The Interests and Inspirations of Genvieve Jones
As the visit progressed, and I began to look around the spacious and beautifully decorated loft apartment, my mind wandered. I asked about the very things that are unique to Genevieve --art is both a constant and a dominant in her life. Interior design which she has been a fan of over the last few years is her occupation and decidedly her career. At some point she hopes to open her own design studio and maybe even create plates or dishes; not only is she into interior design, but she is a bit of an artist (painting) as well. Although she currently keeps a very lovely and tastefully understated pad she is considering a future relocation to maybe Chinatown or the Lower Eastside.
The most intriguing of interests is her love of art films, books and furniture. She shared several pieces of art that were viewable around her apartment. Lastly and certainly not least, Genevieve is a bit of a cook and is not afraid of eating--a rare admission for a socialite. Growing up in Baton Rouge, she is partial to crawfish etoufee, fried catfish, rice and beans, boudan balls, and macaroni and cheese. Many may find this astounding, but clearly this is a very well rounded, down to earth, truly giving gal here.
How many people can procure a beautiful powder blue Tiret watch (compliments of Hip- Hop Mogul Damon Dash) and still appear humble, likeable and carefree? As our time together drew to a close, I reviewed my notes of the previous night I had spent with her both at the Greg Kadel exhibit and at the Entertainment Weekly--Must Have “it” List Party. I was looking to see if I’d missed anything …some small aspect that I might bring to the forefront… I was hard pressed. Other than the fact that she prefers artist types to say investment bankers, there were pretty much no stones left to unturn.
As I looked around at the long textured curtains and the elevated bed, that I could see from the living room, but did not actually view up close, I thought to myself “what exactly will I include in this piece?” After I arrived home and surveyed my notes I read my scribblings of Genevieve’s responses to the questions--had she read the comments in a recent profile done on her. Oddly, she had replied “No! I don’t read what people say...no one wants to read that they’re ugly…I’m extra sensitive.”
The End.
TW
*- at Ms. Jones' request I am unable to elaborate further.
**- Moomba, Spa etc…
***-Fabiola Beracasa who owns her own estate jewelry line, Tinsley Mortimer a former event planner, Zani Gugelmann who also has her own jewelry line, and Lauren Davis a writer for Vogue magazine.