So what's the real deal with your yard sale?
I’ve been a gypsy for the past 20 years of my life. I’m originally from Finland, but I lived and worked in Paris as an intern for Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel and styled in London at British Vogue. I started collecting when I worked in the design studios with Karl in ’88. I kept everything in really good condition, so when we settled in Amagansett, I had everything from Paris to New York in one place. I realized I had an incredible amount of amazing things that I probably will never wear. I've taken over this great building on 216 Main Street for Saturday. We’re going to set it all up like a store where people can shop starting at 8 a.m. I’m working with my dear friend Prabal Gurung. A percentage of all the proceeds will go to his charity, Shiksha Foundation Nepal, helping underprivileged girls with their education.
Are there any particular Hamptonites you'd love to attend?
I’d like to have Sarah Jessica Parker stop by.
Philip Treacy and Clements Ribeiro are also scheduled to show.
Yes, they’re my house guests. Philip is a very old friend of mine; he’s coming out here for holiday. My friends from Clements Ribeiro have been here for two weeks, so we’re turning this into a fun event for the public.
Are you going to have refreshments?
That’s what Prabal asked! I didn't know it was so important. He said, ‘Tequila. We have to have drinks.’
How many bags did you purge from your closet?
Six full racks for a total of about 300 items. But it’s not like I’m selling the leftover crap. I’m selling my archives. Everything is in mint condition; many things are never worn and still have the tags on them. I’m deeply discounting it all—some up to 80 percent off the original price. I want to price it in a way where people can actually buy them.
What did you find in your archives that you couldn’t part with?
I have a couple pieces from the McQueen exhibition, plus other early Alexander McQueen pieces I would never part with. Same with some of my old YSL pieces and Comme des Garçons pieces. Other than that, I’m being brutal with myself and letting go!
Any surprises while cleaning out your closet?
I found a very early John Galliano show piece from his first big show—the one where all the girls ran down the catwalk. It’s never been worn, and I’m not going to sell it. I think it needs to be in a museum. I also have a pair of perfect purple suede riding pants from Hermès. Don’t ask me why or how…they’re insane.
What would you never buy at a yard sale?
Anything with bed bugs.
If your previous bosses Karl Lagerfeld and Stefano Tonchi showed up, what item would they fight over?
They’d try to woo the McQueen out of me.
Who do you think has been to more yard sales, Karl or Stefano?
Definitely Stefano. I don’t think Karl has ever been to a yard sale. It’s not his vibe. It’s not very French, you know.
