Style icon and singer-actress Taylor Momsen shares the backstory of “Gossip Girl,” her favorite musicians and the best vintage store in New York!
The Pretty Reckless lead singer Taylor Momsen began modeling at the age of two. Acting at three. So accustomed to life in show business at such a young age, it’s not surprising then that the 5’8” 32-year-old blonde star admits to being a loner. Wise beyond her years, with a quiet confidence, Momsen has a daring fashion sense. She blends oversized men’s flannel shirts (she admits to stealing from her father’s closet!) with black denim short-shorts and boots. A fan of layers in not only her threads, but her artistic lifestyle, the singer-actress, who rose steadily to fame after her role opposite Jim Carrey in “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” and starring on “Gossip Girl,” just landed her eighth #1 hit single on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Airplay Chart.
Spending her days perusing vintage stores in her favorite place in the world—New York—and her nights rocking out in red lipstick and platinum locks… This is one defiant, determined and stylish city girl!
DBL: You’ve been working as an actress since such a young age. When was the first time you realized your passion for acting?
TM: I started modeling when I was two. Acting when I was three. I don’t really remember one particular moment. I liked being around adults. I never liked hanging out with people my own age. My mom and I moved to New York for a summer and I signed with Ford Modeling Agency. I was sent on a commercial audition and then started doing national commercials. I didn’t know the difference. It was just work to me, and I liked doing it.
Did you expect the great success of “Gossip Girl”?
Not at all. None of us did. We expected it would be a hit or miss. The teen-drama book series was such a success, though I hadn’t read them. I liked that it was set in New York, my favorite place, and so fashion-oriented. I liked Jenny. She is the most evolving character on the show. She’s the youngest, so she’s figuring stuff out. I just thought, ‘I hope it works’ and it blew up fast.
Are you anything similar to the character of Jenny?
As an actor, you always find similarities to a character, so you can play them. She’s creative, a fashion designer, has aspirations and goals…she’s like me in that she’s really, really driven. I’m opinionated. I know what I want. In the day-to-day…her desire to be popular in that world, to fit in. I’m more of a loner.
What kind of movies or roles would you want to play next?
Something different. Something heavy. I’ll know when it feels right.
What does your music career mean to you? And how do you see the difference between acting and music?
Acting—I love it. It’s a great job and a passion, but there’s a level of detachment because it’s not me. I have to play a character. Music is my everything. I get up in the morning for it, I live for it. It’s me onstage, not Jenny Humphrey or Cindy Lou Who. Acting is something I’d like to continue.
Who is your favorite musician?
I don’t have one. Right now there is nothing original. Nothing real. I don’t even turn on the radio. A band that has influenced me is The Beatles. Also, though they are not new, The White Stripes and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
Which of the autumn/winter trends are you attracted to? Any styles, materials, or colors you want to try?
I don’t follow trends! I dress how I feel. I’m inspired by where I’m at, at the time. I’m inspired by music. I am into layering. I like dresses because they are feminine. Leather and boots, hats. Simple pieces underneath. I like plaids and flannels and vintage. But I’m particular. The flannel has to be vintage worn beaded ones! I like 90s grunge, some 70s, 1950s vintage shops.
Is there a particular vintage shop in New York that you frequent?
Yes, it’s called New York Vintage. Shannon runs it and she’s really sweet! There are nice, quality pieces. Fantastic, neat finds. Anybody who visits New York should go!
Who is your favorite designer?
I really like Chanel. It’s classic, feminine. Dior is fantastic. Alexander Wang. There are so many!
And which one is your favorite “IT” denim?
I have a pair of black cut-off short-shorts that I like to wear with thigh-hi stockings and heels.
Who is your fashion icon?
I don’t have one. There’s no person I emulate myself after. My fashion is inspired by New York City, by music, passion. Not even by fashion itself. It’s just an art form. I don’t really like bold colors. There’s something chic about black. Style is cool when it doesn’t scream.
The Pretty Reckless’ Christmas EP, Where Are You Christmas, is out now.
This interview originally appeared in ELLEgirl Japan but was updated today with the latest news.
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