INTERVIEW: Kristin Prim, 16-Year Old Editor of Prim Magazine

Mar 18, 2010 - by Alex Kazemi

Underage bloggettes like Tavi might be making headlines for sitting front row and making friends with designers, but when it comes to editors, there's only one girl who can claim she's doing it old school. Kristin Prim is a 16-year old wunderkind who runs her own PRINT magazine. That's right kiddies, print ain't dead, it's just much younger than you remember. We sat down with the editor-in-chic and chatted about sitting front row at top shows this season including Nicole Miller, Ohne Titel, Betsey Johnson, Andy & Debb, and Moncler, her uncontrollable Balenciaga obsession, and her favorite shopping spots in New York City.

Alex Kazemi : Why did you decide to become a magazine editor at 14 years old? Why did you put yourself out there at such a young age?

Kristin Prim: It was nothing intentional! I have always had an untamed love for aesthetics; it all fell into place. I also have no patience so waiting forty years to slowly work my way up to the top wasn't something I necessarily wanted to do.

Kazemi: The winter 2010 issue is incomparable to the past issues. Any comments?

Kristin: Prim has definitely evolved over the past two years simply because I have matured. Every magazine is a reflection of their editor. I established Prim the second I became interested in fashion so obviously the look is going to mature and grow. I feel especially with the Spring/Summer 2010 issue that we have finally reached our trademark aesthetic. It's wonderful.

Kazemi:  The 'thin look' is very in for Spring/Summer 2010, can you tell us about your diet?

Kristin: I run and keep a low calorie diet. Plus tons of Red Bull in between. I was never into junk food so it's always easy for me to weed out unhealthy food.

Kazemi: Would you ever pose for Terry Richardson?

Kristin: Yes and no. I would rather not comment about this at the moment however I am a great fan of his photography.

Kazemi: How do you feel about people constantly saying "THIS GIRL BOUGHT HER WAY INTO THE INDUSTRY"?

Kristin: I will never deny the fact that none of this could have happened without start up money; it's essential. I don't think any business would have been established if the founder did not have money. Nevertheless, you can buy fashion but you can never buy style so it is something that has come naturally to me. I surely did not buy everything.

Kazemi: Where are your favorite places to shop in NYC? Where's your favorite place to get coffee in between sprees?

Kristin: Tons of places! Barney's and Bergdorf Goodman are always fantastic. I also love Oak, Seven, Opening Ceremony, and Jeffrey. Generically, Starbucks is great for coffee runs.

Kazemi: What was your experience like this time around at fashion week? What were some of your favorite shows/presentations?

Kristin: Fashion Week is always crazily amazing! Some of my favorite shows this season were Ohne Titel along with Cushnie et Ochs, Nicole Miller, Betsey Johnson, The Blonds, and Karen Walker. The Moncler presentation was breathtaking.

[caption id="attachment_93919" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Kristin Prim Sitting Front Row. Photo by Patrick McMullen"][/caption]

Kazemi: Do you feel it's easier to hold friendships with friends that are industry relevant, then the kids at school?

Kristin: Not to be cliquey but of course it's easier to maintain relationships with people that are industry relevant. You often collaborate on the same projects with them, attend the same events, and obviously hold the same interests so usually those friendships tend to last.

Kazemi: Tell our readers what it's like balancing school and a publication at the mere age of 16?

Kristin: I've learned to keep a very strict and tight schedule to fit both into my daily life. Of course we've looked into homeschooling however I'm a junior in high school and it doesn't make sense to stop attending high school now with only a year left to go.

Kazemi: Why do you love Balenciaga so much?

Kristin: Balenciaga has always been my favorite designer by far. I'm almost positive it's the designer I own the most of as well. Nicolas' collections are always so boundary-pushing and innovative; I cannot imagine not having his pieces hanging in my closet.

Kazemi: If you had to pick five shows to walk in what would they be?

Kristin: John Galliano, Balenciaga, Miu Miu, Versace, and sadly, McQueen.

Kazemi: What models are your eye of adoration?

Kristin: My favorite models are Sasha Pivovarova, Lara Stone, and Dree Hemingway.

Kazemi: Tell us about your style inspirations?

Kristin: I have never looked directly at an outfit and been inspired. I'm greatly moved by specific photos which will then trigger me to wear an outfit which often enough has a completely different mood and style. Courtney Love, Alice Dellal, and Mary-Kate Olsen have all greatly influenced my style although I find myself more influenced by photographic editorials than people directly.

Kazemi: What are some of your favorite magazine covers from the past few years?

Kristin: Mary-Kate, Lindsay, and Bjork's Interview covers are stunning and Courtney Love's Pop has been my favorite Pop cover to date.

Kazemi: What was it like collaborating with Jeremy Scott?

Kristin: Jeremy has always been one of the driving forces behind my style so to interview him in the Winter issue was an absolute honor. He's absolutely fantastic.

Kazemi: Is it true Prim has gone bi-annual? If so, why did you decide on this?

Kristin: Yes, it is! Bigger and better issues.

Kazemi: We are all mourning over Lee's death.... What was your favorite McQueen collection and why?

Kristin: Fall 2009 exceeded the limits of avant-gardian fashion while creating pieces which could be worn daily.

Kazemi: What is playing on your iPod at the moment?

Kristin: Crystal Castles, Hole, Sky Ferreira, Lady GaGa,

Kazemi: Tell us about your process for directing shoots?

Kristin: Usually I'll have a conference with each photographer describing exactly what I want for the shoot. I'll send them a preview of the next issue so they get a feel for the mood and know how to channel it in their work. Next comes picking a location and model, booking hair and makeup, and a stylist. Later on a meeting with hair and makeup as well as the styling team is needed so everyone is on the same page styling-wise.

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