I met Chelsea at a party she was DJing for designer Prabal Gurung and knew I had to shoot her. To me, she is the quintessential cool girl. She speaks with a British accent, wears designer clothes like they were made for her, and can fill any room with energy. Styled by Kelly Framel, we shot her at our studio downtown (she chose the shoot’s playlist) and had a little Q&A so we can all get to know this “it” girl.

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Hey Chelsea, what does music mean to you?

“Music means everything to me… come on it’s the most powerful thing in the world! It’s universal & can alter one’s mood; I feel it brings out the best in people most of the time.”

Above: Jen Kao sweater and leather skirt, Chrissie Morris boots

Who is your favorite artist right now?

“SBTRKT.”

Above: Chelsea wears Natalie Frigo earrings, an Honor bodysuit, Tanya Taylor sweater, and vintage pin

You’re from England originally; why did you move to New York?

“I came here to attend the Lee Strasberg acting school.”

Above:  Jen Kao vest, pants, and jacket; Chrissie Morris shoes

You must keep crazy hours; how do you stay balanced when you’re working mostly at night?

“I just don’t. Do you have any advice for me?!”

Above & Cover:  Tanya Taylor sweater, Vena Cava pants

Above:  Tanya Taylor coat, Magaschoni cashmere shorts

You must get hit on a lot when you’re DJing parties; how does your boyfriend handle that kind of attention on you?

“I just make sure to only tell him the most ridiculous shit that comes out their mouths.”

Above: Karen Walker scarf, Jen Kao hoodie, Karen Walker sweater (worn underneath), Gap briefs

When you were younger, what was your relationship with music?

“I was always listening to all kinds of music from a young age, and when I look back on it now I realize that I was actually kind of a strange kid.” 

 

What’s next for Chelsea Leyland?

“Continue with DJing. Photography and acting. And one day I’d love to start my own organic product line.”