In The Essentials | Emily Payne
INTRODUCING IN THE ESSENTIALS: A series of interviews with long-time friends and customers, photographed in their favored pieces from our core collection of timeless, finely crafted essentials.
Shot at our Design Studio | Showroom in Berkeley
MEET EMILY PAYNE
Tell us a little about your background.
I am a visual artist and I live and work in Berkeley, CA.
How did you first discover Erica Tanov?
I moved to West Berkeley from San Francisco in 1998 and raised two kids in this neighborhood. I often walked by Erica’s store and was drawn to the artistry and beauty and originality on display there. Once when my mother (whose elegant and simple style I always admired) was visiting, we wandered in and found the most beautiful brown and ivory, A-line coat with silk lining and bell sleeves. I tried it on and, in that instant, felt, sort of for the first time, like a woman. She “splurged” and bought it for me and I wear it to this day.
In three words, how would you describe your personal style?
Feminine/masculine, elegant, relaxed (sorry, that’s four words!)
What Erica Tanov essentials are a staple in your closet?
I need to dress up for work on occasion and I feel my best in Erica’s clothing. I love wearing my Darby pants in combination with a Patti blouse – it is just the right balance of dressed up, comfortable, boss-lady, and sensual.
How has your style changed over time?
I am a 58 year old woman. What has most surprised me about getting older is that I am enjoying dressing up and paying attention to what I am wearing more and more. Maybe it is the benefit of knowing that this is the time to relish my good health and my joy, when I feel it, and to express it outwardly in my clothing.
Do you have any upcoming travels or projects that you are excited about?
Erica and I have been working on our fifth collaboration in which she showcases home goods and clothing made from fabric inspired by my art work. I’m super excited to do my third wall drawing in one of her spaces - this time on the stairwell wall of her beautiful new studio space in Berkeley. It’s scheduled right before Madam President comes into office…
Where do you go to find beauty and inspiration?
Any body of water; places where I can get a full view of the sky, the horizon line or a bank of trees; and inside and around buildings where there is a play of light, shadow, architectural lines and textures.
What is the best or most memorable piece of advice you have been given?
As a mother of young kids also pursuing a career as an artist, I felt I wasn’t doing either job very well. Upon hearing that I was thinking about quitting art to pursue a more reliable career path, a friend said to me, “Persevere." Having that word planted in my mind has helped me weather periods of doubt and kept me steady as I've balanced art and motherhood.
