Dior’s new DJ
Normally, I have an aversion to that nebulous term “It” Girl. It just brings on all these connotations of “girl with no job” that looks awesome in clothes. Anyway, this 20 year old girl has been popping up in circles all over town and blowing a hole through that epitaph. Harley Viera Newton is a busy girl. She’s been DJ’ing tons of parties and paying her dues behind the tables — from the dive-bar Lit to high-fashion events. She plays bass in a band (Lissie Trulllie’s band), and — no joke — manages to study the language of hieroglyphics (with a Major in Egyptology at NYU). Lazy she is not….. plus she still knows how to rock a dress well.
Dior recently isolated the little lady with grace and snagged her as the Dior Music Ambassador. I asked her a few questions about her new gig:
Jauretsi: How did Dior find you and who’s idea was it to create this clever partnership?
Harley Viera Newton: The Dior Beauty Public Relations Team came up with the idea. About a year ago they hired Tinsley Mortimer as their Beauty Ambassador and were looking for ways to expand on this idea. They read about me in an issue of Elle Magazine and we met to discuss different ways we could work together. I’ve always loved Beauty and Fashion so it felt like a natural partnership from the beginning.
What exactly will your duties be as their House DJ? And what sonic direction do you feel represents Dior?
It’s evolving every day, but for now I will be creating playlists inspired by Dior Color Collections. I will also DJ and host events for the brand (the first of which is tonight at the Empire Hotel for Fashion Week). I do believe Dior is not limited to one particular genre, which is important as I enjoy a large variety of music. I think the sonic direction will change depending on the mood of each season and collection.
What music / bands are really inspiring you now?
My latest inspiration has been April March’s album “Chick Habit”. It came out in ’95, but I recently rediscovered it. Other favorites of mine that continue to influence me include The Slits, Dusty Springfield, ESG, and The Clash.
(Harley holding down the Serrato Tables)
