Daily Front Row

2012 May 30

2012 CFDA Awards Preview: Trova Weighs In!

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Trova with her dog
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(NEW YORK) Has it really been a year since we've enjoyed some up-close-and-personal time with the industry's most in-demand statuette? Mais oui! In haute anticipation of the 2012 CFDA Awards, we caught up with Trova moments after s/he returned from a trip to Austria. Believe it.
BY ASHLEY BAKER

So what have you been up to since we last saw you at Lincoln Center?
After the CFDA awards last year, I skipped town. The lights, the people; it was all so much. I’ve since recuperated and am ready to be on stage again. Sometimes, you have to unplug and get your shine back. I’m just happy to be back.

You're a real New Yorker—always on the go. Do you take the subway?
Yes, every real New Yorker takes the train. It’s awkward though, because you know how you always look at your reflection in the window to make sure you look okay? Well, people do that to me and they stare and stare, pick their teeth, it’s nasty. One time somebody used me to keep the door open, like a common doorstop. It was traumatizing, but I’ve recovered.

You recently visited Swarovski HQ. First time in Europe?
Oh heavens no, I’m in Europe all the time! It was my first time at Swarovski, though, which is odd because Nadja and I are such great friends. I’ll tell you—you put me in a room of Swarovski crystals and I’m not really able to pay attention to anything else. My eyes get all sparkly when I think of icing myself out.

What struck you most about the experience?
Well, like I said, I got giddy at the prospect of decking myself out in Swarovski crystals and it was fairly obvious, so they let me try on anything I wanted. I pulled some Anna Dello Russo looks with crystal baubles on my head, complemented by an understated yet elegant bracelet-turned-belt.

We know you're a uniform-wearing kind of...creature. But are you ever able to accessorize?
Of course! Everybody has to do accessorize now and then. For big occasions, like the Met Ball, for example, I like to pull out some major crystal headpieces and neck bling. My uniform is great for day-to-day but sometimes you have to add that extra punch, you know?

Would you ever consider being Crystallized?
Look, that’s a personal decision. Everybody’s body is their temple. Some people say no, some people say yes. When you start to lose your shine, or need that extra “oomph,” it’s always an option. Personally, I could see myself doing it in the future. It’s my body; I do what I want.

How do you deal with the extreme humidity that comes with the rainy season?
It’s a nightmare. I get condensation like nobody’s business and I can’t find a good no-streak deodorant. I try to be as immobile as possible, which isn’t hard. But I have a secret, too: My base is hollow and I keep paper towels in there to stay dry when necessary.

Have you ever met Oscar?
Ugh, Oscar. We used to be really close and then he moved to L.A. I was over on the West Coast not long ago and called him to grab some food at Gjelina and he was like, “Oh, yeah, I’m like really busy.” Whatever. It’s his off-season, and we all know he has nothing to do. We’re kind of not on speaking terms right now.

Who are you looking forward to meeting at the 2012 CFDA Awards?
I’m very excited to meet some of the menswear designers. They’re so elusive! I’m a huge fan of Billy Reid’s designs and I’m dying to talk to Simon Spurr to see what his next move is. And of course, Patrik Ervell has been up to a lot things lately, so I’ll stalk him for sure.

How do you relax and recuperate after the awards?
Well, last year, I skipped town. I saw the world, I needed to find myself. This year, I'm planning on going upstate for a little while. The Hamptons is so tired. After that, it's anybody's guess.

Are you following any particular fitness regime?
Oh, yes. To maintain my physique, I try to lift smaller trophies. They get annoyed but it's like, you're a little league trophy, deal with it.

What about a beauty regimen?
Polish every morning, and a strong sealant before bed. It's the only way to keep from being tarnished, like some other statues out there I could mention. Ahem, Stanley.

Who's hot on Twitter, in your opinion?
Of course @CFDA, and the CFDA's president, @DVF! Then it’s a full feed of our member designers with the big tweeters such as @dkny, @oscarprgirl,  @proenzaschouler,  @toryburch, @michaelkors, @marcjacobsintl, @katespadeny, @zacposen, @elietahari, @chrisbenz…I could go on and on…Their tweets never fail to get me through the day and lord knows, a Trova needs some help to get through a long day.