Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Byrdie Bell is one of those naturally pretty multi-hyphenates that seem to spring up out of nowhere. In Bell's case, she started to capture the attention of the press when she began modeling professionally in New York City. Now considered a style icon, she recently made the move west to further her acting career. We spoke to Bell after hearing about her relocation and her curatorial gig at e-boutique Piperlime, where she shops the site alongside other other fashion-focused types like Rachel Zoe, Olivia Palermo and Rachel Bilson. The Piperlime fan spilled her thoughts on LA and what's up next.
You lived in London, Chicago and New York before moving to LA. We're not going to ask you to choose favorites, but what did you like about each city? Did anything surprise you about LA?
"London is close to my heart. I was quite young when I moved there so it was all very foreign and exotic but now when I go back its very comforting and full of memories, my own and those of its rich history. Chicago is my hometown! I still root for the Bulls. New York will always be my spiritual home. From age thirteen on this city raised me and shaped who I am today. LA is awesome. Obviously the weather is a bonus but I'm obsessed with how warm, open and friendly the people are in such a big city."
How did you get involved in the fashion world? Was it through modeling, or did your mother (jewelry designer Evelyn Lorentzen-Bell) influence you?
"It was mother! She has flawless taste and introduced me to the world of style at a very young age. Of course modeling has helped too."
What caused you to get involved with Piperlime? What appealed to you about the prospect?
"It was such a blast editing my picks on Piperlime. I've loved internet shopping since the beginning and Piperlime has always been a favorite source. I literally get giddy when I find something I absolutely love and could share with shoppers."
Did you move to Los Angeles because of your acting career? What are you working on right now?
"I did. Modeling in New York has been an awesome and surprising career turn but I always knew I'd end up in Los Angeles. I have wonderful new representation and am being sent exciting scripts almost every day."
You obviously enjoy fashion and clothes—where in Los Angeles do you go when you're in the mood to shop? Have you been hitting up the vintage markets?
"I'm dying to go to the vintage markets! I haven't yet but I beg my boyfriend (a Los Angeles native) to take me every weekend. I just went to Opening Ceremony for the first time. I loved it. It's huge."
What's up next for you?
"We'll see! But I will tell you I'm very excited about all of the prospects."
· Byrdie Bell [Official Site]
· Piperlime [Official Site]