I created Cult Factory because I wanted a place to get together and create with my friends –a platform to make, play, and inspire. Together we keep alive the spirit of NYC and the ingenuity that fuels it.
WHY NEW YORK CITY?
I'm obsessed with New York City!!! Truly - there is no place like it in the entire world. I've always known my future would be in art and fashion and in my mind NYC is that magical place where beautiful things are made and exciting people live. I wanted to be a part of that culture and liveliness.
THE CITY NEVER SLEEPS...WHAT TIME DID YOU GET TO BED LAST NIGHT?
I'm literally up at 4:51 AM filling out this questionnaire, which is taking me an absurdly long time considering I'm the one who made up the questions. I hate sleeping –it bores me– but I eventually crash.
PLAY HOST FOR US... WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE US FOR
COFFEE - The Bean @ N. 11th in Williamsburg. I go there to do work often and they have the most glorious drink ever called the Frozen Mona Lisa that is basically a natural frappuccino.
DINNER - I'm the worst at picking restaurants because I get so indecisive with food! Luckily I'm usually with people who know what's up and I've discovered some of my favorite spots from my unofficial food-guides: For a low key night get pork nachos at Forgetmenot or a burger and fries from Blue Collar. If you wanna be fancy head to Bacaro for some incredible Italian or soak up cozy vibes at Freemans.
COCKTAILS - The Handy Liquor Bar is the cutest spot to hang and play board games while sipping some of the city's best cocktails. You must try my personal favorite the Drugstore Cowboy!
PARTYING - Freehold is probably my favorite hangout because of the bomb backyard and fun crowd! For a big night of dancing, though, I'm still most in love with The Jane Hotel - the music is rad and the atmosphere is always cool.
WHO ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
Everything! What I listen to really depends what I'm doing –when I'm painting I go darker a la The Virgin Suicides soundtrack or Clint Mansell, but to pump up for my city walks or get inspired for fashion work I blast Kanye beats. Right now I'm super into Glass Animals' new album, How To Be A Human Being, and literally anything that M.I.A. comes out with!
ANY CREATIVES YOU WANT TO COLLABORATE WITH?
Yes yes of course!!! I love collaborating and would adore to do a project with all of the following people: designer Josep Font of Delpozo, dancer Maddie Ziegler, producer Metro Boomin, photographer Miles Aldridge, artist Bruce Nauman, Nike's Design Team, and the ultimate legend, Karl Lagerfeld.
FAVORITE PROJECT SO FAR?
My next project is always my favorite because I love the thrill of the new.
DREAM DINNER PARTY -- WHICH 7 GUESTS WOULD YOU INVITE?
Well I definitely would want all of my future collaborators to come to the party! But additionally I'd love to have the following crew there: Cara Delevingne, A$AP Rocky, Mr. Brainwash, Alexander Wang, Dev Hynes, Tina Fey, and Kate Moss.
WHERE DO YOU SHOP?
Everywhere! I think with the right styling you can really make anything work. I loathe dressing the same as others, though, so I either wear my own designs or shop vintage! Favorite vintage spots in NYC: Awoke Vintage and Stella Dallas.
DO YOU HAVE A MUSE?
I'll forever adore the limitless 60s and always try to channel the vibe of Warhol and Edie Sedgwick (during the good times) when creating.
FAVORITE SPOT?
I go on these epic walks around the city –from where I live in Williamsburg, over the bridge into the LES, sometimes as far as the highline and through Chelsea. I guess I have no particular spot in the city that gets to me, but rather it's the expansiveness of it and all I find so impressive. The variance you experience and the transience of your surroundings while simply on an hour long walk is what inspires me.
NYC FOREVER?
I couldn't imagine living anywhere else. NYC is the best city in the world –I haven't even been to all the others! I just know.
MOTTO YOU LIVE BY?
LIVE IN THE NOW, which is actually a quote from Wayne's World, but how I like to live my life. I don't dwell on what's happened in the past too much. I prefer to live in the moment and it's really quite liberating.
WHAT ARE YOU WORKING ON AND WHERE CAN WE SEE IT?
So much! Art, some new fashion designs, and a mess of other projects. Check out the latest here!!!
WOULD YOU RATHER
CINDY CRAWFORD or KATE MOSS
Both. Cindy for her perfection and Kate for her imperfection.
MORNING OR NIGHT
Night!
UPTOWN OR DOWNTOWN
Downtown!
WEBSITE: www.christinamannino.com
INSTAGRAM: @manneeni
TWITTER: @manneeni
[Photos by Jenna Burke]