21.05.12
CLAW MONEY
Full Name: Claudia Gold aka Claw Money
Nicknames: Clawdine, Claudette, Claudio, Claudie, Kermie, Goldie and Clamsy
Age (you act): I’m 40 but think I’m 27, I act both 15 and 87 at times. Go figure.
Location: Grammercy Park NYC
Hold the cards or lay em all out?
A little bit of both, so you can’t figure out my my my my poker face!
Are you a gambler in life?
No risk, no reward. Roll the dice.
What were you like in high school?
Bad-ass bitch with a kooky fashion sense. Big mouth with a big posse, bad student with good excuses.
Favorite colors to use?
I love all colors, can’t pick just one. I am constantly evolving my tastes and preferences; today I’m really into khaki.
When did you start doing graff? Why? When did you start the clothing and accessories side of things?
I started painting graffiti in the late 80′s while studying at FIT and did the clothing thing simultaneously. I was like BATGIRL, fashion designer by day and bomber by night. After a few people started asking me to make t-shirts for them, I had an epiphany ‚Äì ‚ÄòWhy don’t I make a CLAW t-shirt? Hmmm, sounds like a good idea……‚Äô
What was that quintessential moment for you that brought you to just get out there and do it?
Since absolutely no one else was addressing a specific female customer back in 2002, I felt like I had to step up. Now there are many brands that speak to the same person, but only one Claw Money. I was already in the business on the editorial side so it was easy for me to switch gears. It slowly evolved from being a joke tee to a hobby (still mainly focusing on my styling gigs) to a full fledged business.
How would you describe the culture and industry today?
This god damn recession is ruining everything! What industry? It is disappearing as we speak. In a way it’s good, it’s helping cleanse a market inundated with terrible product. At the same time, I know people who are losing their apartments after losing their jobs. Who can think about streetwear or fashion now? It just all seems so vapid…
Running ish can be tiring as heck, what are some of your rituals that keep you from going insane?
I like to sleep (like a lot) and do lots of eating and chilling on my weekends. Having great friends, an awesome husband and a grounded family helps a lot. And pets! My pets keep me laughing and on my toes, showing me what’s really important in life – love, food and sleep. And a good hair brushing.
What are some of the more important lessons you’ve learned through your experiences?
It’s business, never personal and ante up, bitch. Really I could write a novel of work applicable anecdotes, but you want me to finish the rest of this interview.
What are you developing right now? What projects do you have coming up?
If I look into my crystal ball I would see a lot of different art projects jumping off and to make some exciting products that isn’t fashion. Think Claw dishes.
Who is someone you haven’t collaborated with, but would like to?
I would like to collaborate with my husband on a baby, it sounds so nuts Рwho has the time and energy? There’s so many wack people having kids, one has to try to even the scales. It’s funny, work goals seem much easier.
Favorite color Jelly bean?
Pina colada is my favorite flavor but it is white with light yellow specs, not my favorite color bean. I like the watermelon one – green spangled with pink, tough and cute all at once.
Where’s your heart at?
My heart is with my family and friends. My heart is with Michael Jackson, so confused and misunderstood. My heart is with children who have cancer. My heart is with the puppy walking next to me. My heart is with all little girls who are unsure of their equality.
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TAGS: claw money | Colette | Hellz Bellz | Married to the Mob
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