Tru Pierone On Shooting her ‘Cousins’ Campaign in Vintage
Photographed by Sivan Bogan
The Narrative Vintage: Tell us about your EP & what inspired you to create this project.
Tru Pierone: My EP ‘Cousins’ is a collection of four songs that explore identity. I was inspired to create this work because I am in a constant pattern of questioning who I am to the world, in relationships, with my friends, with my family, and so on. I wanted to explore those multifaceted “identities” through music. Musically, the songs exist in very different universes, and I did this very intentionally. In my view, the instrumental music responds to the lyrical storytelling, creating a sound world that matches the mood of my lyrics. I chose to title the EP ‘Cousins’ to convey the idea of being “related but different,” with my voice functioning as the musical matriarch tying these four songs together.
TNV: When creating ‘Cousins’ did you have a sense of the aesthetics and garments that could visually translate this body of work?
TP: When working with The Narrative, I remember emphasizing that I cared a lot about color and wanted pieces that made a statement. I think, because this was my debut EP, I wanted to wear something that caught the eye and took a risk. In my daily life, I love color, and I wanted it to be part of the visual for the EP. I also felt really drawn to a 1920s/1980s styling aesthetic. There is a certain amount of sophistication and fearlessness that those eras embody, which I really wanted to be part of the visual storytelling for the EP.
Pearl white leather rounded toe pull-on boots with 3” heel. Features a leather bow tie and asymmetrical opening circa 1980s by Bootalinos. Slight imperfection on the back of the heel with worn heel sole.
Size: 9 (fits like 8)
Material: 100% leather
Heathered grey wool blend button down maxi shirtdress with notched lapel collar circa 1990s. Features functional buttons for versatile styling to be worn as both a dress or duster.
Content: 80% rayon, 20% wool
Size: S
Measurements: 36” bust / 31” waist/ 38” hip / 49” length
TNV: What do you want the visuals you created for this EP to represent for you in 20 years?
TP: These visuals will represent something very meaningful to me, as this project is the first concrete investment I’ve made in myself as an artist. Twenty years from now, I think I’ll look back and think: “Wow, you were living in New York, being creative with your friends, and you are sharing your art shamelessly. How fucking cool, Tru.”
TNV: What drew you to the vintage pieces you selected in this shoot? Did they evoke certain emotions for you and/or emotions you wanted to portray to your audience?
TP: I was drawn to movement and color when selecting the vintage pieces for the shoot. There was the most amazing red coat that immediately caught my eye when I was looking at The Narrative archive, and I thought: “I neeeeeed that.” I was also drawn to the pieces that felt like they had a personality of their own and were slightly atypical. The “atypical” thing really weaves back into my whole “related, but different” idea that is integral to the EP’s messaging.
80s cherry red leather trench coat featuring a classic notch lapel accentuated with a grid top stitch detailing, fabric covered button closure, and a straight cut tailored fit. Super supple leather with a smooth matte finishing.
Size: M/L
Content: 100% Leather
Measurements available upon request at shop@thenarrativevintage.com or DM us on IG @thenarrativevintage
TNV: Can you tell us about the most treasured vintage pieces in your wardrobe? Is there a story there? How and where did the stars align?
TP: My most cherished vintage pieces come from my great-grandmother. Most of what I have from her dates to the 60s, and of course, those pieces are all the more important to me because they come from her. Growing up, I would always wander through her closets, hunting for something new to try on. While I have some of her fur-collared coats, vintage luggage, and beautiful sundresses, I think the item I cherish most is the gold ring she would wear every day. In my eyes, this ring was such a fixture to her identity. When I wear it, I feel like I can see her hands in mine, her red painted nails, and feel her warmth and wisdom. Another treasured piece is my vintage pleated mohair coat from Sears. I found it at the General Store in Dumbo during the first few months of living here in 2022. The coat symbolizes a new chapter beginning, moving to a new place, and embracing my independence.
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