WEARABLE ART PissyPussy

PISSY PUSSY – From Club Kid to thriving Fashion Designer; Meet the self-taught all- around creative who is changing the ‘face’ of fashion on this new wave of cool club kid couture.

Interview by Kay Altamira www.instagram.com/kayaltamira

Robert Reed is a multi-skilled designer and fashion creative from the charming suburbs Attleboro in Massachusetts who came to slay de queer streets of NYC and its legendary Club Kid scene with a progressive persona Reed calls ‘Pissy Pussy’. In the last couple of years, Reed has been taking the world by storm, one look at the time.

Queer culture has never been more accepted, and we owe this to big personalities such as Pissy Pussy who is responsible for bringing the ‘facekini’ fever to a broader audience. For the artist, fashion means insanity or nothing. In an interview for Vogue magazine Robert Reed quotes: “I never lower my standards. I either go out in an insane look or I don’t go out at all.”

Pissy Pussy stands as a striking visual narrative. One of the designer’s biggest inspirations is Barbra Streisand, particularly the film ‘On a Clear Day You Can See Forever’ where inspired by Streisand’s Daisy Gamble, Reed’s natural talent for spotting trends and creating stories came together for his signature ‘all-over’ pattern matching contrivance the designer achieves in each sassy garment.

artPLAY: Thank you for artPLAYing with us. Pissy Pussy is such a groundbreaking fashion character, what inspired you as an artistic persona to create this unique faceless fashion being?

Pissy Pussy:  It mainly started when I moved to NYC and experienced the night life scene. I was amazed by how creative everyone was, and the elaborate outfits were incredibly inspiring. Between my hatred for makeup and my desire to be the most outrageous, I slowly crafted the faceless enigma that is Pissy Pussy. Although I’ve tried to elevate my brand above nightlife and I don’t really go out often for my physical and mental health, NYC nightlife is always deeply rooted into my work.

artPLAY: Your designs are truly wearable art and it is quite impressive what you are able to achieve with your looks, can you share with us the creative process in the making of your fashion stories?

Pissy Pussy: Well as a high school drop out and someone who never attended fashion school, I have a very different way of conceptualizing and executing my creations. Everything I do is based on three key concepts, colors, patterns, and shapes. I never sketch anything or even pattern it. Usually when I see a fabric I know exactly what I want. Whether it’s a triangular headpiece or some random geometrical shape, I always immediately know what that fabric should be transformed into. I never make patterns because I see it as complicated and a waste of time, so I draw right on the fabric and cut. It’s definitely trial and error but it’s how my work really comes to life.

artPLAY: As a self-taught designer and entrepreneur, what would be your advice for other creative minds out there trying to find their way and become their own artistic and independent queer identity?

Pissy Pussy:  My main advice is take your time, take care of yourself (physically and mentally) and stay inspired. My life revolves around my passion for film and music (mainly Barbra Streisand). I’ve spent most of my life studying and binge watching films from all eras and cultures. It’s what helps my mind stay creative and fresh. I pull so many inspirations from film and music and think it’s very important to have these influences in your work.

artPLAY:  In terms of big fashion plans, as we see in the editorial with Mike Ruiz for L’Officiel Australia featuring your Pin Dress, it is always interesting to see how your designs can be interpreted in different wearable perspectives, do you see yourself transitioning fully into a full-time luxury couturier at some point?

Pissy Pussy:  Such a difficult question to answer honestly. My career is very much so in a transitional period. I created Pissy Pussy about two years ago, and started sewing about a year and a half ago. In the last year I’ve had tons of opportunities and success that showed me what I do is so beyond nightlife. I like being really involved in everything. I create, design, style, conceptualize, build sets, the list goes on and on. So I don’t really know what the future holds, because I’m still figuring it out.

artPLAY: Thank you for sharing your art and time with us! Lastly we would love to know, how do you ‘artPLAY’ would you share with us a pissy pussy cheeky little secret?

Pissy Pussy: I love sleeping. I’m always tired and used to feel guilty about napping everyday. But I’ve come to realize my brain needs rest. Moral of the story, take care of yourself!

This is some serious puss. They say the best things in life happen when least expected (or perhaps when drunk) Robert Reed’s fierce character came alive in a fun New York night of friendly gags and liquor. And that was that, Pissy Pussy faceless creature was born for the world to see (or not see), take the piss and enjoy.

Interview Exclusive – artPLAY magazine 2019