IdStyle File – Rachelle Scarfó

March 26, 2010

Idiosyncratic Style spotlights Designer / Illustrator, Rachelle Scarfó. With her unapologetic positivity, unbelievable talent and the kind of confidence that isn’t remotely arrogant, she is undoubtedly well on her way to living a life worthy of an inspiring memoir that is destined to become a best seller.

A Self Portrait by Rachelle Scarfó

What are you working on?
Currently I’m the set decorator on a feature set in the 1920’s called “Natural Born Thieves”. It’s based on a series of stories by Jack London and centers around the ways in which people are corruptible by greed.

What’s next?
More graphic design, a couple of short films and another feature in early summer.

Rachelle on the set of Natural Born Thieves | Photographed by Ramona Diaconescu

Your passion?
Telling stories through visuals.

The most influential artist?
I’m sure it sounds a little cliche, but Leonardo da Vinci. Not as much for his work as a painter or sculptor, but I have a great admiration for him as a polymath.

People in my Head | Illustration by Rachelle Scarfó

Your idiosyncratic style?
This is a tough one. When I’m working I’ll usually just grab whatever’s clean (or whatever’s less dirty) – a pair of jeans, a t-shirt and my work boots. Something I wouldn’t mind getting dirty, worn or smeared with paint. Now that I think about it, those clothes pretty much dominate my wardrobe. Although, when I do go out, my style probably leans more towards 1950s fashions and patterns.”

Your favorite stores?
Thrift or used clothing stores.

A Self Portrait by Rachelle Scarfó

Your fashion icon?
Honestly, I’d be lying if I said I had one. I like when people dress with character, and don’t let current fashion trends dictate what they wear. Interesting colours, patterns, cuts – it’s all good. Except regular people who wear tear-away pants – what’s the need to take your pants off that fast?

In the movie of your life, who would play you?
Based solely on looks, Alia Shawkat (most popular as Maeby in Arrested Development). In all other aspects, I’d like to see a small wise cracking Italian man – maybe Joe Pesci or Danny Devito. It would be a character piece for sure.

Alia Shawkat | Danny Devito

Your favorite meal?
Air popped popcorn with olive oil and Frank’s Red Hot sauce.

The best book ever?
I honestly can’t pick one favorite, but honorable mentions include “Fall on Your Knees” by Ann-Marie MacDonald, “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger, “The Brain that Changes Itself” by Norman Doidge, “Black like Me” by John Howard Griffin, “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides, and any Sherlock Holmes.

The song you never get sick of?
“Girl in the War” by Josh Ritter (or any Josh Ritter for that matter)

Rachelle on the set of The Killer God | Photographed by Olivier Labonte Lemoyne

Your guilty pleasure?
BMV (secondhand bookstore). I can’t walk by it without going inside. Even if I don’t end up buying something I’ll spend hours looking through books, records and old magazines. A couple of months ago I picked up a Playboy from the mid 1950’s out of curiosity (and of course to indulge in some vintage advertising and fashions). It was incredibly tame compared anything you’d see now – mostly stories and articles on men’s etiquette, style and current events with a few nudies splashed in there every so often. But that’s the kind of stuff BMV hooks you on, all the stuff you wouldn’t find at another bookstore.

Your favorite childhood game?
I don’t think there’s a name for jumping-out-from-around-corners-to-scare-your-younger-brother. If there is, that’s it.

A Self Portrait by Rachelle Scarfó

The cause you’d give your all to?
Anything that works towards bringing about equality and freedom for all people.

What’s down the road for you?
Way down the road, when I’m too old and bitter to work in the film industry, I’d like get a degree in neurobiology. Brain plasticity fascinates me – I’m a huge science nerd, and quite frankly, a huge nerd in general. But most of the goals and aspirations I have don’t necessary follow a time line. I kind of like to keep a little mystery and surprise in the future and just enjoy it when it happens.

Rachelle's Fortune | Photographed by Mina Sewell Mancuso