NYC’s Best Dirty Martini

I want to live in the gauzy, glamorous visual worlds created by photographer and filmmaker Emma Craft. Sparkles shine with incandescent allure, feathers appear extra soft against the luminous skin—it looks like my only job there would be to read 19th-century literature while consuming macarons, champagne, and the occasional Capri. Today, the director joins Coveteur to share her essential miniskirt, her favorite pair of everyday jeans, and the SPF that leaves her glowing.  — Maraya

SIGHT

“The Swing”: My mom recently sent me photos of my favorite painting IRL, “The Swing,” when she was in London—this piece was the key inspiration for a music video I directed for Charlotte Rose Benjamin’s single "French Resistance." Even though I wasn’t the one seeing it in person, she sent me detailed photos of the corners of the painting and it made it feel so personal. I owe her the world for that!

SOUND

TTPD: Listeners have been quite critical of the album, but I feel Taylor is at a point in her art where she is allowed to be wordy and raw; we don’t always need perfect pop songs for the radio(even though I would love those too). I think it's a masterpiece of her truest internal monologue.

TASTE

Bemelmans Bar and Their Dirty Martini: The atmosphere is amazing, you feel like you are transported back in time.

SMELL

Calm Mood Mist by Cardea Au Set: I love spraying it on my pillows before getting into bed.

FEEL

Hourglass Skin Tint: This is the best skin tint I have ever tried, it truly feels like butter on your skin.

EMMA’S ESSENTIALS

This was tricky to pull links because 99% of my wardrobe is vintage or from my mom's closet! I really never buy fast fashion but there are staples that I will always reach for, especially when it comes to being on set. 

Tankair Studio Mini Skirt: The first essential that came to mind was the Tankair mini skirt. It has the perfect weight so it doesn't flip up in the wind, it really stays put. It's perfect for those hot NY summers.

Los Angeles Apparel Baby Rib 3/4 Sleeve Boatneck Top: Next in mind is honestly anything from LA Apparel. They have perfect staples for being on set when I just need to wear all black but still feel chic. 

Gucci Horsebit Pumps: Another essential I think everyone should have is a loafer. I have these chunky Gucci heeled ones in particular; I love wearing them when I am shooting in-studio—I feel like such a businesswoman.

Abrand 99 Low Straight Katie: I am so, so picky about jeans; isn't everyone? Abrand has these low-rise jeans that I wear almost every day. They are the perfect cut. 

Blumarine Vintage Knee-Length Skirt: My last essential is a flirty skirt that you can dress up or down. I found this Blumarine skirt when I was on a job in Florence, and I grabbed it so many times when going out. I couldn't find the exact one, but linked a similar one!

“My hot take is that your skincare routine should be extremely gentle and simple. Use the drugstore products. And always buy clean beauty. Not enough people are taking into factor what is going into their products and onto their skin, and who their favorite beauty products have been tested on!”

Emma Craft

VANITY

Luxury/Splurge: Nette Coco Fleur Eau de Parfum: I haven't bought a perfume for myself in years, and when I was at Sephora one day I found Nette—this clean beauty brand that is cruelty-free as well—and I was over the moon. I fell in love with the Coco Fleur scent and now it's my daily fragrance. 

Drugstore Discovery: Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30: I used to love buying tons of luxe skincare, thinking that was truly the hack to amazing skin. I went to my dermatologist and she told me to cut back and simplify my routine because of my super sensitive skin (who knew lol). I bought Vanicream products per her recommendation and my skin began to really change. Another clean beauty brand, with simple ingredients. Their SPF leaves my skin so glowy and hydrated; it is a key player in my routine, especially my base before makeup. 

Cult Classic: Mario Badescu Drying Lotion: Mario Badescu. Those words very much go hand in hand. MB was the first brand that really began my skincare journey when I was in college, and the drying cream has always stuck around in my vanity. It's a game-changer for any stress breakouts!

Indie Option: Living Libations Best Skin Ever—Seabuckthorn: The Seabuckthorn oil is one of my absolute favorite products. It makes me feel like I'm at a spa every time I use it. It's multi-use. I use it for a double cleanse, or just in the morning as a super gentle cleanser/hydrator. It's the best and leaves my skin so happy. 

All Time Ole Reliable: Moroccanoil Treatment Original: Moroccan Oil is one of the few products my hair can handle. I have very fine hair, so any oil will soak right into my hair and get to my roots. Although when my hair is feeling super dry, I'll use some on the ends of my hair and it will bring my hair back to life and has an incredible scent. I have been buying this product since high school!

LATELY ON COVETEUR

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