10 Questions: Lesley Arfin
Photo: Terry Richardson
We initial fell in really like with Lesley Arfin when she began her cult-loved Dear Diary column for Vice magazine: she got personal… real personal (It was later turned into a book with an introduction written by Chloe Sevigny.). She’s scribed for magazines like Jane, Paper, Purple, and i-D (she was even the former editor-in-chief of the now-defunct Missbehave magazine–RIP), and now, she’s operating alongside Lena Dunham and Judd Apatow on the HBO series Girls—as 1 of the staff writers. So yeah, Arfin rocks. With over 20 tattoos and a killer sense of humor, we had her fill in our on the internet questionnaire. One particular tip of advice—don’t ask her to describe herself.
ELLE: What is your preferred smell?
Lesley Arfin: Tiny little child smell.
ELLE: What do you take into account the epitome of happiness?
LA: Really like and service.
ELLE: How do you define luxury?
LA: Selecting to say yes or no rather than having to.
ELLE: What is the last dream you keep in mind?
LA: A few nights ago I dreamt I was a soldier in Vietnam. I think it was simply because just before I really feel asleep, I was talking about Apocolypse Now. Also, it was Memorial Day.
ELLE: What’s your preferred childhood memory?
LA: I don’t forget I utilized to spend (what felt like) hours at my grandfather’s house just walking around and exploring. Opening drawers (I discovered a gun!) and selecting up delicate glass objects. I utilized to pretend I was a truly rich girl who had no friends. Also I have wonderful memories of hanging out at our community pool in the summertime prior to I went to camp. I also have great memories of going to our home in East Hampton on the weekends (the interiors had been really Terence Conran). On the drive I would listen to George Michael and The Fresh Prince on my Walkman.
ELLE: What’s the last book you read and loved?
LA: I lately completed Stephen King’s new book, 11/22/63. It’s about a time traveler who goes back to quit the Kennedy assassination. It’s amazing. Now I’m reading Wired, the biography of John Belushi by Bob Woodward.
ELLE: Describe your home’s aesthetic.
LA: 1970s art teacher’s house meets California mysticism.
ELLE: What are your vices?
LA: Tattoos. I have over 20 I feel.
ELLE: Describe yourself in five words or less.
LA: No, I don’t want to.
ELLE: What possession will you never ever throw away?
LA: My baby blankets, my black leather motorcycle boots.