Claw Money
Issue #32
The graffiti artist–turned–street-wear designer is a modern-day renaissance woman
By Kelly Mellott
Published: June 1st, 2007 | 12:00am
The iconic graffiti artist who first made her mark on the world in the early 1990s is now putting her tag on the fashion world. Claw Money, 38, is the designer of her eponymous street-wear line and fashion editor of Swindle magazine. Bombshell: The Life and Crimes of Claw Money is the New York designer’s first book, an eclectic look at Claw beyond the icon and deep into her history. Released in early 2007, the book is flashy and full of flavor, covered with art, candid photos, and even her Grandma Baba’s recipe for latkes. From bags to books, Claw’s world is heavily influenced by the culture that shaped her, but now the graffiti queen talks about being ready to step into some uncharted territory.
What was it like to be a woman in the very male-dominated culture of graffiti art?
It has its pluses and minuses, just like the real world. It was great being a dope woman who can stand on her own and conduct business and handle herself. I got a lot of love and support from people; I got a lot of hate. [Some of the male graffiti artists] thought I was an easy target because I’m a woman. You know that type of dude that attacks a girl because it’s less of a threat? But it definitely had its perks because being a girl is the best! You have the element of surprise; people don’t know you’re writing graffiti. They’re confused by it and it’s unexpected. That’s a huge advantage. It was easy for me to conceal because I just didn’t seem like the type, mainly because I’m a woman.
What’s your personal style?
My personal style is chic and sloppy. I’m into mixing high and low. I like to wear a $2 Hanes T-shirt with a really nice Moschino blazer and some cute kicks. You don’t need money to have style.
Is that reflected in the Claw Money line?
Definitely. It’s a reinterpretation of luxury. It’s more attainable. I think that’s my aesthetic — to be both cheap and [have good] looks at the same time.
What are you most excited about in your upcoming line?
I’m really excited about these new purses I’m working on that no one has seen. I’m excited about my new eyewear collection that’s about to come out. I really want to focus more on high-end accessories and one-of-a-kind, handmade items. Street-wear is awesome for getting your art out there, and it’s accessible but, you know, I wanna be a craftsman, an artist. I want to make more hands-on stuff. I think that’s the direction I’m leading in.
What’s the best thing about being Claw Money?
Probably the junk mail that I get that’s addressed to Claw Monkey.
What does the future hold for Claw Money?
I can’t even believe I’m going to say this, but marriage and babies! It never was important to me before, but now as I’m approaching 40, I’m thinking, “Why not?” Why not have it all? I think it would be kinda cool; I met an awesome guy. All these fucked-up idiots are having kids. I just wanna balance the scales out a little bit. And as far as design goes, I wanna come and guest-appear for other people’s companies and make accessories. I want to get away from ready-to-wear and street-wear. I want to go in a totally different direction.
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