A Day in the Life

The One-and-Only Linda Rodin

10/08/2019

On the surface, New York City is a knot of traffic and towering steel and glass; it can seem icy and impersonal, stacks of cubicles and hordes of people constantly on the move. But ask any local, there are gems and treasures everywhere—not unlike the hidden courtyard gardens of Milan, another city oft-maligned for its cold, gray exterior. You just have to know where to look, and it's in those extraordinary finds that the city's heart beats.

Like Elizabeth Street Garden, an oasis of perennials and limestone statues, tucked away in Nolita—that's where we photographed serial entrepreneur Linda Rodin for this feature. Or John Derian's trio of stores in the East Village; peek inside and the shops burst with color and texture. We shot Rodin here, too.

Which brings us to the lady of the hour and her own abode. Her apartment—located in a 1930s Chelsea building—is a dream, filled with lush verdant greens, antiques, collages, colorful tablescapes, seashells (so many seashells)... Google it—the home is a delight.

Linda Rodin, in the Naledi intarsia sweater and Elliot skirt, with Winks, wearing a Linda and Winks leash-and-collar set, photographed by Jenna Saraco and Nicole Steriovski

The 70-something Rodin is a collector's collector, plucking souvenirs from her travels or from flea markets and vintage lots. But the term applies to her professional pursuits, too—eclectic, colorful, fun. Just consider her CV: gallerist, model, editor, stylist, beauty entrepreneur, and retailer, with her own (now-defunct) Soho boutique, called Linda Hopp. And, of course, how can we forget her latest role as a street-style icon, as much a magnet for photographers as the 20-something influencer crew?

This year, Rodin embarked on yet another chapter in her flourishing career: the Long Island native recently launched her own line of luxury pet accessories, Linda and Winks. And true to form, the collection is as wondrously vibrant as the designer herself—and her joyful New York apartment. To wit, a gingham leash-and-collar combo is cleverly named Brigitte Bardot while her all-natural dog treats are tie-dye-like miniature works of art, in fun floral shapes. As for her partner Winks, that's Rodin's beloved poodle and frequent co-star on their shared Instagram, @lindaandwinks. (The official company handle is @shoplindaandwinks.)

So how does this multihyphenate, who, at an age when most would be eyeing retirement—or there already—do it all? We find out here, as the one-and-only Rodin takes us through a day in her life…

Above: Rodin, in the Casper puffer jacket and Adrina skinny cargo pants, with Winks, wearing a a Linda and Winks leash-and-collar set; below: Winks' moment in the spotlight, both photographed by Jenna Saraco and Nicole Steriovski at Elizabeth Street Garden

Q&A

You start the day by…
The first thing I do when I wake up is take Winky out for his first walk, and I get my oak-milk cappuccino. We wander around the neighborhood for about 40 minutes to get ourselves rolling.

How do you decide your outfit for the day?
I always dress for comfort. Usually jeans and a simple top. Sneakers.

What's in your bag?
Phone, keys and datebook. Doggie bags. And always sunblock.

What's a typical day like?
I usually work from home until noon, and have outside appointments in the afternoon.

When you need an afternoon pick-me-up…
I usually stop for a ginger ale and check my datebook to see what’s happening for the rest of the day.

Workout and/or wellness routine…
I am a very healthy eater—always have been—and I walk a lot. Five miles a day!

Favorite nighttime eats…
A good pasta and a big green salad. A glass of white wine.

Nighttime beauty routine…
I linger in a lavender and Epsom salt bath for as long as Winky will allow me to.

Bedtime rituals…
I wind down by reading and watching some television. I turn the phone off by about 8 PM to clear my head.

And what gets you motivated to start it all over the next day?
Passion for my work and the excitement of creating something new.

Rodin, wearing the Casper puffer jacket and Adrina skinny cargo pants, outside of John Derian in the East Village; below: her Linda and Winks' leash-and-collar designs, available for sale at John Derian, both photographed by Jenna Saraco and Nicole Steriovski