Soko: Embracing Beauty, Music, and the Magic of Life
Soko.
This interview first appeared in Manhattan Fashion Directory back in 2010, when Soko—born Stéphanie Sokolinski—was a rising star. Since then, she’s become known for breaking boundaries in both music and film, earning critical acclaim and capturing hearts along the way.
One highlight of her journey was starring alongside Hollywood icon Faye Dunaway in Gucci’s #GucciStyle campaign for the ‘Sylvie’ handbag. Directed by Petra Collins with creative direction by Alessandro Michele, the film cast them as a glamorous mother-daughter duo in Beverly Hills. It was Dunaway’s first campaign for the brand, while Soko had already become a familiar face in Gucci’s world—bringing her signature blend of edge and elegance to every frame.
Revisiting this interview feels like opening a time capsule, offering a glimpse of Soko just before her remarkable creative journey began. In this candid conversation, we talk about music, personal style, and the dreams she was just starting to chase.
WHERE DO YOU DRAW YOUR INSPIRATION FROM?
Beauty, Death, Love, Fears, Dreams, Self-hatred, Depression, Robert Smith.
IF YOU COULD SING A DUET WITH SOMEONE, WHO WOULD IT BE?
Robert Smith, of course!
MOST MEMORABLE SCENE FROM A MOVIE?
At the end of Casablanca…” We’ll always have Paris” and when they eat the fake food in Hook, love it! Robin Williams is my favorite.
FAVORITE PLACE TO SING?
In Churches.
FAVORITE LYRICS?
I know I’m unloveable, you don’t have to tell me
I don’t have much in my life
but take it, it’s yours – Morrissey
DO YOU HAVE A SECRET WISH JOB?
Yes, doing voice overs for animated films. Pixar, Disney, Miyazaki.
REVEAL SOME OF YOUR STYLE SECRETS.
Wear whatever as long as it’s comfortable!
MOST PRIZED POSSESSION?
My Depeche Mode t-shirt from a 1985 California Tour (my year of birth!)
BEST GIFT YOU EVER RECEIVED?
My mom reunited both her and my dad’s wedding ring into one ring. After he died, she gave it to me for my 16th birthday when I left home to protect me. No gift can beat that ever.
FAVORITE GUILTY PLEASURE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNT?
@adorable_animals It’s the one account I go to when I’m in a bad mood and all I do is ” awwweeee”, “haaaaaa”, “cuuuuute”.. and I feel better!
WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW?
I’ve been listening to the song Feline, ‘The Stranglers’ album from ’83 on repeat and the first ‘Pretenders’ album.
GREATEST SAYING THAT YOU LIVE BY?
There’s only one: YOU SNOOZE YOU LOSE
WHAT’S NEXT FOR SOKO?
Finishing my second album, and then doing all the artwork and directing all the videos for it. I’m playing a bunch of DJ gigs (when I’m not actually playing instruments, there’s nothing I love more than sharing my favorite tunes with people and making them sing or dance) and I’m prepping two french feature films, both of which I’m the lead actress, and they’re back to back starting in August…so excited about them. I get to play super-strong amazing women that really existed, and shine a light on their crazy incredible lives! I’m so lucky, this is my absolute dream job!