Alice Kong: A Few Of My Favourite Things

Paris-born, New York-based director Alice Kong's thing for retro references doesn't just shine through in her work, but also in the items she surrounds herself with.

With commercials for Old Navy, Longchamp, Gucci, Vogue, The Met, and music videos for Vendredi Sur Mer, Bon Entendeur, Darius or Ichon, demonstrating her attraction to absurdity, the Partizan director was always going to showcase some treats for this column.

Here, she talks through the thrift shop finds that have captured her heart, the tree she's always wanted, and the four-legged friend that's probably killed it.

The Fig Tree

As you may have noticed I put a capital letter to Fig and Tree. 

That’s how important it is to me. 

I’ve dreamt of having a Fig Tree forever. 

I just moved into my apartment in April, and this is the first time I’ve had a place with direct sunlight, allowing me to own this tree. 

In my mind, it is just like a Rolex. 

Only thing is, my dog just peed on it, so we’ll see if it lasts.  

The Dog [That Peed On The Tree]

This is Spaghetti.

And I live in Little Italy. 

Just picture how people’s brains short-circuit when I tell them his name in the neighbourhood. 

He’s the bestest boy. 

He will do anything. 

I almost pity him because he’s overly nice. 

I want him to rebel and have a little bit of a backbone. 

But no, he asks permission to jump on the couch by sitting and politely lifting a paw. 

And his bark is so high-pitched and innocent that it sounds like a dolphin. 

The Vase

I feel special when I say that most of my furniture and decorations are thrifted. 

I got this gem at the flea market in that church on Avenue A facing Stuytown, next to McDonald’s (I cannot provide more precise geographic information). 

It’s so unique, and I just love it. 

The Ceramic House

I thrifted (repeated humble brag) this at the Bushwick Market. 

We locked eyes, and I was just like, “You’re coming home with me.” 

Ironically, and not poetically, this is where I store all my cables. 

The [Empty] Picture Frame

Another thrifted ceramic item. 

What makes it unique is that it has a music box system attached to it. 

I knew when I saw it that I wasn’t going to put any pictures in it - I don’t keep pictures anyway - but I just love the contrast of this technology and the hand-painted flowers on ceramic.