If you are at all familiar with the New York fashion, art, or downtown party scene, then chances are you’ve heard of Chelsea Leyland. She’s been described as NYC’s fashion DJ, downtown’s favorite DJ and It girl of the moment. The British transplant has quickly become one of New York’s most sought after DJs. Even though Chelsea has only been DJing for around 2 years, she has already played at top parties for Paper Mag, DVF, and Vogue during NYFW, among many others. She is also a familiar face at such hot spots such as Le Bain, 141 Chrystie, and Soho House.
We spoke with Chelsea about her love affair with Berlin, her favorite summer spots in New York, and what’s on her current playlist.
Birthplace: London
Current Residence: NY
We heard you say somewhere that music and fashion are all about taking risks. Who are some artists and designers that are taking risks who you admire?
Designers: Dominic Jones, Katie Gallagher, Anndra Neen, Charlotte Olympia
Music: SBTRKT
What has been your most memorable this year?
It would have to be a cross between djing for the most incredible BBC America party in NY and also djing in Monterrey Mexico.
You recently tweeted “Berlin is magic…NY should take a leaf out of this book.” What makes Berlin special and what were some highlights from your trip?
What can I say it was my third time to Berlin but I had a total love affair with it. The nightlife to me is what makes Berlin so incredible. I love the rawness of it, I love the unwritten rules of no cameras, social media, phones, etc inside clubs. Everyone respects the party, the music is incredible and as for the architecture it is phenomenal. You have everything from glorified squats to industrial deco magnificence. I also love the people in Berlin the city has such an artistic effortlessly cool feel to it.
If we travel to NYC this summer, where would you recommend that we hang out?
Rushcmeyers in Montauk, The Wyth Hotel in Williamsburg, the night I dj every couple of weeks called ‘INGA’ at 141 Chrystie St, Hotel Delmano, and Resolute raves.
You were recently featured on a MTV documentary and are known for being a fashionista. Do you have any plans beyond djing, in the fashion or entertainment world?
Yes more acting and I would also love to take up photography professionally.
5 songs we should add to our playlist this weekend:
On my playlist right now-
Metric – Collect Call
Wildfire – SBTRKT
212 (feat. Lazy Jay) – Azealia Banks
Midnight City – M83
I’m Shakin – Jack White