Ch’lita Collins is impossible to describe, but possibly as close to a modern day It girl as Aotearoa has. When asked, she describes herself as “an image consultant / designer / bohemian / layabout / former teen model”. All of which are likely correct (although to be honest, she seems so prolific we are unable to fact check ‘layabout’).
Ch’lita has worked as a muse and model for most of the country’s leading brands (most recently Zambesi), appeared in Lorde’s iconic Solar Power music video, designed merch for Rosalia’s appearance at Coachella, and been spotted hanging out with similar vibe girlie Dasha Nekrasova (co-host of the hugely popular Red Scare podcast and known in the mainstream for her role in Succession) when she was in Aotearoa filming Bad Behavior.
Usually London-based, Ch’lita has been spending a lot of time in NYC recently (“I cannot tell you what I was doing in New York,” she teases, “but it has something to do with… love!”) where she found the time to answer our questions for our semi-regular series, The Last Time.
When was the last time you cried?
Two weeks ago, I thought I had a day off from work but then I got called in, so I burst into tears in the shower.
When was the last time you danced, and what were you dancing to?
Last weekend I was at this gig in deep Brooklyn that had a train running right next to the window and the whole thing was so bizarre and exactly like an episode of HBO Girls. I couldn’t help but laugh the whole night and I genuinely have no idea who was playing and I had earplugs in but I was dancing all night for sure.
What was the last thing you bought and loved?
I bought a really cheap cheetah print suitcase on Canal Street to help divvy up my overnight luggage… it looked really good with my tight leather pants at the airport, I’m obsessed with it.
When was the last time you got really angry and what was it about?
I had a 5am call time and it was just so early for no reason and that really pissed me off, I could’ve done with a couple more hours of sleep.
What’s the last piece of clothing you bought?
A Louis Vuitton weekender bag from SS08 that I forgot I had put a bid on.
What’s the last beauty product you finished?
I am loyal to my Clinique Lash Power Mascara. It just doesn't come off!
When’s the last time you got drunk?
On the plane three days ago, I was alone, and I had a Bloody Mary with so much Worcester sauce.
What was the last really delicious thing you ate?
I know this isn’t a meal but - I had a Mexican Coke when I was so thirsty and tired and I thought to myself, I will remember how wonderful this felt. And I still do remember exactly how it felt. I love an ice cold Mexican Coke in a glass bottle. Or over ice with a lime.
The last song you listened to on Spotify?
Panic in Babylon by The Brian Jonestown Massacre.
The last book you finished?
Aliens and Anorexia by Chris Kraus.
The last TV show you watched?
This isn’t a TV show but I just watched this six hour long documentary about NBA YoungBoy on YouTube which might as well be TV.
The last DM/text you sent? Who was it to?
I asked my agent if I should do these questions.
What’s the last fight you had?
I’m a lover not a fighter (seriously). I quarrel with my ex boyfriend over text all the time though (super hot).
The last time you laughed so much your tummy hurt?
When my friend Imaan was busy talking and walked into a door and the thud was so egregious. Simple pleasures.
What’s the last drug you took?
Aspirin.
When’s the last time you were home?
A very long time ago.
