Petra Collins on Horror Films, Modeling for Gucci & Her Photography Style | The Good Buy | BAZAAR

Harper’s Bazaar
Harper’s BazaarMay 15, 2026

Why It Matters

Collins’ blend of vintage thrift culture with high‑fashion collaborations illustrates how influencers can reshape luxury retail, making in‑store experiences and social‑media buzz essential drivers of sales.

Key Takeaways

  • Petra Collins credits 70s B‑movie horror aesthetic for her signature style
  • She blends thrifting roots with high‑fashion collaborations for authentic looks
  • Versace Dario Vitali shoes illustrate how TikTok drives luxury purchases
  • Collins emphasizes in‑store shopping as communal joy amid digital isolation
  • Her upcoming book "Star" expands her cultural influence beyond photography

Summary

The episode of Harper's Bazaar's "The Goodbye" brings photographer‑director Petra Collins to Los Angeles to discuss her distinctive aesthetic and recent collaborations with luxury houses such as Gucci, Miu Miu and Versace.

Collins explains how her early years thrifting in Toronto and working at American Apparel shaped a DIY sensibility that now coexists with high‑fashion projects. She highlights the influence of 70s B‑movie horror visuals, the resurgence of vintage Jil Sander suits, and the role of TikTok in prompting her purchase of Dario Vitali Versace pumps.

Memorable moments include her description of the shoes as “sexy and delicious,” her claim “I love shopping,” and the announcement of her forthcoming book “Star,” a fictional exploration of pop‑star fandom. She also praises Dries Van Noten’s new creative director and the archival feel of the Los Angeles boutique.

Collins’ narrative underscores a broader industry trend where personal storytelling, social‑media‑driven hype and tactile retail experiences combine to drive luxury consumption. Brands that embrace such authentic, cross‑platform personas can capture the millennial‑Gen Z market seeking both nostalgia and novelty.

Original Description

Petra Collins has spent the last decade shaping the visual language of fashion, art, and internet culture. In this episode of ‘The Good Buy,’ the photographer, filmmaker, model, and cultural tastemaker sits down with Harper’s BAZAAR to talk about the subversive style influences that shaped her world— from Liberty-print Dr. Martens and American Apparel disco pants to horror movie heroines and the infamous Blythe dolls. Watch as Petra reflects on the early days of Rookie Mag, shares stories behind her iconic 2019 Met Gala look (hint: it involves Cher), and reveals her vintage 1950s engagement ring for the very first time. She also reflects on her expansive vintage collection, the evolution of her personal style, and her new photography book, ’Star.’
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