Jenny Shimizu, Sofia Coppola, Zoe Cassavetes, Sean Mortensen, Karl Lagerfeld, Andre Leon Talley and Naomi Campbell together in Paris.

In the mid-1990s, Sofia Coppola and best friend Zoe Cassavetes helmed the short-lived series Hi Octane on Comedy Central which spotlighted reputable and underground people, with frequent guests like Donovan Leitch, Mike Watt, Thurston Moore, Beck, and model-actress Jenny Shimizu. In one episode, titled “Paris Fashion” Sofia and Zoe send Sean Mortensen off to Paris during show season to interview fashion’s elite. Sean makes his rounds and gets one-on-one with Karl at Chanel, Andre Talley on his way to a show, and Naomi backstage. But, the real star of the show is Jenny Shimizu. Sean catches Jenny on the runway, backstage and while off-duty. They talk girls, sex, cars, fashion and tattoos–and Jenny treats us by stripping down and showing off 2 of her most famous designs. Naomi Campbell also takes a moment to say a few words on how much she loves Jenny, while she eats french fries on film.

True fact: Before Jenny ever modeled, and after she was discovered, she worked as Sean Mortensen’s mechanic in Los Angeles. They remained lifelong friends.

This post is dedicated to Sean Mortensen: 1966-2009