From Vanity Fair · Marisa Meltzer · · 1m 50s
Justin Vivian Bond's Paris Life
Justin Vivian Bond, 63, shares Paris expat life, Dior fashion, and dating habits in new cabaret show.
In brief
Justin Vivian Bond, 63, shares Paris expat life, Dior fashion, and dating habits in new cabaret show. Justin Vivian Bond, 63, stars in a film about a transgender woman with dementia and discusses living in Paris. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Justin Vivian Bond
Justin Vivian Bond, 63, is the most famous cabaret performer in the world with a busy 2024 season.
“Justin Vivian Bond: I have to apologize to you in advance because I'm probably not going to remember any names, locations, or dates because of life.”
New Show Madame Stanley
Bond just finished a short residency at Joe's Pub in New York for Madame Stanley, a show about living in Paris while waiting for a talent passport.
“Justin Vivian Bond: I have had two beautiful long term relationships in my life.”
Film Debut in Neverman
Bond made their feature-length lead acting debut in director Rodrigo Barriuso's Neverman, a film about a transgender woman with Alzheimer's disease.
“Justin Vivian Bond: The only reason I did this was because I had never heard anybody tell the story, and it's like my worst nightmare.”
2024 MacArthur Fellowship
Bond was awarded a MacArthur Fellowship in 2024 after rising to fame in the 1990s with the stage duo Kiki and Herb.
“Justin Vivian Bond: Their show, Kiki & Herb: Alive on Broadway, was nominated for a 2007 Tony for Special Theatrical Event.”
Dior Fashion Collaboration
Bond wore Dior couture by Jonathan Anderson at the premiere of Neverman and performed for Dior's partnership with A24 at New York Fashion Week.
“Justin Vivian Bond: I wore a Dior couture by Jonathan Anderson.”
Jonathan Anderson Connection
Bond met Jonathan Anderson while studying at Central Saint Martins in 2004, where he created custom fashion pieces for Bond.
“Justin Vivian Bond: He said, 'I'm a fashion student. Can I make you some things?'”
Paris Living Arrangements
Bond found a Paris apartment after running into two friends at an art gala who offered their home.
“Justin Vivian Bond: I was freaking out because I didn't know where I was going to live, and had already put up a smoke signal to my dead mother.”
Dating Habits
Bond has had two long-term relationships, one with a band member and another with a neighbor, and says they don't date.
“Justin Vivian Bond: I have had two beautiful long term relationships in my life.”
Clap Experience
Bond mentions getting the clap as a non-traumatic experience that requires medication.
“Justin Vivian Bond: It wasn't traumatic. Trauma is when your boyfriend gives you the clap.”
Burial Preference
Bond wants to be buried in a pond with a tree planted on top and a plaque saying 'Here lies Justin Vivian Bond, forever shady.'
“Justin Vivian Bond: I want to be in a pond. And I want a tree to be planted on top of me, and I want a plaque that says, 'Here lies Justin Vivian Bond, forever shady.'”
Paris Life
Bond lives in Paris with a terrace near Père Lachaise cemetery and enjoys walking there.
“Justin Vivian Bond: It's not far from Père Lachaise cemetery. I hate sightseeing, but I like to go there and walk.”
In short
Justin Vivian Bond, 63, stars in a film about a transgender woman with dementia and discusses living in Paris.
