In My Cart: Crown Affair's Dianna Cohen
The dialed-in founder talks art, bargain hunting -- and that legendary head of hair.
I’m nosy. So much so that when Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski walked past me at Eataly the other week, I genuinely considered asking to see what was in his basket. I didn’t, because I’m not that obnoxious, but I wondered: wouldn’t it be interesting to know what he — someone whose entire professional existence revolves around food — buys for his own household?
I’m a writer (a glorified snoop) so why not use that curiosity for newsletter fodder? Maybe I can’t pester Antoni in real time, but I can certainly email his publicist and ask nicely. It got me thinking about who else’s cart I’d like to see — and one of the first people that sprung to mind was Dianna Cohen.
Dianna Cohen is my TikTok crush. I love her hair care tutorials, of course — but it was a video tour of her personal art collection (and finding out she’s a fellow native Floridian) that did it for me. It certainly helps that I was a long-time customer and fan of her brand, Crown Affair, way before TikTok was my favorite time sink. And Diana is chic. So I knew whatever she was shopping for was going to be, as well.
Crown Affair was founded with the intention of treating haircare as a wellness tool. The brand boasts squeaky-clean formulas in chic packaging, complimented by beautiful combs, towels, and other tools. Everything in her line-up is a banger, but I’m particularly smitten with the silk scrunchies and the newly-launched flexible-hold finishing gel for these hot, hair-up summer days. So they’re in my cart, but what’s in hers?
Q&A
The best fashion investment was a: Chanel Top Handle Caviar small bag in black with a burgundy lizard handle. I bought it at the Chanel in Rome on my honeymoon two years ago and it’s just the perfect bag from day to night. It holds a surprising amount (sunglasses, an iPhone, everything I need) and can survive an evening out dancing. I’m all about a bag that can be cross-body and has a top handle.
A beauty product I am always reaching for is: Crown Affair, The Dry Shampoo. Even if I wasn’t the founder this would be the holy grail dry shampoo for me. I reach for it every day after wash day. It’s silky, refreshing, it actually absorbs oil and naturally deodorizers. It gives your hair that Kate Moss volume effect at the crown. Bonus that it’s easy to carry with you and TSA-friendly.
If I could, I would spend all my money buying: Art. It’s my first love, I have no idea where I got it from because no one in my family is super into art, but since I was young I loved spending time in museums and learning art history. I ended up majoring in Art History at NYU and met my husband 10 years ago at MoMA at a Rene Magritte exhibition. Even though I don’t work in the industry, art is at the core of everything I create, so to be surrounded by and live with works by contemporary artists would be the dream.
Something I just bought for my home is: A linen fabric mood board from NY Blackboard, which mostly makes products for commercial and school use. I couldn't find a nice linen pinboard that was over 8 feet wide until I found this one. I’m a deep believer that the visuals and objects you surround yourself with form the visual literacy of your life, so I’m excited to create a new mood board for that space. I have massive boards in our office in NYC but I’ve never done this scale at home. I’m really excited to make it a summer project.
Something I am always re-purchasing is: The Five Minute Journal. I go through one every 6 months. I love longer-form journaling and ‘morning pages’ but this journal keeps me accountable every day and night to practice gratitude and get a few thoughts out on the page.
MaryRuth’s, Organic Elderberry Liquid Drops. They just work. Since I started taking it about a year ago I have yet to catch a cold. I take a couple of droppers throughout the day.
Something I just bought to wear is: Attersee, The Sculpted Vest — I now have this vest in Ivory, Sand, and Charcoal. And the dress version of it. I plan to wear these all summer long for a tailored look that’s great in the heat.
Something in my cart right now is: This White Proenza Schouler coat that’s on sale right now. Someone else please buy it, I can’t bring myself to buy a white coat. On a more summery note, this Le Sundial necklace.
My favorite place to shop in my home city is: I grew up in South Florida, so I love Sawgrass Mills. It’s an outlet mall in Sunrise, Florida (about 40 minutes away from where I live now), but I loved going there with my mom growing up and I still make a trip out there 1 - 2 times a year. I’ve found so many gems at the stand-alone Etro, Max Mara, Valentino, Prada, The Webster, etc store, and there’s a Neimans there that gets all the Bergdorf extras. I’ll find pieces from The Row, Celine, Bottega— I’ve found full Lapointe looks in my brand color, Crown Affair green, there. I even found Carrie Bradshaw blue manolos years ago for more than half off. It requires effort but I enjoy being surprised there. Go on a weekday if you can, out of season.
My favorite place to shop online is: Ssense, Net-a-porter, Moda Operandi, The Real Real, and Abebooks for vintage/old books. Ssense is probably my favorite though, the UX of the app is perfect. It’s great for discovery and I find their buy is a little more whimsical and playful (and a good high-low mix) than other digital retailers.
___________ is a brand I love supporting, because: Attersee. Isabel (the founder) has created such beautifully designed pieces that are staples you can wear day to night, over and over. Sometimes it can feel like the world doesn’t need more things, but when a founder comes out with a clear vision and is really making something for themselves, it just hits. It’s a more approachable assortment for someone who would love to be living in The Row (hi) but that’s just not my reality. The cuts are flattering on women with curves (hi again) and the materials are of incredible quality. I cannot say enough positive things about this brand. It’s really hard to nail the basics— editing and refining can be more challenging than creating, and she’s dialed it in.
I’ve always wondered what other chefs bought for their kitchens to!