Dimitri From Paris has been a Playboy favorite for years. He began his recording career in 1996 with Sacre Bleu, when he was already the biggest name in the French house scene. His fun, disco-informed aesthetic became a global phenomenon, keeping him jet-setting around the world for DJ appearances and reaching new heights in the US after his 2000 DJ -- mix A Night At The Playboy Mansion-still one of the biggest-selling mix tapes of all time. In April, Dimitri and Playboy team up again for Return To The Playboy Mansion, being released by Defected.
Was there a moment when you knew you wanted to be a musician?
In 1980 I went to see the first ever hip-hop show in France. I saw a guy scratch a record and make something musical out of it. That was a life-changing moment. I instantly wanted to learn how to do that and become a DJ.
What's the most exciting thing that's happened to you as a result of your music career?
Well, three years ago I was awarded a medal by the French government for representing French culture internationally. I was made a "knight of the arts."
Do you have a favorite article of clothing?
Yes, my pork pie leather hat! I love to collect vintage 1960s hats; this particular one I found in an old hat store in Zurich, Switzerland.
Where do you pick up ideas about style and design? Is it related to your music?
Again, I love 1960s design: clean lines with a futuristic approach. I'm also very fond of Japanese consumer packaging -- I can spend hours in a convenience store there looking at everything. The opening title sequences of movies are a great source of inspiration, too, like at the beginnings of James Bond movies. In the Pink Panther films they're a movie within a movie. I also love the sleekness of the Rat Pack. Only Hef can compete with the elegance of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis.
It sounds as if Playboy has meant a lot to you. When do you recall discovering it?
When I was a teen. I was attracted to Playboy because everything looked great, not just the pictorials. Sometimes I found myself dreaming more about the mega-stereo systems or swanky bachelor pads featured in its pages. I used to pencil on a fake moustache with my mom's makeup so I would look older and the newsagent would sell me the magazine.
What's your favorite bedroom album?
In that department older guys do it better: Isaac Hayes, Barry White, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass never fail to guarantee satisfaction. You'll also find them on Return To The Playboy Mansion.
