Alexandra Richards inherited her love of music from her father - Rolling Stones rock legend Keith Richards - but her looks came from her supermodel mum Patti Hansen. The 25-year-old New-York based model/DJ was flown to Sydney to play at the recent Diesel Island event and caught up with Kate Waterhouse for a chat.
What was it like growing up around rock royalty?
I've got to say it was pretty good - going on tour, being picked up and going places. I've lived out of a suitcase as long as I can remember but I have some good grounding, especially from my mum because she is from a really big family, so they kept us home-based.
Do you play your dad's songs when you DJ?
Oh yeah! I'm not shy, there are some good tracks. There are some bands who have daughters and they are like "oh, their band is shit" but no, I love the Rolling Stones and I love their music and they are a part of of me, I grew up listening to them.
Do your parents come and watch you DJ?
My dad came once but I don't drag him [along] too much, it would be weird to do that. He's lived that life so I don't need to be dragging him though another dance hall, but I know he's supportive. But my mum comes because she loves to dance.
Do people treat you differently when they realise who your dad is?
Yes! Some people can be such arseholes and then all of a sudden you can see the whole thing play out; someone whispers it to them and they come back and they are just such kiss-arses. I'll be like ''Oh, nice to meet you again!''
Was there a time you thought your parents were daggy?
I did with my mother because she was always playing her favourite 1970s songs in the car, such as Stayin' Alive, when she picked us up from school but [that never happened] with my dad. I couldn't wait for my dad to pick me up … he was such a bad arse, he'd be in the parking lot, lighting a cigarette and all the tight-arse mums wearing their little sports jackets would look at him and be like, ''Who does this guy think he is?'' while turning their kids heads away and I'd be like, ''That's my dad!'' I was totally a daddy's girl.
Were you the cool girl at school?
No, I was such a rebel. I was never really home enough because we were always travelling, so when I was at school I remember I'd wear wigs with big glasses, leopard-print leggings and big Spice Girls shoes but then when I got older the cheerleading thing started and I got a little sexier with my look.
So are you planning on tying the knot with your boyfriend, Nick Cohen?
No, not yet. We have been dating for seven years but we are waiting for our older brothers and sisters to get married first.
What was it like when your boyfriend met your dad?
I think I was actually more nervous for him because I know how my dad used to be with my boyfriends when I was younger. Like, he'd dress up in a military uniform and he used to walk around with an antique gun but he was actually very civilised when he first met Nick. He was really cool.
WE WENT TO The Art Lounge, Darlinghurst.
WE ATE Duck liver parfait with toasted bread, cornichon and caramelised onion; blood orange & fennel salad, with red radish and parmesan.
WE DRANK A Diesel Island carbon-tax-free cocktail made with 666 vodka.
ALEXANDRA WORE Diesel from head to toe.
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