New York has influenced me a lot in terms of my own independence. I'm really struck by the idea of authenticity, and I think New York embodies that idea, even though people are like, 'I miss the old New York.' But at its core, it has this natural, authentic energy. L.A. lacks that idea; it's painted over.

In this quote, Paloma Elsesser discusses the influence that New York has had on her sense of independence and the way she perceives authenticity. She highlights how New York's unique culture and energy have shaped her understanding of what it means to be truly independent. Elsesser emphasizes the city's natural and authentic energy, suggesting that New York encourages individuals to embrace their true selves without the need for pretense or conformity.

Elsesser also acknowledges the common sentiment that people often say they miss the old New York, which can refer to the city's gritty, raw, and less commercialized past. However, she believes that even with the changes over time, the essence of authenticity still resides at the core of the city. For her, New York remains a place where people are encouraged to express their true identities, which contributes to her feeling of independence.

In contrast, Elsesser compares New York with Los Angeles (L.A.), noting that L.A. lacks the same raw, authentic energy that she associates with New York. She suggests that in L.A., there is a sense of superficiality or things being “painted over,” implying that L.A. may feel more artificial or focused on appearance and perception rather than genuine self-expression. This contrast highlights her view that New York fosters a more genuine, unfiltered environment, whereas L.A. may feel more focused on curated identities.

Ultimately, Elsesser's quote speaks to the idea that independence and authenticity are deeply intertwined with the environment one is in. She sees New York as a place that nurtures both, while she feels L.A. doesn’t offer the same level of rawness or genuine expression, which are important to her personal identity.