How Linda and Johnny Ramone's Love Story inspired a new collection of Happy Socks

Read the interview at Forbes.

It’s hard to believe that 2020 is here. To kick things off, the Happy Socks team is all revved up and ready to go with the launch of their first unique collaboration of the decade. In the past, the Swedish company has partnered with an incredible lineup of superstars including The Beatles, A$AP Rocky, Snoop Dogg, and more.

For the newest release, Happy Socks turned to Linda Ramone to share her one-of-a-kind love story with her late husband Johnny, also known as the lead guitarist of the legendary punk rock band the Ramones. The vibrant and energetic soul didn’t hold back any details of their relationship. In honor of the collection, Linda completely opened her heart to the public and even filmed a full tour of the West Coast home she built with Johnny. The love birds were avid collectors, which resulted in their passion for interior decoration. From a room dedicated to Disney along with another that boasts every kind of Elvis memorabilia imaginable, there’s no place quite like the property.

It’s no surprise Linda leaned on their space for the limited edition socks. In fact, the iconic pair featuring both of them was inspired by a piece of art on their wall, which fully symbolizes them as a couple. All in all, the Happy Socks x Linda & Johnny Ramone collection features three cotton crew socks in a special gift box and a separate knee-high sock is also available as a single pair. Starting today, fans can get a hold of them at Happy Socks’ Concept Stores, online, and select retailers. To find out more about the Ramones’ ranch in California, read through everything Linda had to say in her Forbes interview below.

Isis Briones: Can you share the story behind the painting that inspired you and Johnny’s socks?

Linda Ramone: “I met the artist a couple years ago from my friend Lani Hammett, who is married from Kurt of Metallica. Her name is Kelly and she did a painting of me and Lani. Then, I got in touch with Kelly again and had a painting of me and Johnny done. She does a lot of really cool stuff and I love her. I loved her art so much that when the team asked me ‘what I wanted to do,’ I immediately thought of putting her work on the sock. The painting is also really personal to me.”

IB: Imagine you could only take one thing with you from the house, what would it be and why?

LR: “Well, I’d have to take two things. Johnny’s ashes and my cat Munchkin. She can’t get left behind and neither can Johnny’s ashes. I don’t want that to go down. They both have to be with me when I get buried. You see, Johnny was cremated and I want to get cremated. Then, we all have to be buried by Johnny’s statue.”

IB: Would you ever make any big home improvements?

LR: “I guess a hot tub outside by one of the palm trees. We talk about it all the time. That's the next thing because people apparently like them. I don't know if I do. Growing up in New York, a hot tub sounds ridiculous to me. It’s appealing to other people though. Other than that, I wouldn’t add anything. I love my house.”

IB: Have you ever had any offers from anyone to buy your house?

LR: “Oh no. I'd die here. I'll die where Johnny died, on the couch. I hope I don't die in the hospital. I actually put it in my will that they have to move me back here where he died. No, I would never sell my house.

IB: On the topic of love, do you have any plans already for Valentine’s Day?

LR: “I’m going to have a Valentine’s Day party at the house. Everyone who comes is going to get a Happy Sock and we’re going to photograph all the guests wearing them. We’re going to have a bunch of good people come.

IB: Sounds like a lot of fun! Can you let us in on your guest list?

LR: “Well, my usual. Vincent Gallo, Susan, Fred, and Natasha. A bunch of people are coming, it’s Valentine’s Day. You know who else I like, Miley Cyrus. She’s really cool and super nice.”

IB: What relationship advice would you give your younger self?

LR:  “I wouldn't give my younger self any advice. I'm sorry. You have to go with the flow. You can’t tell yourself what to do and even if you could, it wouldn’t work. Listen, when I broke up with Joey and went with Johnny, I knew it wasn't going to be the best, but I followed my heart. It was what I was being drawn to do and you have to go with your heart. I guess that would be my relationship advice.”

IB: Since we’re just at the start of the year, what can we expect from you next?

LR: “I'm doing an autobiography right now with Veronika Shulman and an end of the century box set with Rick Rubin. I’d like to also do a line of tiaras, which would be fun. I just have to find the right partner. I love the idea of having day time and night time tiaras. You should be able to wear them at any time of the day, not only on your birthday. I noticed that every time I wore mine, people would always ask ‘is it your birthday?’ I truly think tiaras should be worn all the time. I always either do a hat or tiara because it’s interesting to do something fun like that.”