Dress by Mola Walker @molawalker at Showroom 7 @showroomseven
White velour crystal skullcap by Binata Millinery @binatamillinery
Glasses by Gucci @gucci
Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti @giuseppezanotti
Ring by Swarovski @swarovski
Talent: Caroline Vazzana @cvazzana
Photography, Creative Direction, and Production by: Mike Ruiz
Editor-in-Chief: Dimitri Vorontsov
Stylist: Alison Hernon @718blonde
Hair: Francis Rodriguez @blaqfrancishair @imajartists
Makeup: Deney Adam @deney_adam @blondeandconyc
Photography Assistant: Dani Sax @danisaxphotos
Fashion Styling Interns: Ary Russell, Angie Hines @Aryanna__rose @angiehiness
Location: New York, New York
Glasses by Gucci @gucci
Shoes by Kara Mac Shoes @karamacshoes at Flying Solo @flyingsolonyc
Dress by Linda Bezuidenhout Couture @Linda_Bezuidenhout_couture at Flying Solo @flyingsolonyc
Dream Rain Small Hinge Bracelet X2 by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Wide Domed Lucite Bangle Bracelet by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Liquid Lucite Link Necklace by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Twisted Interlock Hoop Earring by Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Tell us about your book “Making it in Manhattan.”
I started writing “Making it in Manhattan” while I was still working at InStyle Magazine. I wanted to write a guidebook for beginners who were just starting out in their careers to help them get their foot in the door and ultimately land their dream jobs. The book is written in a very conversational style, I wanted you to feel as though you are speaking to your big sister or best friend. The book was then endorsed by Iris Apfel and Betsey Johnson, to name a few.
What is the impact you want to make in the messages behind the book?
I want to draw back the curtain on what can feel like a very mysterious industry. I feel like a few years ago the fashion industry had this very “you can’t sit with us” vibe and I wanted to invite readers in and teach them that no dream is too far out of reach and that with hard work, anything is possible.
Dress by MINUTIAE at Flying Solo @flysolonyc
Glasses by Gucci @gucci
Smoke Bengal Beret by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Gold Dome Drop Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Calisty Shoe by Marc Fisher LTD @marc.fisher
Ring by Swarovski @swarovski
What led you to become an influencer?
While working at Teen Vogue, my very first job out of college, I’d say that’s when I first became interested in social media. I never thought that I would be where I am today. But I just started sharing my story and my sense of style and the rest is kind of history.
How would you describe your style on the platform?
My personal sense of style is very colorful, eclectic and also ever-changing. I think the beauty of fashion is that you can change and evolve as much as you’d like. One day I’m ultra girly in a tulle dress and the next I’m more edgy in a fitted suit. I want to teach my community that there are no rules or right or wrong when it comes to fashion.
Dress by Mola Walker @molawalker at Showroom 7 @showroomseven
White velour crystal skullcap by Binata Millinery @binatamillinery
Glasses by Gucci @gucci
Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti @giuseppezanotti
Ring by Swarovski @swarovski
What is your creative process like?
In terms of getting dressed each morning, I like to compare it to painting a picture. Fashion is essentially my art and the way I express myself. I love pushing myself to pair together unexpected textures, silhouettes and colors. I’m constantly just playing around- fashion is all about trial and error. I start by seeing what I naturally gravitate towards that morning, a bag, shoe, or skirt, and then go from there mixing and pairing things together until I feel like I’ve found a formula that works. But every day is different.
What would you recommend to a person that wants to start working in the fashion industry?
Well, the way I did it was through interning. There is nothing better than a good old-fashioned internship to really get your foot in the door and build your network. Interning is the best way to figure out what you love and what you don’t like. That is my best advice for anyone hoping to break into and work in the fashion industry.
Dress by MINUTIAE at Flying Solo @flysolonyc
Glasses by Gucci @gucci
Smoke Bengal Beret by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Gold Dome Drop Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Calisty Shoe by Marc Fisher LTD @marc.fisher
Ring by Swarovski @swarovski
What first got you into fashion?
I always wanted to work in fashion or a creative field for as long as I can remember. When I was ten, I initially wanted to be an artist, I’ve always loved drawing and painting. Eventually though I figured out I could draw and paint clothing. So, I then had my sights set on fashion design until college when I did my first few internships and found my love for styling and editorial work.
Who inspired you to desire the fashion world?
When I was in high school, I first discovered Betsey Johnson and absolutely fell in love. I think a girl in my class wore a Betsey Johnson dress to something I was at, and I Googled the name as soon as I got home. I remember typing Betsey Johnson into the search bar and I was forever changed. I watched her old fashion shows on YouTube and read every interview I could find. This was around 2007/2008 and I can remember thinking to myself, wow if everyone in the fashion industry is like Betsey Johnson this is where I need to be. Of course, that isn’t the case, but I have met some truly incredible and inspiring people.
Tama Filigree Gown by Zimmermann @zimmermann
Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti @giuseppezanotti
Floral Acetate Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Ring by Swarovski @swarovski
Glasses by Gucci vintage @gucci
Wide Faceted Lucite Bangle Bracelet X2 Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Crystal Encrusted Lucite Hinge Cuff x2 Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
What has been the biggest moment of your career so far?
I feel as though my career has been made up of many special moments that it’s hard to choose just one. Probably writing my first book “Making it in Manhattan.” Writing a book was something I only dreamed about one day accomplishing, so to do it at 26 was really special for me.
Which part of your job do you enjoy the most?
I love the work I get to do on social media, collaborating with so many different brands I’ve admired for years. It’s always such a fun opportunity to get to lend my unique style, eye, and voice to a wide variety of brands.
Tama Filigree Gown by Zimmermann @zimmermann
Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti @giuseppezanotti
Floral Acetate Earrings by Lele Sadoughi @lele_sadoughi
Ring by Swarovski @swarovski
Glasses by Gucci vintage @gucci
Wide Faceted Lucite Bangle Bracelet X2 Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
Crystal Encrusted Lucite Hinge Cuff x2 Alexis Bittar @alexisbittar
What’s next for you?
I think the beauty of this industry is that it is always changing, growing, and evolving. I’ve done so much I only dreamed about in the last five years, and I like to keep myself open to new opportunities each and every day, whether in design, or writing, or podcasting, the future possibilities are endless and I’m excited to see what’s in store.
