Jennifer Cooper, E!When we had the opportunity to pick the brain of InStyle's editor Ariel Foxman for our latest edition of Trendsetters at Work, of course we jumped at the chance. Simply stated, he's one of the biggest names in the industry.
And while we're on the topic of InStyle…The mag is doing a special Twitter chat with April's cover girl Jennifer Lopez. Jennifer will answer questions from readers about love, life and family at 6 PM EST on Wednesday, March 26. So be sure to tweet your question @instyle @JLo using the hashtag #AskJLo.
Now keep reading to find out how Ariel got started in his career, his savviest work advice and how he likes to end his long days watching a bit of Bravo. Don't we all?
What was your very first job?
Cutting out articles about European anti-Semitism, neo-Nazis and Israel, gluing them on paper and filing them at the Anti-Defamation League in New York City.
How did you get started in your career?
I was working at Random House publishing, assisting editors who worked on non-fiction books. An editor there suggested I apply for a job at Details magazine, to assist the Editor in Chief. I did and got the position.
Who are some of your career heroes?
Kim Hastreiter at Paper.
What's a typical workday like for you?
Designer breakfast, then head to the office to read reader mail, staff meetings, read layouts, lunch with a client, more meetings, review film and layouts, drinks with industry people, benefit or launch event, and finally home to watch Bravo or TVOne.
Describe your office décor. Did you decorate it yourself?
I like to be surrounded by poppy art so that we can stay in a cheerful and entertained mood. After all, we are in the entertainment business. InStyle is here to brighten your day whenever you engage with us. Yes, I do all my own work.
List five things that are on your desk right now.
Photo of my family from an event in Washington DC; a lucky horseshoe; Cartier stationery; a box of business cards that just read "Stop Talking" in fine print; my iPhone and two defunct iPhones that haven't been turned on in close to a year; a stack of WWDs and Hollywood Reporters.
What do you typically wear to work?
Black jeans, a blue chunky turtleneck, a watch, and boots.
What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?
I don't.
What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
Be nice to everyone, not just senior management.
Finish the sentence…
Today for lunch I had…lentil and sweet potato "lasagna" and a Diet Coke, from home.
The first website I log onto every day is…Nypost.com or WWD.com or Facebook.
My go-to beauty product is…YSL touché éclat.
My must-have work gadget is…iPhone 5s.
My usual Starbucks order is…Pret a Manger regular iced coffee, no room for milk.
If I need a quick break during work, I usually… go on Twitter.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be… miserable.
The best part of my job is… when people tell me how much they love reading the magazine and how they've been reading it for years.