Jennifer Cooper, E!When it comes to fashion magazines, Marie Claire is definitely one of our favorite reads, so when we had the chance to get to know three of their top editors, we jumped at the chance.
After all, what could be more inspiring than hearing from the pros themselves on exactly how to survive the fashion world?
Check out our interviews with these inspiring editorial experts!
Erin Flaherty, Beauty & Health Director
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How did you get started in your career?
It was all about internships! During college in Santa Fe, I interned at the local newspaper and two different regional magazines, then scored an ASME internship in NYC between my junior and senior year. I moved straight to the city the day after I graduated, and interned at Elle and Marie Claire for a few months before I got my first assistant job at Allure. Positioning myself in the right place at the right time made it possible for me to get hired quickly.
What is a typical day like for you?
There is no typical day, which makes my job really cool! My day might start with a breakfast or market event, then into the office for meetings. I almost always have a business lunch booked, then in the afternoons it's usually more meetings or deskside appointments. Maybe I'll be in the art department looking at layouts, or in the beauty closet selecting images and products for a story. Later in the day is usually when I try to find time to actually write or edit copy, and usually there is some kind of event or gala after work. Some days I'll have a photo shoot on location and be out all day. And others I might be traveling some place exotic to report a global beauty story. Every day is definitely an adventure.
Describe your work environment.
Marie Claire is an extremely collaborative place and luckily for all of us, everyone who works here is really passionate, creative and great at their jobs. But we're also pretty fun-loving, so we have an awesome time putting the book together. There is a lot of hugging and high-fiving—it's like the opposite of The Devil Wears Prada. I can honestly say I adore every single person I work with. Hearst is also one of those companies that kind of goes to the max in terms of making employees feel valued, which can be rare in this industry, and the gorgeous building with crazy 360-degree views is pretty sick.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
It's all about the Equipment shirt. I have tons of colors! They're simply cut, silk button-downs that are really popular in France. I like them for work because they're elegant and chic but professional at the same time and can be dressed up or down. I'll wear one with tailored black trousers or a pencil skirt. It's an easy uniform. Because there are so many important events and such going on all the time, it's not really a jeans kind of job. That said, at a fashion magazine, most anything goes. I mean, I regularly bust out harem pants. There's also a lot of leather involved and I love a chunky platform to pull it all together.
Where do you shop for work clothes?
Yigal Azrouel is high on the list and in heavy rotation in my closet. I'll splurge on one or two pieces from his main collection, then stock up on basics or more fun stuff from his Cut 25 line. Otherwise, I'm all over the place: I love pieces from Proenza, Chloe, Isabel Marant—you name it—and mixing them up with Topshop or J.Crew. Oh and did I mention Equipment? I order them in bulk from Barneys, ha.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
To me, Saint Laurent is the bomb when it comes to bags and shoes. Every piece I have is cool but classic and stands the test of time. Close second is Givenchy. I have a black leather tote from them that has literally been around the world with me. I love subversive jewelry: gold safety pin earrings from Steven Alan and a Helmut Lang handcuff bracelet are still two favorite items that I've had for 10 years. Dior's barbell earrings are a current obsession: I'm loving mixing and matching the different colors.
Who did you think was best dressed at the Golden Globes this year?
I loved Lupita Nyong'o's simple yet elegant Ralph Lauren. All eyes are on her right now. I was also totally feeling Zoe Saldana's bold Prabal Gurung and Emilia Clarke's cool Proenza Schouler gown. And Robin Wright was flawless in Reem Acra!"
What are your beauty must-haves?
I'm very less-is-more. The good folks at Dermalogica know I am obsessed with their Daily Microfoliant: I've been using it for years and recommend it to everyone. Topical antioxidants like vitamin C—Skinceuticals makes several great ones. I love La Mer's Soft Cream for a basic yet luxurious moisturizer. And I dab tea tree oil on breakouts when I have them. Armani foundations are amazing and I love mixing and matching with mass products like Cover Girl and Maybelline...I love them all!
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
You have to really work hard to get to the place you want to be, and then you have to work even harder once you get there. But especially for this specific industry, I think it's a bummer if people aren't having fun, so always keep a light spirit. If you're not loving fashion or beauty, you might as well go work at a bank and make more money!
Kyle Anderson, Accessories Director
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How did you get started in your career? I always knew that I wanted to work in fashion and I loved magazines even as far back as elementary school. I can remember going to the public library every day when I was seven years old to read fashion magazines. I was obsessed with Chanel. I still am. After college, I was an intern for over two years at Esquire, Marie Claire, CosmoGirl, Vogue and Elle. Afterwards, I freelanced at Vanity Fair, Cosmo and Elle. I finally got a full-time assistant job at Elle and worked there for 6 years. I came to Marie Claire two years ago as Accessories Director.
Who did you think was best dressed at the Golden Globes this year?
Jessica Chastain in Givenchy Couture is my pick for best red carpet look at the Golden Globes. I loved the simplicity of the shape and style and the jet black color looked amazing with her red hair and pale skin tone. The subtle wing detail on the front of the dress was amazing. At first glance, you didn't see the detail, but this idea of being wrapped in a wing looked young, cool and very Givenchy. Also, her Bulgari jewelry was simple yet elegant and added a sophisticated, classic touch to Givenchy's gothic design."
Tell us about your office décor or creative inspiration. My office is a simple cubicle but honestly when I'm in work mode, I don't even notice my office around me. But I am inspired by millions of random things. It could be from something I saw on Instagram, to graffiti on the street, to a movie, or even a music video. Inspiration comes from anywhere. This year, I worked on many accessories editorials including one with construction workers, another with graffiti as well as one with albino animals. We do it all.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work? I usually wear black. I love black leather. My favorite brands are Balmain and Saint Laurent. They always make clothing for rockstars. I love that.
Where do you shop for work clothes? Usually at Barneys or Bergdorfs. I'm a lazy shopper. It's all there in one place. One circle around the men's department and you can pretty much find anything.
What are your favorite brands of accessories? My favorite brand for shoes is Giuseppe Zanotti, Chanel for bags (always), Rolex for watches and Cartier for fine jewelry.
Riza Cruz, Exectuvie Editor
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How did you get started in your career?
As an assistant to four editors at Vanity Fair. Eight years later, I left as an editor and went on to magazines including Inc., Real Simple, and Vogue.
What is a typical day like for you?
Meetings, editing, business lunch, dating myself with a 90s pop culture references and work events after hours.
Tell us about your office décor.
Minimal—you don't need much when you have floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the Hudson River. People come in here all the time to Instagram the sunsets.
Describe your office style. What do you typically wear to work?
Anything by 3.1 Phillip Lim, especially his black pants. Coats, tops, and dresses are a mix of YSL, Jil Sander, Thakoon, Marc Jacobs, ALC.
What are your favorite brands of accessories?
YSL, Balenciaga, Manolo Blahnik, Loewe, Lanvin for flats, Tom Ford/Cutler & Gross/Salt for sunglasses, cocktail rings bought on trips, like a quartz one from a recent vacation in Istanbul.
The best part of my job is…meeting and covering smart, accomplished women doing incredible, inspiring things.
Who did you think was best dressed at the Golden Globes this year?
I loved Lupita Nyong'o in Ralph Lauren— the minimal silhouette, gorgeous color and flawless fit.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Ask for what you want. If you don't, the answer will always be an automatic no.
What are your beauty must-haves?
Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation, Chanel Powder Blush and Stylo Yeux Eyeliner, Cucina Hand Butter, dry shampoo.
What is your go-to lunch? Favorite snack? Morning beverage?
I usually entertain at Blue Ribbon Sushi or Marea, and a recent favorite is Kingside in the Viceroy (get the roasted wild mushrooms as a side); Angie's Buttery Movie Pop popcorn and Willamette Valley granola chips; decaf coffee or grapefruit juice.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…doing non-profit or foundation work or hanging out in Spain.
Can you share some advice for aspiring career girls?
Cultivate your network and interests outside of your job. Each feeds the other.