Today, one of my dreams came true. I got the opportunity to listen to Alexandra Shulman, the current editor-in-chief for British Vogue, talk about her experience in the industry and the highs and lows of working for Vogue. And she was amazing.
Alexandra has been working at Vogue for 25 years - longer than most of us in the room had been alive! During that time she got to celebrate the 100 year anniversary, and wrote the book, 'Inside Vogue'. She is definitely your definition of Girl Boss, that's for sure.
During the hour that she was speaking to us, she covered a number of topics, and we were also able to ask her questions.
On Journalism in today's society...
She was very certain on the fact that journalism hasn't really changed since she started, apart from the fact that you didn't have a 24/7 website and social media accounts to back magazines and newspapers up back then. This has caused physical sales to decline in recent years, which is why once or twice a year they make price reductions. Saying that, people prefer to have a physical copy of a magazine as they feel as if they have more of a relationship with it. In terms of celebrity culture, she thinks that journalists can sometimes be lazy and just regurgitate what celebrities choose to show their followers through Instagram photos and tweets, however journalists should try to go looking for alternative stories.
On the centenary issue...
Firstly, she spoke about the cover star, the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton. Alexandra had already asked twice before if she would feature in an issue, before realising that having her on the 100 year issue would be perfect, due to the fact that Kate is the patron of the National Portrait Gallery, where the 100 year exhibition was being held. Next, she spoke about the documentary. When she was asked if it had turned out how she had hoped she was very quick to answer "no", then went on to explain that Richard Macer was filming for 9 months, and all of that footage was edited down into 2 hours (two 1-hour episodes).
On the new editor-in-chief, Edward Enninful...
Alexandra hadn't actually met Edward yet; funnily enough she was going to speak to him tomorrow! She has absolutely no idea what he'll do with the magazine, however she is positive that he'll do a good job. Although he probably will stray from journalism about women, which Alexandra had incorporated a lot into the magazine, and more towards diversity, he has a very strong visual eye, especially for styling, which is crucial for a fashion magazine. When asked if he'll bring in any men's fashion, she simply said "Vogue is a fashion magazine, not a women's magazine".
On independent magazines...
She admires indie magazines very much, as some of them produce such beautiful magazines without any direct income, compared to the likes of Vogue where they generate income from sponsors and advertisers. You have to let contributors, such as photographers, do what they want though, because they're usually funding themselves. However, generally there's more freedom in the content you make compared to magazines that are part of the Conde Nast group, for example.
On the death of David Bowie...
She had grown up listening to Bowie, so when she heard the news she was "utterly unprepared" and it saddened her very much. The music you listen to during your teenage years is the music that shapes your identity. The cover where Kate Moss wears the famous lighting strike is one of her favourite covers.
Would you pursue a career in a magazine knowing what you know now?
The need for stories is as great as ever, however wanting to work JUST at a magazine is not a brilliant approach. You need to be open to a variety of roles before you reach the top.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing. Don't try to achieve perfection instantly, just make a start.
And, last but not least, what's next?
Most likely journalism. Have a summer holiday first. Many newspapers and TV channels have been in contact, but that's unlikely to happen. "If you see me on I'm A Celebrity you'll know it's really gone pear shaped!"
There we go. Full of wisdom.
I learnt a lot in that short 1 hour slot, however I am truly grateful to have been given the opportunity and I can't believe that within a year of just being on this course, I've already been face to face with one of the most influential women in the fashion industry.
Georgia.xo
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