When it comes to important stylists, you don’t really get much bigger than Lori Goldstein. From her work with Vogue Italia to her new campaign for Juicy Couture to that smoldering August cover of W, you know Lori’s work. You know it well.But unlike the current generation of top stylists, Lori lets her work speak for itself–she has no desire to be a celebrity in her own right. However, she is more visible than ever, thanks to her LOGO line for QVC, which launched last year. The latest collection debuts August 9 at 1pm on the kitschy-cool shopping network.
I recently got the opportunity to chat with Lori about her latest adventures, and what it takes to make it in fashion.
Fashionista: So your latest collection for QVC hits August 9. What can we expect from it?
Lori Goldstein: Well, we always like to buy new clothes around this time of year. I made things I’m excited to wear now. Great t-shirts, great leggings, a velvet motorcycle jacket that won’t break the bank. There are a lot of layering pieces that will work through fall.
How did you decide that QVC was the right venue for you to launch a clothing collection? You’re so closely associated with high fashion.
It was one of those right place, right time sort of things. QVC was partnering with IMG on New York Fashion Week, and IMG is my agency. I love high fashion–I’m obsessed with all things gorgeous–but I also believe in accessibility to fashion. You know, I come from Ohio. I understand that most people don’t have the same resources I have. So one day, I wanted to bring what I loved to them. On so many levels it was right. There are so many people who say “I wish I could dress like that,” about high-end fashion. They can!
A bag from LOGO by Lori Goldstein
Where are you from in Ohio?
I was born in Columbus, and I grew up in Cincinnati. I knew growing up that I would leave Ohio and do something in fashion. I loved clothes–I wasn’t a bookworm. It was a fabulous place to grow up, and a fabulous place to leave.
It’s funny. I’m from Pittsburgh, and so many people I meet in fashion that I really like and respect are from the Midwest. Do you think the people you’ve been drawn to throughout your career have similar values to you?
A thousand percent–it’s about having the same values. The people that I have always been drawn to are the worker bees. Whether that’s Steven Meisel–whoever it is–nobody I know wants to be a celebrity. They’re attracted to the work itself. Karl Lagerfeld once said to me, “We have class. Working class!” Here’s a man that we all revere, bow down to, and love. What we do is not the fluff–it’s not going out to parties, it’s not to be seen. Hard workers are the people I’m always surrounding myself with. Whether that’s Vinny [an intern--also from Pittsburgh--that Lori was working with that day] or you, old guard, new guard. So many people I meet say “what’s with this new generation?” The thing people don’t remember is that there’s always a small group of artists who will rise to the top. It’s not the norm to have a ton of hard workers starting out. It never really has been. Those who keep putting in the hours will be the last ones standing.
You’re really active on Twitter and Facebook. Do you love it, or do you do it because you feel like it’s necessary to do?
Honestly, there is nothing I would ever do unless I totally believe in it. If you follow my career, I’m definitely the rebel outsider. If I embrace something, it’s because I love it. I’d never embrace Facebook or Twitter personally, but it’s great professionally. I’ve always thought it would be amazing to instantly show people all the crazy things I find. I’m a kook! I want to show people bekookle, as we say! I love love love Twitter. That’s why my company is called Instant Chic. I love putting things out there.
Two blouses from LOGO by Lori Goldstein
I ask people this all the time, and usually get a similar answer, but I have to hear yours. If there’s one thing–one quality–to which you can credit your success in fashion, what would it be?
There are really two. One, be true to yourself. We can easily get caught up in the wrong things–we always have to think about what we really want. And secondly, work hard. It’s as simple as that. People think fashion is easy. Do you know what styling a shoot entails? It’s really hard work. I had no choice, I had to go into this–it was my destiny. You have to know that about yourself, and then hard work, perseverance and stamina will take you the rest of the way.
You can watch Lori on QVC this Monday, August 9, from 1-2pm and 6-7pm EST. You can also follow her on Twitter and Facebook.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.