Fashion Week: What the Editors Will Be Wearing

By Chris Frey
February 8, 2011

Though much of the madness has already begun, 2011 New York Fashion Week officially kicks off on Thursday. As any fashion follower knows, as far as fashion trends go, what happens in the seats (and out and about near the tents) is just as important as what's on the fashion runways. Professional stylists, fashion photographers, models off duty and, of course, the fashion magazine editors make almost as many headlines as the clothes they come to see.

That means the pressure to look stylish and trendy is intense. Add in potential ice storms, bone-chilling winds and the fear of bad hat-head, and you have, in the words of Eva Chen, Beauty Director at Teen Vogue, “A sartorial challenge to look chic while maintaining Michelin Man-like insulation.”

But any fashion magazine editor will tell you that the real challenge is finding yourself viewing designer collections for next Fall and Winter 2011 and coveting them now. As Gina Kelly, Fashion Director at Seventeen can attest, “It’s like I go to one show and suddenly feel like I have nothing to wear!” And yet, though wardrobe dilemmas and last-minute additions are a given, fashion magazine editors nevertheless give considerable thought to what they'll be wearing—if not for the headline-making potential of their outfits then for the need to be as organized as possible during a week of dashing from show to show.

We checked in with fashion magazine editors from Lucky, Real Simple, Seventeen and Teen Vogue to find out what they’ll be wearing to 2011 New York Fashion Week. They also shared thoughts on the new Lincoln Center venue, their favorite fashion runway shows, and what else gets them through the hectic Fashion Week.

Gina Kelly, Fashion Director, Seventeen

Pre-week ritual: “I get all of my dry cleaning and shoe repairs done, so I have plenty of options ready. And of course I succumb to weekly purchases. It's like once I go to one show—I suddenly feel like I have nothing to wear—so there's this urge to get something fun and new. I usually hide from my American Express statement for about a month afterwards."

The non-fashion items she can't live without: “I double dose on Vitamin C before, during and after the shows. I can't really afford to get sick. There's too much to do! I also can't do the week without a roomy bag. There are my show tickets, water, iPod, Blackberry, magazines to read in between shows…the list is endless. I'm not sure how some editors go through the week with a tiny 'it' bag. Where's their stuff?”

Bryant Park or Lincoln Center? “Definitely Lincoln Center. First, for proximity to the Hearst tower [where Seventeen's offices are located] and second, because the scale is so beautiful. It’s much more spacious than Bryant Park.”

The designer runway shows she's most excited for: “I like Rebecca Taylor because she's a good friend and her pieces are so wearable. And because they are such a departure from what we shoot at Seventeen, I love the fancy shows like Oscar de la Renta or Carolina Herrera.”

What This Fashion Editor Will Be Wearing:

Frye Studded Combat Boots: “With all the snow we've had, I don't really see myself traipsing around on high heels in February. These boots are perfect—they're flat, cool and will go with jeans or dresses. I'm bummed the foldover styles are sold out!” (But not on eBay)

Madewell High Riser Jeans: “I am thrilled that I have higher rises to choose from this season. I've been suffering for years in low-waisted jeans. I am short, so they do nothing for me. Thanks Madewell!”

Lulu Frost Quill Necklace: “We shot some of her stuff on a recent cover and I nearly flipped when it came into the office. It's so different and special, and I especially love the quill necklaces. The bronze letters are a close second.”

Chanel Bags: “I have two and I carry them to death. They are worth every penny and will never go out of style.”

Rebecca Taylor Dress: “I adore green and I can never pass up a floral print with a 70's vibe that still looks modern.”

St. James Striped Sweater: “I have about 12 striped shirts and I cannot stop buying them. My husband has one of their sweaters and he's starting to get mad that I keep borrowing it. I guess it's time I get my own.”

Comme de Garcons Wool Hat: “I'm really into hats this winter and love their play on the fedora in wool.”

Greek Fisherman's Hat: “A total classic and a nice addition to all the fedoras out there.”

Catch the Look on eBay

Roll over items for details

New Frye Rogan Studded Combat Boot

(buy it now price, $120)

St.James Striped Sweater

(buy it now price, $19.07)

Victorian Gold & Horn Fringe Necklace

(buy it now price, $1,295)

New Greek Fisherman’s Hat

(buy it now price, $14.99)

Fashion Week: What the Editors Will Be Wearing

Eva Chen, Beauty Director, Teen Vogue

Pre-Fashion Week ritual: “Pre fashion week I try to binge on sleep and water because I know they'll fall by the wayside!”

The non-fashion items she can't live without: “My iPhone and its Mophie battery pack charger case (which extends the life of my phone to days)! And I always have Jurlique hand cream stowed away in my bag... I love the jasmine scent.”

Bryant Park or Lincoln Center? “Bryant Park for sheer convenience... But in my wildest dreams, Hermione Granger would somehow expand the backstage area of Bryant Park.”

The designer runway shows she's most excited for: “I always love the Rodarte show for the sheer dreamy creativity—it makes my heart sing! And Phillip Lim because I know I'll end up buying half the collection!”

What This Fashion Magazine Editor Will Be Wearing:

Topshop Shearling Jacket: “It’s super warm, super cozy—and because it didn’t cost an arm, six legs, and forty two toes, I won’t mind if it gets a little snowed on. Which is an inevitability this winter, no?”

Fur Vests: “I have a zip-up one from Adam with the biggest turtle-neck ever—it almost operates as a hood! I have another one from Elizabeth & James that was actually a snap-out liner to a cashmere blazer of theirs. It’s very sleek rabbit fur, so it doesn’t add much bulk while keeping me ultra-cozy. “

Proenza Schouler Booties: “I nabbed them at the sample sale so very luckily for me, they were already broken in from being worn on the runway! They add some serious height, while being streamlined to go with (almost) anything.”

Giant Fur Hat: “I’ve been wearing one from Antik Batik that I bought in Paris about four years ago. It’s huge and definitely view-obstructing (although I do remove it for shows!) but I’m impervious to cold when I wear it.”

Kooples Black Skinny Jeans: “I love them because they’re the perfect cropped skinny jean, but they’re also not just straight black—they’re a nice heathered shade that’s a little more interesting.”

J. Crew Men's Cashmere Sweaters: “They are warm and cozy. I love them in bright colors. The more boyish fit looks better over skinny jeans!”

Proenza Schouler PS1 Bag in Smoke: “It’s big enough to fit my iPad, Smythson planner, makeup (of which I have a lot, obviously) and more!”

Jennifer Behr Turban: “For their warmth and because they are really chic. Plus they disguise lazily-done hair (a major beauty editor faux pas!)”

Giant Cashmere Scarf: “From Burberry or Chanel. I’m sure it’s amply clear by now that I’m terrified of the cold, right?”

Catch the Look on eBay

New Marni Raccoon Hat

(buy it now price, $449)

New Jurlique Hand Cream

(buy it now price, $41.73)

Proenza Schouler Cindy Boots

(buy it now price, $600)

New Burberry Cashmere Scarf

(buy it now price, $143.77)

Lynette Pone McIntyre, Senior Market Editor, Lucky

Pre-Fashion Week ritual: “As much sleep and water as I can!!”

The non-fashion items she can't live without: “My iPhone and a bag of homemade granola with dried cherries.”

Bryant Park or Lincoln Center? “Lincoln Center. It’s such an amazing space with so much culture and history.”

The designer runway shows she's most excited for: Phillip Lim, Thakoon and Chris Benz

What This Fashion Magazine Editor Will Be Wearing:

Gryphon Leopard Coat: “It is always so chilly during the Fall collections that I’ve become an expert at layering. I’ll be warm and stylish, which is hard to do, in this coat.”

+J (Uniqlo): “The prefect white button down.”

Topshop Skinny Jeans

Rag & Bone Woolly Grey Sweater

Loeffler Randall Sloane Ankle Strap Pumps: “Because I’m feeling a bit lady.”

Stella McCartney and Nine West Lace-Up Wedge Boots: “Great for unpredictable weather and the busy weekend show schedule.”

Clare Vivier Bag: “I’m really into her messenger tote in black.”

Jewelry: “I’ll wear my vintage Oris watch that was a college graduation present and my beautiful wedding band designed by Melissa Joy Manning.

Catch the Look on eBay

New Marshall Field Leopard Coat

(buy it now price, $145.99)

Clare Vivier Bag

(current bid, $129.99)

New Oris World Timer Watch

(buy it now price, $2,650)

New Chloe Lace Up Wedge Ankle Boots

(buy it now price, $699)

Randi Packard, Fashion Market Director, Real Simple

Pre-Fashion Week ritual: “I get to the gym a lot the week before because I don't have a lot of personal time during Fashion Week. Everything else can wait on the personal front (like picking up dry cleaning, errands of that nature) but the gym is so important to me that I have to overcompensate the prior week.”

The non-fashion items she can't live without: “Red lipstick.”

Bryant Park or Lincoln Center: “Lincoln Center for space and for the setting, especially walking up the stairs at night. It’s soooo pretty. The electronic GPS for tickets is fantastic and more organized. The only advantage Bryant Park had for me was the fact that is was one subway stop from my building. That I miss. A lot.

The shows she's most excited for: “Adam, Lela Rose, Ports 1961 and Jenni Kayne.”

What This Fashion Magazine Editor Will Be Wearing:

Jerome Dreyfuss "Billy" Bag: “I rely heavily on it, not least of all because of its size. It can be worn in two shapes and sizes (you can snap it up and use the shoulder strap or use it as a really oversized bag, etc.) so I can adjust for my needs. I am pretty low maintenance as far as fashion girls are concerned and switching my bag everyday isn't my, uh, bag.”

Uniqlo High-Waisted Black Pencil Skirt: “It's really versatile, flattering and easy to run in, which is useful when you are running late!”

Strenesse Single Breasted Charcoal Gray Wool Coat: “It’s a classic and I feel really pulled together when I wear it. It’s lightweight enough that I won't be too hot in the tents waiting for shows to begin. (I tend to keep my coat on during the shows so I can leave ASAP after.)”

Loeffler Randall "Lucy" Booties: “I have a couple of different styles from Loeffler that I will switch around throughout the week. I really need to wear comfortable shoes at all times and Loeffler’s boots with the stacked heel are perfect.

Elizabeth & James Long Black Tuxedo Jacket: “I love it because it fits over dresses and tops and really elevates what I am wearing, and it’s really comfortable.”

Chunky Knit Hat: “I am a cold weather wuss. I hardly ever leave home without one of my mom's homemade knit wool/cashmere chunky hats. I have them in every color imaginable and every fall I pick out a new color that I want for that season. This year was a moss/olive green chunky knit skull cap.”