Rickie De Sole, Head of Fashion Initiatives at Vogue and Co-Director of the Fashion Network at Conde Nast, lives in New York City with her husband and her son, William.
HOW DID YOU FIRST BECOME ACQUAINTED WITH JONATHAN COHEN?
My friend Karla Martinez invited me to a dinner in Paris that she was hosting for Jonathan about 4 years ago.
FOR YOUR PHOTOSHOOT WITH THE STUDIO, YOU HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO STYLE YOUR OWN LOOK. WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THE PARTICULAR OUTFIT YOU WERE PHOTOGRAPHED IN?
I wore a beautiful printed “Rickie” skirt…the name explains it all!
THE FASHION INDUSTRY IS CHANGING AT SUCH A RAPID PACE. WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION? ADDITIONALLY, WHAT DO YOU SEE AS THE MOST EXCITING OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE FUTURE OF FASHION?
Navigating the changing landscape of retail is a big challenge but also a big opportunity. It is exciting to see brands able to engage directly with their clients and have more creativity in their storytelling.
GROWING UP IN THE WORLD OF FASHION, DID YOU ALWAYS KNOW YOU WOULD END UP WORKING IN THE INDUSTRY? DO YOU HAVE ANY SPECIFIC MEMORIES GROWING UP THAT CONFIRMED YOUR AMBITIONS TO WORK IN FASHION?
I used to work backstage at the Gucci shows in the 90’s and loved it. Think that’s where I really caught the fashion bug!
YOU HAVE YOUR HANDS IN SO MANY DIFFERENT AREAS, FROM THE BUSINESS AND PR SIDE OF THE INDUSTRY TO THE CREATIVE AND EDITORIAL SIDE. DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ASPECT OF YOUR WORK?
Each role I have had has helped to inform the next one. My time on the brand side at Prada learning about product and PR made me a better editor. I’ve always bridged the in-between of creative and business - I can't imagine doing one without the other!
YOU ARE AN INCREDIBLE MENTOR FOR UP AND COMING DESIGNERS. WHAT IS YOUR BEST ADVICE FOR THOSE WORKING THEIR WAY UP IN THE FASHION WORLD?
Find mentors and ask for help when you need it. There are so many complexities to the industry having a roster of advisors to help navigate it can be a huge advantage.
WHILE FASHION IS A BIG PART OF YOUR LIFE, SO IS YOUR GROWING FAMILY! HOW HAS BECOMING A MOTHER AFFECTED YOUR PERSPECTIVE?
Becoming a mother last year has given me such a wonderful perspective! I think it has made me more thoughtful of how I manage my time but also how I consume - taking time to really consider the value of what I'm bringing into my life.
YOUR NAME HAS FLOWN AROUND OUR STUDIO SO OFTEN BECAUSE WE NAMED A SKIRT AFTER YOU! WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO THIS PARTICULAR SKIRT?
I was so incredibly flattered and excited when I learned you had named the skirt after me! I love the A-Line shape. I think it’s the most flattering silhouette for someone with hips like mine.
WHY IS NATURAL SKINCARE AND MAKEUP IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Since having my son I’ve started to care a lot more! Whatever I wear inevitably rubs off on him so using natural ingredients that are not harmful to him (or to me) is a must.