Fashionistas focuses on the future of fashion: We believe the people, trends and industry shifts will continue to define fashion. Fashionista is also where future leaders start their careers – in an industry that’s not easy to get into. this Fashionista Future Self Series Dedicated to those of us who are still trying to get there.
In some exciting news, we’re launching our first limited-edition products in partnership with Bluboho: two pieces of jewelry you can wear forever and become a physical connection to your future self. It will launch on October 22nd.
Yes, our upcoming jewelry collaboration (see below) is adorable, but there’s also a lot of meaning behind the designs we’re working on with Bluboho. The envelope charms our entire editorial team has been wearing for the past few weeks symbolize a “note” to our future selves. The beauty of it is that we can all individually decide what that note is: a personal mantra? Words of encouragement? A reminder of the challenges we’ve overcome?
Photo&col;Courtesy of Bruboho
As sad as it sounds, the collaborative process gives us the opportunity to reflect on the lessons we’ve learned in our lives and careers, and the wisdom we’ve gained and hope to retain in our lives—in context, basically, with everything we live.
To inspire others (and at the risk of oversharing), each Fashionista editor has penned a few notes to themselves (for the world to see), including the career advice we’d give to our younger selves if we could , and what our goals are. us Remember every day. Keep scrolling to read it all.
Dani Mau, Editor-in-Chief
I would tell young Dani to stop comparing herself to others. It’s never helpful to care about someone else’s career, appearance, or generational wealth. Give yourself grace and recognize your privileges and many, many strengths and accomplishments. Also, go to therapy.
My little envelope charm reminds me of Project Runway Season 2 contestant Santino Rice’s jazzy voice from 2005: “Take it easy, it’s fashion!” when I find myself addicted When it comes to making mistakes or putting too much pressure on myself, this simple phrase instantly changes my perspective and makes me realize how lucky I am to have a job where I can have fun and pursue my true interests. (To quote another 2000s fashion reality star, “It’s clothes. We’re not saving lives.”)
Photo&col;Courtesy of Bruboho
Stephanie Saltzman, Beauty Director
To my younger self, I would say: read everything. You think you read a lot, but you actually read more. It will benefit you professionally and personally, enriching your thoughts, your perspectives, and your capacity for empathy. Also: Don’t let anyone make you feel like you can’t have something important to offer the world—something that resonates with people, informs them, inspires them, and brings a (often much-needed) sense of relief. Finally: If you insist on following a career path based on your journalism degree, you’d better be prepared and prepared for each day.
I thought, what message is hidden in my exquisite little envelope charm? Many years ago, artist Cleo Wade created a piece that said, “You’re awesome, stop being confused.” That’s it, that’s the annotation.
Janelle Sessoms, Staff Writer
I would tell my younger self that there is no shame in being interested in fashion and that you can use it to build a viable career. (So please, stop telling people you’re going to be a doctor.) Those years spent obsessing over America’s Next Top Model and Project Runway, those hours spent flipping through fashion magazines, those years watching your grandma sew. And ask that your summer be taught how to do just that – all these little signs will lead to a future that’s better than you could have ever dreamed of. Also, never stop being curious. People may tell you that you ask too many questions, but curiosity and a genuine interest in learning will get you far.
It’s great to be career-oriented, but when I see Future of Self jewelry, I’m reminded that there’s more to life than work. I remember that it’s okay to get involved, celebrate the small wins, and enjoy the little things in life.
Photo&col;Courtesy of Bruboho
Brooke Frischer, staff writer and social director
I would tell my younger self that her passion is valuable and important, and that staying true to her love of fashion and art will be the reason she achieves her dream career. Putting aside any thought, a world where you can write about and experience your favorite life is not possible.
Future Self Jewelry helps me remember how far I have come in my work and career. When I feel doubtful about the future, I remind myself of all the times in my life when it felt like so many challenges were impossible to overcome, and how I managed to not only overcome those obstacles, but go far beyond them and achieve major Target.
Savannah Sitton, Contributing Markets Editor
I would tell young Savannah not to be afraid of the future, it will be unexpectedly beautiful and you don’t have to choose anything that doesn’t fulfill you. You don’t have to change careers or accept a job you hate. I want to thank her for not wavering from the life she envisioned, building an exciting career in the fashion industry, and being lucky enough to meet amazing colleagues and friends along the way. I would tell her not to cry with every “no” or rejection letter, to trust that it was always meant to happen and to lead me on the right path that I was destined for.
It may be a cliché, but the adage “fake it till you make it” has served me well: I called myself a fashion editor long before anyone paid me to be one. If you feel like you don’t have space for yourself, then make space and ignore the naysayers – there will always be haters and no matter what, it’s your job to build your dream life – and I did! When I look down at my moonstone bracelet, it brings me back to a place of gratitude for my past self for every struggle I’ve experienced along the way and come out stronger.
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