The Elton John of Women’s Fashion: An Eclectic Fashion Pioneer

by: Freyja Kremer

During last summer's quarantine, we all had time to try new things, whether it was sewing, making Tik Toks, or trying to play video games. One of these new things that I explored was fashion. Thanks to the multitude of resources out in the world (Tik Tok, Instagram, and Google) I was able to find some pretty cool and inspiring people involved in the fashion industry that could help me on my way. One of these people was Caroline Vazzana. Now her name might not ring a bell right off in your head, but you have probably seen her Instagram posts featuring brightly colored outfits or seen one of her fashion week Tik Toks. Vazzana has amassed 243k followers on Instagram (@cvazzana) and 155.9k on Tik Tok (@cvazzana) - luring people with her helpful style tips and experiences in the fashion industry. After snooping around her book (Making It in Manhattan), website (www.makingmanhattan.com), and social media platforms for quite some time, I decided to dm her. I reached out to ask for some advice about how to get started in the industry as an aspiring fashion journalist and stylist. After taking her tips into account I thought, “What if someone else wants the same advice as I am, but doesn’t know where to get it?” That’s when the idea of interviewing her popped into my head. I asked, she answered. The welcoming "Hello!" I heard when I first spoke with Vazzana on the phone was only the tip of the iceberg to the wonderful woman I was about to meet.

I learned she started off with a love for art and from there found fashion design. She ended up even going to school for it, and there found out it wasn’t totally her thing. Vazzana then moved on to fashion journalism. From there she worked in many magazines such as Teen Vogue and Elle, which led her to grow her online platform to what it is now. As she experienced more of the fashion influencer side she fell in love with photography, styling, and the hands-on aspect of fashion. Vazzana said she’s always had a love for helping others so as her platform grew she began to shed some light on the scary, competitive world of fashion. “Fashion can be very ‘You can’t sit with us,’ and I’ve always strived to be the complete opposite.” She is indeed the complete opposite, offering career and fashion advice to thousands of people through social media and taking time to help beginners - such as myself!

The fashion industry is a very turbulent place -opinions here, climate change there- it’s a lovely 1900’s Victorian house that needs a remodel. After getting to know Vazzana a bit more I asked for some takes on important social and world issues. She said one of the biggest impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic for her has been how much she misses in-person fashion and couture shows (although the online ones are great for a sense of normalcy) andvarious events such as galas and parties. She reflected on how life won’t go back to normal for a while so we have to make the best of what we’ve got. Vazzana addressed the topics of sustainability and fast fashion by pointing out the fact that she has been thrifting and vintage shopping for years. In fact, this practice is what makes her style so unique and personalized. She has made it a part of her brand to work with sustainable and small companies as well as have a bright, bold, and unique style - which is what these stores give her. “Why would you wanna look like everyone else? Why would you wanna buy that one thing that everyone is wearing? Go out and buy something thrifted that absolutely no one else will have.” When asked for style tips she advised not to just follow trends, but wear what you genuinely like and what makes you happy. Don’t just fit into a mold, dress into your personality! Developing a sense of unique style is rare. One of the biggest problems Vazzana sees in the fashion industry is the lack of diversity in all areas and of all kinds. Regarding New York Fashion Week specifically, she wants to see the clothes worn on real people, not just the stereotypical model body type. She wants to see all races, all body types, and all ages walking the runway.

Vazzana suggested that high school students who want to get involved with the fashion scene should start by reading fashion books and magazines, watching fashion movies and documentaries, and doing research on different careers. She also advised becoming a part of the local fashion scene by shadowing or mentoring or working with a local boutique or designer to learn all the ins and outs of that area of fashion. To stand out in the fashion industry, this one of a kind dresser said people must give it their all and be willing to do everything it takes, recognizing that although it can be glamorous there will be moments when you are running down 5th Avenue with 15 garment bags on your arms while sweating buckets in the summer heat. When applying for a job do research on the company; what they stand for, and their missions and goals. That way, you can understand how to be a good asset. And if you are leaning towards becoming an influencer or brand, Vazzana suggested figuring out what you can do that hasn’t been done so you add to the industry, as well as speaking out on important issues that are important to you and the global community.

She also addressed a very important part of any professional community, social networking. Social networking is defined by using social platforms to find people that have similar interests or career paths in order to make connections with them. Especially in fashion, but really in any career, social networking can lead you to get an amazing job opportunity or meeting the head of a new fashion brand. Take it from someone who’s career mainly stems from social media; our network is everything - “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.,” she said, as you never know what someone will bring you. To start a conversation with someone, she advised dive in. Go in with a question and have an elevator pitch ready about who you are, where you’re from, what you are studying, and what you hope to achieve. Vazzana recommended just approaching people to say hi and share your admiration for them. Be sure to hand them your business card and ask for one in return (an email works just as well!). And- don’t forget- everyone is interviewing you.

My interview with Caroline Vazzana shed a light on all parts of the fashion industry and gave me insight into any professional realm as well. Her final piece of advice about a potential career in fashion was, “You have to love it and be passionate about it. It becomes your life. Never give up, work hard, give it your all. Be willing to do anything when starting out. Be reliable and able to be counted on and trusted. Believing in yourself is just as important as being a good worker, so don’t be discouraged by lost jobs or a myriad of other things. Everything happens for a reason in this industry.”

At her first real job interview, which was with Vogue Magazine, Vazzana didn’t know she would have to have a resume, but, as she said, “We all have to start somewhere, … We all make mistakes, nobody’s perfect.” Cheers to that!