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A Feel For Fashion: Robin Givhan

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Robin Givhan is one of fashion journalism’s preeminent voices, gaining accolades for her broader critical writing well beyond the industry. For decades, she worked at the Washington Post, only departing the title this past August. Over her time there, she won a Pulitzer Prize for fashion writing (a rare category) and a Rabkin Prize. In 2020, she was promoted to Senior Critic-at-Large, which broadened her remit to include politics, race and the arts overall. She has authored two books: "The Battle of Versailles: The Night American Fashion Stumbled Into The Spotlight and Made History” and, published just this year, “Make It Ours: Crashing the Gates of Culture with Virgil Abloh.” Whatever comes next, Givhan is unsparing, well-reasoned and fair in her critiques, and remains a singular entity in the fashion-sphere.

What are your thoughts about the significance of this season given so many major designer debuts? 

It’s an exciting season of turnover! I can’t say it’s a season of new faces. I’d love to see that someday. But hopefully new geography will inspire the designers. 

 

What aspect of your work excites and stimulates you the most? 

I love having my curiosity sated. The best thing about my work is the luxury of exploring things that are of interest to me.  

  

What is one aspect of the industry needs to evolve?  

The industry desperately needs to expand its vision when hiring for big jobs, whether creative director or CEO. The people in charge need to be more representative of the customers they serve. 

  

Do trends still matter?  

Yes, trends still have the capacity to inspire and delight. But customers are no longer slaves to them – or at least most aren’t. And that’s a good thing. It’s a sign of a more confidant and sophisticated customer. 

  

Where are you seeing disruption in the industry?  

Menswear is where almost everything is happening. And that’s exciting to see! 

  

What is your favourite way/word to compliment someone’s style?  

I love when someone’s style expresses a sense of joy. 

  

Tell us something surprising about how you got to where you are today? 

Growing up, I never had a subscription to a fashion magazine. 

  

In what ways might you hope to have an impact on fashion this year?  

I hope I can show people that kind of dress is good for business and for professional success.  

  

Can you share a mantra that speaks to this moment in time? 

Choose optimism.  

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