Who or what is generating the greatest influence in fashion today?
Social media. It has given access that was never shown before – whether that’s a good or bad thing is another question.
AI will continue to disrupt and impact how we live and work. How, in your mind, might it complement or complicate haute couture?
I can see designers using it to bring their ideas to life, particularly when it comes to video content before and after the show. But can also make things feel a little flat, making craft appear more like ‘magic’ than something that actually took many hours.
Haute Couture represents so much additional attention to the garment, its construction and techniques. Do you think there’s different body language when a woman is wearing haute couture?
I can only imagine that the answer must be yes!
How do you think Haute Couture can spark and sustain desire with so much else going on in the world?
During the hardest times, we find comfort, distraction and joy in yearning for beautiful things and stories.
Do you have an industry story or experience that you have never talked about?
Ha, many! But as a journalist, I think it’s important to be discreet.
What is one couture-related memory that you will never forget?
Today I am going to my first ever couture show as an independent journalist! Even as an employed fashion editor on a newspaper I only ever covered ready-to-wear, so this is a big deal for me!
Who are your fashion heroes?
Alexander McQueen, Yohji Yamamoto, Saint Laurent (the man, and the brand now with Anthony Vaccarello as creative director).
What are you most curious to know about how Haute Couture designers work, how a collection comes together?
I want to know where the inspiration came from and how they bring it to life, step by step.
What is one reason to be optimistic about the state of fashion going forward?
Craft is once again being seen as the true luxury. A high price tag is not enough for something to be considered ‘luxury.’
Tell us something surprising about how you got to where you are today?
When I first moved abroad to work on a newspaper. When I applied, I never for a minute thought I would get the job, let alone move to the other side of the world with no friends or family there. But once I got the job, I could not say no and I left everything behind – including an unhappy relationship.
What has been a highlight of your career so far?
Being an independent journalist means I get to indulge myself in what I want to write about and it’s amazing that people all over the world connect with it. It’s a daily highlight.
What is a positive objective or goal that you would like to see the industry work towards?
Less waste.
If you could make any fashion wish come true, what would it be?
To be a Saint Laurent ambassador.
This interview has been lightly edited.
