‘Allure’ editor keen to mentor local talent
Tiffany Reid has all the season’s hottest designer clothes, bags and swimsuits at her disposal.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean she’s done it all in her fashion career.
“People think once you become an editor you’ve made it. It is definitely a step forward in your career but it doesn’t end there,” said the American fashion market editor for Allure Magazine.
“You still have to put in the hard work and the hours. A major part of it is branding yourself, it is important to be known for something and to carve your piece in the world.”
She still has goals she’d like to meet professionally. As a result she tries to push herself on a regular basis.
“Right now I am focusing on digital and having more of an online presence,” she said.
Ms Reid is one of six fashion experts coming from overseas for Bermuda Fashion Festival’s Local Designer Show in July.
She said she was honoured to have been invited by Bermudian Shiona Turini — and happy to get to mentor aspiring local designer Brittany Wolffe.
“My immediate response was ‘Yes, of course’, because it was my chance to give back,” Ms Reid said.
“People underestimate the power of having a strong mentor in their industry, especially in the fashion industry. It is so important to nourish the young creative mind.
“Plus, I’ve never been [to the Island] so I am very excited to see it. I’m surprised this is my first time because other than fashion I love to travel. I’m probably most excited about the beaches and the beautiful blue water!”
So far she’s been impressed by Miss Wolffe’s work ethic and the great ideas she brings to the table.
“There haven’t been any challenges so far, but of course it would be great if we were in the same city,” she said.
“Still that’s something we easily move past with Skype, e-mail and WhatsApp etc. The biggest reward so far has been watching her vision come to life.”
Ms Reid, a native New Yorker, said fashion has always been part of her life.
Both her mother and her grandmother were always the most stylish ladies in their inner circles.
“As a young child it came natural, self-expression was easy,” she said.
“Then when I hit high school being the diehard New Yorker that I am, I became obsessed with name brands and logos — Gucci, Burberry, Prada, Jordans etc. I was chasing the trends and that’s how I lost my style a bit.
“Then late college/early adulthood I took control again, and it came naturally to me. This is when I really developed my personal style.”
She considers her style to be quite fluid and finds inspiration from new sources everyday.
“My fashion sense really depends on my mood,” she said. “I put my own swag on things that gives it a personal touch so I can own my look.”
Ms Reid encourages anyone looking to break into the fashion industry to know their stuff.
“Do your research,” she said. “It is important to know the history and what came before you. That is something I am constantly educating myself on.
“Also, be innovative, continue to create new pieces, but make sure it stays true to your brand identity. Trends are relevant, but self-identity reigns over all.”
Brittany Wolffe is no stranger to hard work.
The 25-year-old realises it’s vital to the success of her fashion collection, LoveBomb.
“For the one year that I have been sewing using a machine, I’ve decided that I will go as hard as my body will allow,” she said. “Long hours seem like the only way to go when preparing for a show like this, but overworking myself does not bring forth the best product.”
Miss Wolffe is hoping her involvement in this year’s Local Designer Show will help prepare her for fashion school in the autumn.
For this year’s event she’s created a women’s line, which resonates a lot with her own personal style.
“My show collection is 70s/boho chic with a modern twist inspired by admitted hippie Rachel Zoe, who is my favourite style icon,” she said.
Miss Wolffe took part in last year’s show and said she “loved every minute of it”.
“This year’s selection process consisted of sending in fashion designs/sketches, as well as the concept behind your line and basically explaining why I wanted to be a part of the mentorship programme and show.
“When I received the e-mail stating that I had been selected I was ecstatic. Like I said, participating this year was a must for me.”
Bermudian fashion consultant Shiona Turini said she picked Miss Wolffe because of her natural talent and determination to succeed.
“I was pleasantly surprised when Brittany applied last year — although she is quite present on the Bermuda fashion scene she had never sewn before so it was a completely new challenge for her.
“Brittany was one of the designers I was most proud of. She stepped up to the plate, took a risk, and her final product was beautiful. When she applied again this year we were eager to accept her. She has a lot more to learn but her commitment, drive and natural talent is what this mentorship is all about.” Miss Wolffe said it’s been amazing to be paired with Tiffany Reid, from Allure Magazine.
“Tiffany is great when it comes to giving feedback,” the aspiring designer said.
“I had heard a few things about Tiffany beforehand so once I found out who my mentor was I was happy about it. If only I could meet her in person before the show, but I guess WhatsApp, Skype and e-mails will do for now.”
Miss Wollfe is hoping the mentor relationship is one that will continue long after the curtains close on the July 8 show.
For the time being she’s feeling confident and relaxed about the event.
“It’s a huge change from last year. I was a ball of stress leading up to show day, when I was cool and calm.”
