She Did What?! A Fashionable Pivot
This is a platform to share the radical pivots, risks, self-evaluations and reflections of people I admire. We dig into the moments that led the people in their lives to go, “She Did What?!” and ultimately, to their personal or professional metamorphosis.
Throughout this series, I have periodically shared with you something personal about me. Whether it was the story of the first time I traveled abroad, learning French with Oliver, or my experience getting on my first corporate board, I have enjoyed sharing my own She Did What?! moments. Now, I am excited to share with you another personal passion of mine. One that I have been cultivating and growing my whole life and that has had many evolutions over time--my love of Fashion.
Fashion has always been a love of mine. When I was young, growing up in a small town outside of Pittsburgh, PA, I enjoyed discovering new brands as a way to explore new cities, people, and culture. Even as a young woman, I would beg my mom and dad to buy me the newest style of Guess, Benetton, or Esprit. My biggest secret has always been that I like nice things and buy them on sale.
As I’ve grown, the brands that I enjoy have evolved with me to better fit the various environments and work situations I’m in. My college years were the only time I went full on grunge. I guess I was expressing myself then as well and, looking back, it was a little scary! In the early days of my career, especially in the White House, I focused on Ann Taylor and Banana Republic because they were both affordable and work appropriate. I literally had very little money and would wait and wait for their semi-annual sales to splurge on new outfits. As I have continued in my career my fashion taste has become a little pricier. I’m now obsessed with Dior, Gucci, and Alexander McQueen. My shoes are a whole other story
Another element of the fashion world I have fallen in love with is the impressive, creative, and bold women and men working at various fashion houses. In particular, I’ve been able to cultivate an amazing relationship with the incredible talent at Dior. The whole team has been so kind and gracious to me, taking me in, teaching me, and helping me understand their world.
In yet another convergence, my worlds of fashion and art have happily collided. On April 8, 2022, my dear friend, Marlene Malek, and I will serve as the Co-Chair of the National Museum of Women in the Arts annual black tie gala. The gala will honor Dior’s first woman creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri, feminist artist Judy Chicago, and businesswoman and philanthropist Mellody Hobson each with NMWA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. This is a significant personal milestone, an honor, and another She Did What?! moment. I look forward to continuing this much loved tradition of gathering each spring in celebration of the museum’s important work and honoring groundbreaking women in arts.
From the young woman begging her parents to take her to the Guess shop at the mall, to honoring fashion icons Maria Grazia Chiuri and the indomitable Judy Chicago at the upcoming NMWA gala, I am beyond grateful for my love of fashion and how it has enriched my life. Do you have a personal passion or She Did What?! moment that brought joy to your life? Tell me about it in the comments below!
Have any feedback or ideas for what you'd like to see included in the next She Did What?! Reach out to me on LinkedIn or Instagram.