BROWN THOMAS STYLE SUMMIT: SARAH HARRIS
As part of the Brown Thomas Style Summit, Sarah Harris British Vogue Deputy Editor jetted in to host an In Conversation event.
ABOUT SARAH
Having joined as fashion features editor in 2003, Harris has continued to oversee the fashion features department, as well as working closely with editor-in-chief Edward Enninful to build on the brand’s new editorial vision and its global reputation for diversity.
“I am delighted to return to British Vogue as deputy editor,” Harris said of her new role. “And to work alongside Edward Enninful, who in a short amount of time has masterfully set out his vision for the next chapter of the Vogue brand.”
Speaking of Harris’s appointment, Enninful said: “Sarah brings a wealth of fashion journalism experience to the newly created role, which alongside her key relationships within the fashion industry ensures British Vogue remains at the forefront of bold and glamorous content.”
IN CONVERSATION WITH SARAH
WHAT LED YOU TO THE FASHION WORLD?
Since I was about 11 years old I always knew that I wanted to work at a fashion magazine. I used to make magazines as a child, I’d fold a pile of A3 paper in half and run staples down the middle and I would make a magazine. At that point I don’t think I knew exactly what I wanted to do – be a stylist or a writer – but I knew I wanted to be an editor and be part of that world.
YOU HAVE A MINIMALIST WARDROBE, WHAT THREE ITEMS COULD YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT?
That’s a hard question! Assuming I can keep a pair of blue jeans and a white t-shirt because they’re staples, my three pieces would probably be my Céline khaki jumpsuit, my black strapless Margiela jumpsuit which is good for day to night and my Chanel jacket.
WERE YOU ALWAYS ATTRACTED TO UNDERSTATED STYLE?
I have never liked print and colour – I like seeing it on other people but whenever I’ve tried it for me, it just never feels right. I think you have to feel good in whatever you wear, I won’t buy or wear anything that doesn’t feel comfortable. I also think because I look at trends all day I like to dress like a blank canvas.
WHO ARE YOUR FAVOURITE DESIGNERS THIS SEASON?
I like so many designers, but what I have most of in my wardrobe is probably Céline, The Row, and Loewe But I also love Balenciaga, Hermès and Alaïa.
Although I am a minimalist I do like metallics and sequins for night, and so I love elements of the 1980s revival.
WHAT ARE YOUR MUST-HAVE PIECES FOR AUTUMN WINTER?
I have so many things on my shopping list right now, and some below, I also can’t wait to buy Givenchy’s cowboy boots and white tiger print sweater.
WHAT IS YOUR KEY PIECE OF ADVICE FOR TRAVELLING IN STYLE?
I love to be comfortable. Day to day I don’t wear much makeup but I never wear makeup to travel in. Sunglasses will hide a multitude of sins. I usually wear Off-White track pants and a t-shirt and I always take a cashmere blanket because I get cold on flights. Good luggage is important, I like Rimowa and Louis Vuitton. Before I had my daughter I only ever took hand luggage – and that applied for every trip from a two week holiday to 8 days of New York fashion week, but when I travel with her now, it’s impossible and so I have to check-in luggage.
YOU’RE A NEW MOTHER, HOW DO YOU MANAGE THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE?
I returned to work when Dree was 7 months old. I work 4 days in the office and 1 day from home which is a great balance. When I’m at work I have to leave the office on time, which I never used to do before, but I think it forces you to be more organised and more efficient with your time. I’m basically unavailable between 6-7:30pm because that’s when I’m with Dree, but then I can switch back on to emails and calls from 7:30pm onwards or head out to a work event then. My editor, Edward, has been brilliantly understanding. But this is a job that you never really switch off from, the days and time are more or less irrelevant. I can be working at midnight and over a weekend, it’s anything but a 9-5 industry.
You can find out more at the links below
https://www.vogue.co.uk/topic/fashion
https://www.instagram.com/sarahharris/
