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Jill Fairchild, Where to Wear Founder and Publisher
Jill Fairchild learned the ins and outs of the publishing industry early on from the best in the business. Daughter of fashion world legend and W magazine founder John Fairchild, she first started her career at numerous fashion publications (Glamour magazine, GQ and Vogue), but also explored the world of television production and fashion retail before stumbling upon that ingenious idea of creating a shopping guide for each of the major fashion capitals from Italy to Paris to New York and even San Francisco. She wrote the first guide, which focused on New York City. Currently, there are nine guides in the series, which are written by journalists residing in the cities of reference for the best inside scoops and secret spots. The guides are updated yearly to keep the info as current as the styles seen in them.
FACTIO MAGAZINE: Give us an inside look at your company, Where to Wear and a look at what it was like to learn from the best - your
father, John Fairchild, founder of W magazine.
JILL FAIRCHILD: Where to Wear is a young company, but one that is made up of motivated, creative individuals with a great deal of experience. What makes it so special is that we're all so dedicated to the product. We believe in Where to Wear and its future. Everything runs much smoother and grows so much quicker when you work alongside people who share the same vision.
I grew up in the fashion world, and learning about it from my father, who has such a trained eye. He taught me to listen to my instincts, and to be confident enough to make snap decisions about what you like or dislike, a shorthand process that is described in the book 'Blink' by Malcolm Gladwell.
FM: Describe your signature style.
JF: Classic with an edge. The core of what I wear is basics. My style comes alive by adding flair to classic pieces. The secret: my accessories. I dress according to my negatives and positives. My motto: stick to what looks good on you and don’t get consumed by the trends. Less is more.
FM: What are your favorite shops worldwide (any specifics in San Francisco)?
JF: Lobato and Colette in Paris, Intermix, Domenico Vacca and Tory Burch in New York, Coco Ribbon and Joseph in London, Leam in Rome and Satine in Los Angeles. In San Fran, I would have to say Sarah Shaw and Cielo.
FM: Where are some of your favorite places to travel and what do you always pick up for your wardrobe?
JF: I really like South Beach. I especially love Europe. Without fail, when I’m in Europe, going to the flea markets are a highlight of my trip. It’s about the thrill of the hunt for me. I always return home with something. Recently, I was at the markets in Forte dei Marmi and found some fabulous items including a python hobo bag and a pink strapless dress that I wore at a Newport black tie party!
FM: What are you always on the hunt for?
JF: The best kept secrets of each city I visit – an undiscovered shop or an up-and-coming designer.
FM: What are some of the designer staples we’d find in your closet?
JF: Ralph Lauren suede and leather pieces, Jimmy Choo shoes, sexy Gucci tops, Valentino jackets and Anya Hindmarch handbags.
FM: What women and men (from which city worldwide) have great style and why?
JF: Italian men – they are the most put together of the European bunch. French women – on no matter what budget – are the epitome of style.
FM: Do you think money and style go hand in hand or can style never be bought? Is it something you just have?
JF: Style and money do not necessarily go hand in hand. In fact, it’s often just the opposite. I really believe that the secret to having style is how you radiate it. Even a nude woman can have style. As my dad once said, ‘Style is an expression of individualism mixed with charisma’. I believe that style is a platform for fashion and true style cannot be emulated.
FM: What does global style mean to you?
JF: It means complete versatility. It’s the ability to select pieces from collections that can take you from the English countryside to the urban sophistication of New York and Hong Kong.
FM: What would people be most surprised to know about you?
JF: I think many people look at me as a consumer and shopaholic. After all, I am the founder and publisher of a shopping guide series. The truth is, I am a total browser and don’t make split decisions when purchasing clothes. For me, it’s not about expensive designer labels; it’s about what looks good.
FM: Did you know when you founded Where to Wear that the company would rise to the success that it has?
JF: You never know, but when you’re passionate about something you have a chance. Also, I have been so lucky to work with incredibly talented, dedicated partners and employees.
FM: What business advice and inspiration can you give to entrepreneurs?
JF: Advice: expect a lot of rejection along the way, but stay positive. It may just lead you to bigger and better roads. Inspiration: look at all the entrepreneurs out there who have gone so far; it can happen if you want it to.
FM: What tips would you give women and men in general to be well rounded, balancing out life and business?
JF: Don’t get bogged down by the little stuff. While you’re trying to juggle work, family and friends, keep a positive attitude and a sense of humor.
FM: Where do you see Where to Wear (the brand) in five years?
JF: The Google of shopping.
For more information on Where to Wear shopping guides, please log onto www.wheretowear.com.
Credit: Jill Fairchild Intro by Kasia Koniar, Interview by Melissa Maynard, both for
Factio-magazine.com.
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