Journalism: A Profile on Nina Garcia

A Fashion Journalist: Nina Garcia
By Arielle Rothstein

Is your magazine of choice more fashion oriented than politically oriented? If the answer is yes (even us women at The White House Project like a good fashion read!) then when you hear the word “Journalism”, you may think of Nina Garcia, an elite voice in the fashion side of journalism. Fashion journalism is one of the many branches of journalism at large. It is a field where women are the powerhouses, and in many cases have the final word. Nina Garcia is absolutely no exception to this rule. In fact, she is a trend setter. And, yes, the pun is intended.

I recently had the pleasure of speaking with Garcia after I recognized her in a convenience store looking at, none other than the newest edition of Marie Claire. After I nervously introduced myself on behalf of The White House Project, I went onto tell her that I wished to profile her. Although I had no set plans of featuring Garcia, when I laid eyes on her I could not believe I had not previously thought of the idea. Not only is Garcia a powerful, intelligent, and impressive woman, but she has the resume to prove it.

After working for various fashion houses, she landed the job of market editor at ELLE in 2000. Garcia soon moved up the ranks to fashion director, and eventually onto editor at large before leaving the magazine in 2008. After eight and a half successful years at ELLE, Garcia landed the esteemed job of fashion director at Marie Claire. Amidst her notable and fast paced career at two of the top magazines for women, Garcia remarkably managed to find time to write four books and judge the widely popular reality television show, Project Runway, which is now in its seventh season.

Garcia’s four books are extremely well-liked, allowing her to add “best-selling author” to her already long list of accomplishments. Her first book, “The Little Black Book of Style” was released in 2007. It was in this book that Garcia wrote about the ability for a woman to express herself through the clothing that she chooses to wear.

Barely a year later, her second book, “The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own” came out, and then in 2009, she wrote, “The Style Strategy: A Less is More Approach to Staying Chic and Shopping Smart”. Her fourth book is expected to come out in August 2010.

Based on her track record, it is undeniable that Garcia has had immense success in all that she has taken on. Yet, her success did not come overnight. Rather, Garcia worked hard to get where she is today and should thus serve as an inspiration to all female journalists who have big dreams to do big things (like writing four books, perhaps…). And if you do go down a path that is similar to Garcia’s, don’t be surprised if an awe-struck intern stops you on the street. You never know, she may be an aspiring journalist herself.