Random Questions For…Nina Garcia
Submitted by The Fashion Informer
Nina Garcia is best known for her role as a judge on the Bravo phenom, Project Runway, and as the long-time fashion director of Elle magazine. Recently, she released The Little Black Book of Style, a surprisingly useful fashion guide illustrated by Ruben Toledo, and began writing her own monthly Elle fashion advice column, called, simply “Nina.”
Which is not surprising, since fashion lovers the world over now feel they’re on a first-name basis with this straight-talking, Colombian-born dynamo, who got her start in the business working as a PR intern for Perry Ellis during the label’s Marc Jacobs-engineered grunge period. After a stint at Mirabella mag, Garcia…sorry, Nina, landed at Elle, where she worked her way up to fashion director in 2000.
The Fashion Informer caught up with the gracious, gregarious Garcia…sorry, Nina, to discuss the pitfalls of being a judge, why good food requires good friends, and the joys of motherhood (the fashion pro and her financier spouse, David Conrod, have a 10-month-old son, Lucas Alexander).
So, Nina…
What’s in current rotation on your iPod?
Current artists in rotation in my iPod are Joao Gilberto, Celia Cruz, Amy Winehouse, Frank Sinatra and James Brown.
What is your favorite city in the world and why?
Rome would have to be my favorite city for the food, weather, fashion and history. It is like nowhere else in the world.
What is your fashion must-have?
Heels.
What is your idea of a perfect meal?
My idea of a perfect meal is great food shared with wonderful friends. Food is incredible but no matter how delicious it loses all of its splendor if it cannot be experienced with great company.
Tell me about your best friend.
She is smart and funny and has this amazing ability to make any situation bright. She is sensitive and wise and always makes me laugh, something that is very important for me in friendships.
What is the most surprising thing about motherhood?
You always have endless energy.
Who do you think is the most underrated designer?
Charles James to me is the most underrated designer. He is a master of cutting and is known for his sculpted gowns and exacting tailoring standards.
What current trend do you wish would go away, already?
The “It” bag.
What current trend are you loving?
I love the Boho look for spring.
What is the hardest thing about judging Project Runway?
For me it is always letting someone go, especially at the beginning of the season when we have not been able to see their full design potential.
Do you have a favorite resort, hotel or concierge?
Any of the Aman Resorts across the globe have the best service in the world. Also, the concierge at the Plaza Athénée in Paris.
What never fails to make you cry?
My favorite book, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I have read it a hundred times and it manages to move me every time.
When are you the happiest?
As simple as it sounds, I am happiest when I am with my family.
Stay tuned next week for Random Questions For…Chip & Pepper.
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