Fashion Design Blog

Submitted by The Fashion Informer Blog

If you’re a fashion lover who owns a television set, chances are you already know Mary Alice Stephenson, the stylist-cum-fashion commentator who is currently starring in the VH1 hit, America’s Most Smartest Model, with uber-droll brainiac Ben Stein.

No slouch in the brains - or beauty - department herself, the lovely Ms. Stephenson (who happens to be one of the genuinely nicest people we’ve ever met) got her start as an assistant fashion editor at Vogue and is currently a contributing fashion editor at Harper’s Bazaar. She also acts as spokesperson for the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, which awards $25,000 grants to allow emerging American designers to show during New York Fashion Week. And when she’s not quizzing mannequins on Einstein’s Theory of Relativity, the Birmingham, Michigan native can be found styling the likes of Beyoncé, Sienna Miller, Drew Barrymore, Jennifer Lopez and Liv Tyler for magazine shoots.

The Fashion Informer snagged a few minutes with America’s Most Smartest Editor-Stylist-TV Personality a few days before the start of New York Fashion Week, which is set to kick off Friday, February 1st with an EDFF breakfast to celebrate the 2008 grant winners, whose presentations will take place throughout the week, with Stephenson on hand to lend support and encouragement (which would appear to be the leitmotif of her career).

So, Mary Alice…

What’s your favorite off-duty activity?
Anything that has to do with my two-year-old son.

What’s your favorite movie of all time, and why?
I can’t name just one, but All That Jazz, Sweet Charity and Flashdance top the list.

Who do you think is the most underrated designer?
Arnold Scaasi and Bob Mackie, because between the two of them they have dressed Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Lauren Bacall, Catherine Deneuve and Cher. Need I say more?

What’s the best, and most challenging, thing about styling celebrities for an event?
The best thing is the energy that comes from someone that feels and look amazing! The most challenging thing can be helping a celebrity get over their insecurities and gently pushing them to realize that how they think they look best is not necessarily them at their best.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Coffee and scrambled egg.

If you found $15,000 in a brown paper bag, how would you spend it?
My naughty self would immediately head off to Bergdorf’s new Lanvin boutique. But since I am not feeling naughty these day, I would donate it to Free Arts or Make-A-Wish, two foundations I do a lot of work with.

Who do you think is America’s Most Smartest Supermodel?
Just to achieve supermodel status you have to be extremely smart. As far as the smartest, there is not one. I would have to say Gisele, Heidi, Tyra, Naomi and Kate come to mind, and all for different reasons. Liya Kebede, Angela Lindvall and Karolina Korkova are up there, too.

What’s your beverage of choice?
Unfortunately, Diet Coke.

Jack Black or Jack White?
Jack White.

Mac or PC?
Mac.

What’s your dream occupation, other than what you are doing?
Social work - and not the kind in a ball gown.

What’s your favorite store in the world?
Barneys…because whether she knows it or not, fashion director Julie Gilhart is my stylist!

What song did you dance to at your wedding?
I have never been married.

What freaks you out?
Greed.

When are you happiest?
Playing with my son, granting a MAW [Make-A-Wish] fashion wish, and being front row at a mind-blowing fashion show.

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