EDITORIAL WRITING

One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is crafting long-form copy on current events that resonate with Harrods staff – particularly in the world of fashion. As part of our team’s bi-monthly column ‘Fashion News’, I cover key cultural moments throughout the year, bringing industry insights to an internal audience.

I’ve had the privilege of writing about iconic topics such as the Met Gala, New York Fashion Week, and Glastonbury – examples of which I’ve attached here. These pieces are shared across our internal email network and consistently receive highly positive feedback.

Below are some of my favourite pieces.

THE ORIGINAL SUPERMODELS

Another fortnight has passed, which means Fashion News is back, bringing you breathtaking style updates from around the world. The past two weeks have been unusually quiet – no fashion shows or celebrity fragrance launches, no award season drama, not even a tabloid scandal in sight. But flipping through the latest British Vogue, one article stopped me in my tracks – an ode to the original supermodels: Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington. In September, Apple TV+ will debut a tell-all documentary tracing their meteoric rise in the early ’90s, offering more insight than ever into their legendary ‘sisterhood.’ It was clear – this week’s Fashion News had to be all about them. Join me, your editor-in-chief (consider me your Anna Wintour for the day), for a nostalgic deep dive into the era of the ‘supers.’ From iconic runway moments to their cultural impact (Naomi, we’re looking at you), let’s celebrate the women who defined fashion history.

First up, Cindy Drawford. My whole life, I’ve only known three American Cindys: Cindy Crawford, Dr Suess’s Cindy Lou and my own aunt Cindy. And if I had to pick a favourite? Sorry, Aunty – Cindy Crawford takes the crown.

Why? Cast your mind back to 1992. The American public was feeling thirsty – for Pepsi and for supermodels. So, the soda giant launched a commercial that would become a cultural reset, starring two unknown country boys and fashion’s very own Cindy Crawford. In the ad, Miss Crawford kept it simple: a white tank, worn-in denim shorts, and an ice-cold Pepsi in hand. But she didn’t just look like the girl next door – she looked like the girl you meet on your first day in heaven.

Like Helen of Troy, she had – and still has – a face that could launch a thousand ships. But hers would be packed with fans worshipping her voluminous blow-dry and signature beauty marks. Anyway, it comes as no surprise that the campaign was a global hit, going down as one of the best in everyday-fashion history.

Now, I meant to save this one for last, but I simply couldn’t resist. Naomi Campbell, the catwalk goddess, the blueprint, the supermodel. Her attitude-fuelled stomp and sultry side-eye have made her millions. She’s walked for them all: Versace, Chanel, Prada, Fendi, Burberry, Valentino. But nothing, not a single runway, compares to her most unforgettable performance: a seven-day community service slay in a New York sanitation garage.

Need Context? The year is 2007. Naomi is in a heated dispute with her maid over a missing pair of jeans. A phone is launched, a scandal erupts and the rest is history.

Each day brought a new look – because, of course, community service is always a runway when Naomi Campbell’s involved. A Giuliana Teso fur coat. An Etro top. A couture Dolce & Gabbana gown for her Friday finale, cinched with a futuristic metallic belt. And the pièce de résistance? A Hermès Kelly bag, casually thrust into a police officer’s arms (she mistook him for her bodyguard). It was no accident that each ensemble matched the Rolls Royce that dropped her off either.

But when I think of Linda Evangelista, I think of her famous quote: “I won’t get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day”. She was one of the most sought-after women in the world at the height of her career. Evangelista first captivated the spotlight in the late 1980s, thanks to Julien d’Ys, who transformed her hair into THAT signature bob – a style that became a defining look for nearly every designer and model to follow.

And whether you’re a fan or critic, it can’t be denied that her work, along with her super sisters, helped usher in a new era of fashion: one defined by uber-feminine power dressing, OTT accessories and a couple of unforgettable couture runway shows.

Here are a few of my personal favourite moments from her archive: Dior Autumn/Winter 1991, Michael Klein 1992 and Chanel Couture Autumn/Winter 1992. Each image radiates otherworldly skill, beauty, and charisma. And I have to say, she’s worth every penny she’s ever been paid.

Last but not least, Christy Turlington. She may now only devote 20 days a year to modelling, but that doesn't mean she's short on memorable runway moments for fashion fans to fawn over. You might be thinking: surely Gianni Versace's Autumn/Winter 1991 ready-to-wear show was her most iconic gig? And in many ways, it was. Alongside her fellow supermodels, she quite literally tore up the runway. But when I think of Christy, these are the images that come to mind. Wearing a couture Chanel gown designed by the late Karl Lagerfeld, she proved that angels truly do walk among us. Gold jewellery draped over her body like Grecian armour, while her feathery headpiece was exactly what Schiaparelli wished it had for its 2023 couture show. I also think her eyebrows deserve a special mention because, let’s be honest, they’re perfect in every way.