Colombian-born Nina Garcia is an authority when it comes to fashion. She's been working in the industry since the early 90s, is a New York Times bestselling author, creative director at Marie Claire, and has been a judge on Project Runway alongside Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn since the first season. In between her busy Milan to Paris fashion week schedule, and hours before she took her front-row seat at Versace, she talks style, success and Fendi totes.
You've worked in the industry for many years. How do you keep your ideas fresh and relevant?
Our industry is about knowing what's fresh and relevant. I consider that my job. I'm lucky to live in a city like New York, where art, fashion, and culture really combine. So I'm always staying up to date on what designers are doing, what's trending, new technology, art exhibits, etc. I also think it's important to stay informed on the news and what's happening around the world because that influences the industry and fashion overall.
Being such a successful businesswoman and mother, how do you keep healthy and rested?
As soon as I get home I try to stop checking emails and unplug for the day. I think it is important to have balance.
How has the fashion media publishing platform changed since you first started out?
The way we run the magazine hasn't changed as much, but now there are just so many other branches to it. We have digital teams running the website, we have an iPad edition, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, the list goes on. There are so many ways to connect with our audience now and engage people in new and exciting ways.
What is your advice for getting ahead in fashion?
I think to make it in fashion you have to be very passionate about what you want to do. If you have a dream, be proactive and go out and find a way to do it. Meet and network with as many people as you can, make phone calls, knock on doors, don’t give up. Do internships, be informed, and learn as much as you can. Do everything you can to build up your experience and get noticed by those above you. Try to stand out. Be prepared to work hard. The first few years are not glamorous at all, but if you stick to it and make the right connections you can make a name for yourself.
How did you discover your love for fashion?
I was very fortunate to be part of a family that loved traveling, and a lot of my style influence came from those experiences. They used to take me out of school in Barranquilla to travel to different places like New York, Paris, Japan, India, and Italy. They believed that travel was an essential part of a person's education. In my case, traveling definitely drove me to want to learn more about different styles around the world. Once I got a little taste of fashion on a global scale, I grew a huge appetite for more. My mother also had a lot to do with my interest in fashion. She always knew what to wear and even more importantly, how to dress. I learned so much from her. She passed on an enjoyment of dressing that still drives what I do today.
You've been a judge on Project Runway since the beginning — what is it you love about the show? Why do you think it has done so well?
I love that you get to see fresh talent. In a world where every house has an iconic look, it's nice to see new points of view. I think it has done well because people like behind-the-scenes and what goes into making a garment.
How did you get on the show in the first place?
When we first started, there was nothing like Project Runway on TV. It was one of the earliest reality fashion-themed shows, so there was nothing to model ourselves after. And to be honest, at the time I wasn't sure whether fashion belonged on TV in that way. Back then fashion was very exclusive and a bit cliquey. But my colleagues at Elle (I was the fashion director there at the time) kept telling me I should do it, and the network kept asking me because they thought I brought great editing experience to the table. When I heard that Michael Kors was doing it, I was on board. But we still had no idea what we were getting into. It was such a huge risk. I was very nervous, but as soon as we taped the first episode all my nerves went away and I immediately began to understand the magic of the show and why it would be such a success. I fell in love with it — with seeing all the promising new talent and the process of how you make something out of nothing. Audiences fell in love with it too, and when the first season aired, it was huge. People in and outside of the industry, after that first episode, were obsessed. Everyone had an opinion because everybody could relate. The show was so novel because it peeled back the curtain on design and showed people what really goes on in that creative process. It was great.
How would you describe your style?
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Advertise with NZME.I have a classic point of view when it comes to my own wardrobe. I stick to wide leg pants or midi skirt silhouettes. Where I like to take risks is with my accessories, like a furry Fendi tote or a gold knotted choker necklace.
Who are your favorite designers right now?
Celine, Prada, Derek Lam, Altuzarra, Valentino.
What winter style tips can you share with us?
Invest in a great coat and boots. When its cold, your outerwear should showcase your style.
What are you reading, watching and listening to at the moment?
I'm so excited for Game of Thrones to come back. I'm a huge fan. I also love Downton Abbey. A friend told me about this band Alt J and I've been listening to them a lot. I'm a consumer of all news and media outlets — New York Times, The New Yorker, WWD. And I'm always keeping up with news on Twitter.
What are you looking for in the way of talent whether it is at fashion week or on Project Runway? Is it the same thing?
Absolutely, I think in fashion that talent comes through in a lot of ways, but the keys are craftsmanship, a powerful point of view, and having a finger on the pulse of what people want and what's fresh.
New Zealander Sean Kelly won Project Runway last year — what was it that stood out about his designs to you?
Sean consistently had great designs throughout the season and that carried him all the way through to the top. His technical skills were excellent, and he was inventive with things like his fringed dress and the rain challenge. He knew how to think outside the box, then back up his ideas with quality craftsmanship and paying attention to how garments fit a body and what works. I have no doubt he'll be very successful.
• Project Runway's season 11 premiere screens on Thursday March 12, at 9.30 on Vibe. Encore screenings, Sunday at 7.30pm.
