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Personal Style:
Always ready to travel or do anything. Easy yet sophisticated—very city chic. I take basic pieces and add a scarf, handbag or shoes.
Style Icons:
Donna Karan, Elsa Schiaparelli, Christian Dior, Tom Ford, Alexander McQueen and Coco Chanel. Coco was a woman with control—she built an entire empire on what she believed in.
Her Personal Fashion Journey:
I was born in Canada but raised in the U.S. When I was about 12, my aunt—who lived in Europe—presented me with my first Chanel jacket. From there, I just loved looking through fashion magazines. I was always so intrigued by it all, how it could be so elegant and how fabulous the models looked. Then I went to New York and started modeling.
Brand Style Evolution:
I’d been so inspired by Donna Karan. I remember walking into Bergdorf Goodman and seeing these great essential pieces. Donna Karan knew how to put together these pieces and still look so elegant. That’s why I created City Knit. Then I dove into trying to find a great pair of pants. Gravity was going one way, and I wanted to be lifted up. I refused to wear a shaper, which is how I came up with Women with Control—spandex that smooths and lifts.
Her Typical Week:
QVC will tell me when I am going on air. Then I have to look at what I have to do for my business. On any given day, I get up at 5 a.m. It’s never ending, and every day is a new day.
ADVICE FOR YOUNG BUSINESS OWNERS:
Running your own company isn’t glamorous—there are a lot of pitfalls, and you don’t make money right away. But if you have a passion for something, don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do it.
The Perfect Holiday Gift:
A luxurious scarf or a beautiful pair of gloves. Personally, I love exotic scents. You can never go wrong with candles, scented soaps or hand creams for your favorite fashionistas.
