Style Guru, TV Host, Trailblazer
Ever since her inaugural episode of TLC's What Not To Wear, Stacy London has been redefining the rules of style. And the rules are - there are no rules. Rules change depending on the woman and there is not a single definition of style or beauty. A kind-hearted hardworking and empowering force for women, Stacy London is a testament to the fact that we should never throw in the towel.
Q: Where is home?
A: Brooklyn NYC but I grew up in Manhattan. I lived at 110 Bleecker Street until I was 9. I still love to sit on the wall by the flags directly across from that building just to look at it. It brings back SO many childhood memories.
Q: Mantra you live by?
A: Never trade the thing you want most for the thing you want now.
Q: How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
A: Weird, nerdy, vaguely amusing.
Q: Favorite song of all time?
A: One favorite song is too hard. I have 3. Deal with it.
a) You Could Be Happy - Snow Patrol
b) Tangled Up In You - Staind
c) Make You Feel My Love - Adele
What can a say I'm a cynical romantic.
Q: Complete the sentence: I got my big break when…
A: I got my big break when... I was hired to be on TLC's What Not To Wear.
Q: Last album you listened to?
A: The Trolls soundtrack and Frank Ocean.
Q: A woman you admire?
A: Maxine Waters.
Q: ‘Other’ is about loving what makes you different. It’s about being yourself. What’s ‘other’ about you?
A: I've always felt "other." Having a skin disease at 4 can do that to you. The treatments made my skin split and I have a bunch of deep scars. But those are badges of honor now. They remind me what I've been through. And almost 9 months ago, I had a kind of spinal reconstruction surgery. That has made me feel more than other. The rehabilitation has been hard. And knowing I'm filled with titanium makes me feel like a super weirdo.
Q: Complete the sentence. When I wake up in the morning I -- -- -
A: When I wake up I yawn, stretch my left Achilles heel, and get oodles of kisses from my puppy, which is just her way of telling me it's time to feed her.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever been given?
A: My father always told me to pursue any career I wanted. But before THAT, he said it was essential to get a liberal arts education. There, no matter the subject, I would learn to retain information, to write, to think critically. With those skills, I could succeed in any area I wanted. (I feel very strongly that he was right.)
Q: One thing not many people know about you?
A: Well everyone knows I love dinosaurs and Star Wars so hmmm, I know! I have a new purchasing rule: if I buy one new piece of clothing, 2 older pieces have to come out of the closet and get donated, given to friends, or to one of my sales to benefit charities (mostly Animal Medical Center of NYC.) (Also, completely unrelated, I really love an Aperol spritz. But with soda and not prosecco. Less sweet, and all the bubbles.
Q: The time I nearly gave up…explain.
A: I almost gave up after I was fired from Mademoiselle magazine. I thought my career was over. But just a few months later, I got a call to audition for a show called What Not To Wear. That was that.
Side note: I just want to say to others who feel like giving up, don't. Hang in there. During that period of confusion and fear, I didn't think I could take a step in any direction. But I took a chance. If I hadn't taken a step, the path would never have appeared. (I've said some version of this a bisquillion times but don't know to whom, if anyone, the sentiment can be attributed. Just remember: In the worst of times, you'll find the best in yourself. (Pretty sure that one just came out of my head as I type this.)
Q: Complete this sentence: The future is female because...
A: The future is female because the world needs to heal. It needs understanding, nurture, structure, tolerance, a strong but kind hand, protection, and diplomacy. A woman is able to accomplish all these simultaneously and instinctually. The future is female because it is inevitable.