A Take On Fashion: Stellene Volandes

Stellene Volandes has served as the Editor-in-Chief of Town & Country since 2016, and she is also the Editorial Director of ELLE Decor. Both of these tony titles are standard-bearers of the very good life, and Volandes has steered them into modernity (Town & Country, which is the longest-published consumer magazine in the United States, was once a reference for the old money prep set–it has significantly broadened its lifestyle and culture coverage to be more inclusive). Volandes has a deep love of jewelry, too–she’s an expert in the field, and has authored two books with Rizzoli titled Jewels That Made History and Jeweler. Below, her take on fashion.

What are some of the themes and ideas you would like to see designers exploring more of this season (and in the future)?

Everyone seems to be chasing the same person, and I’d rather they explore who they are themselves. [I want to see designers] seduce the client, the editors, with a singular point of view. There is nothing more provocative. 

How do you, personally, explore what’s new and exciting in fashion? 

I see everything I can, read everything I can, and always watch and listen. What’s new and exciting to me is always connected to where we are more broadly [as a society] and how what people are wearing reflects that. 

How has social media and our virtual world shaped or influenced your viewpoint on fashion? 

I love that it has opened fashion to the world, but I worry that it has prioritized gimmicks over beauty. But, full disclosure: I am glued to my phone.