Former Vogue editor Alexandra Shulman shared candid moments from her career in publishing as well as her lessons learned with business leaders, fashionistas and entrepreneurs in Manchester. Guests at the exclusive event at Harvey Nichols in Manchester included Real Housewives of Cheshire, TV stars and footballers' wives.
Event Details and Attendees
The former glossy editor was at The Club by Sarah Restrick networking event, which was designed to "inspire conversation and meaningful relationships." Guests included Hollyoaks star Jorgie Porter, footballers' wives Georgina Cleverley and Erin Borini and former Real Housewives of Cheshire stars Ellie Egar and Leanne Brown.
Alexandra's Career Journey
Alexandra told the audience of how, despite bagging the most coveted role in magazine journalism in 1992 when she became the editor of Vogue, she had initially shunned the idea of being a journalist, dreaming instead of being "a poet, photographer, or hairdresser." She started out as a secretary and "worked her way up" within the journo world. Both her parents were journalists, and she watched them work "incredibly hard and not earn very much money." She added: "No I didn't want to be a journalist, but I'm pleased I am one."
Advice on Taking on Big Roles
Giving her advice to others on taking on big roles, she said: "It's better to attempt to do something and it not be perfect, than not trying it in the first place. I never thought I could edit Vogue, I still don't quite know how I got to be there, I'd never worked in fashion in my life. But I got given the job and then the job became mine. I went for it, I got it, I was absolutely terrified but I never thought I'd be the perfect editor of Vogue, I knew I'd make mistakes, but it's terribly important to allow yourself a margin of error - you'd die of stress otherwise."
Memorable Vogue Moments
She worked with some of the biggest A-list stars in the world during her tenure, and was asked on the night who impressed her the most in the Vogue years. She said Princess Diana for her "aura", and also Queen Camilla who she described as "a really good laugh." When asked who she regretted not getting to feature in Vogue she said: "I never got Michelle Obama and I never got Madonna - because I would never let her have picture approval."
Life Advice and Favourite Covers
Continuing her advice she said: "My general advice in life is that a decision is better than no decision - and always put your hands up if you make a mistake. Also the most successful people in life know a way to relax. You can't be full-on high achieving all the time." Asked which was her favourite ever Vogue cover that she designed, she pointed to a 1998 cover of supermodel Kate Moss dressed David Bowie style as Aladdin Sane, as well as the Millennium issue with a reflective cover so readers could see their own face on the cover of Vogue.
Thoughts on Anna Wintour
When questions were asked from the audience, one of the first was to ask what Alexandra thought of American Vogue editor Anna Wintour, one of the most iconic women in the fashion world. Alexandra said: "I've met Anna millions of times she's extraordinary, she's a phenomenon. When I first joined Vogue she took me to The Caprice she looked absolutely amazing I remember her making a big fuss about there being chocolate on her cappuccino!" She added: "I think when we were in competition with each other she could be ruthless but as a person she was really nice."
Personal News and Colon Cancer Battle
Alexandra was also congratulated by guests after sharing her life news of marrying her partner of 22 years, David Jenkins, in April. She said: "I've just got married, David and I have been together 22 years I'd been married before but he hadn't been married and for years and years we hadn't talked about it all. But being completely honest, I got colon cancer two years ago, I was quite ill, and it makes you think about your mortality. My mum died in February, I woke up a few days later and I said 'look if we're going to get married we need to get on with it'!"
About The Club by Sarah Restrick
Founded by Sarah Restrick, The Club by Sarah Restrick is an exclusive private membership community that brings together ambitious founders, entrepreneurs, executives and creatives through curated events and networking experiences. The Club offers members unique access to influential speakers, luxury venues and a powerful network of like-minded individuals. Membership is available by application via The Club by Sarah Restrick website. Sarah said: "It was really important to me to create an evening centred on brands, longevity and staying relevant. There was nobody I wanted to have that conversation with more than Alexandra Shulman, and Harvey Nichols was the perfect setting. The quality of conversation in the room was exceptional, and I was absolutely delighted with how the evening unfolded. The Club exists to curate exceptional experiences, spark meaningful conversations and cultivate a community where relationships flourish."
