Former Vogue editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman has said she values contentment over happiness, a lesson she learned well into her 50s. In an interview, she reflected on her childhood, career, and the fears that have shaped her life.
Shulman described her upbringing as 'interesting', with journalist parents who filled the house with books and conversation. Despite her father once joking she would never find a husband if she argued so much, she felt loved and undamaged by their criticism.
Her first ambition was hairdressing, but she later moved into the music industry, from which she was fired. She now regards being fired as one of the best things that can happen, leading to better opportunities. She became editor of Vogue despite initial criticism that she was a 'words person' with no fashion background, a role she held for 25 years.
Shulman admitted that fear is her default mode, particularly a terror of flying that has prevented her from visiting many countries. She has tried various remedies, including hypnosis, and now uses passion flower capsules to manage anxiety. She also confessed to losing her temper only with loved ones, and twice at Vogue with male colleagues.
Her greatest life achievement, she said, is her relationship with her son Sam, now 24 and an art historian. She considered leaving Vogue when he was small but decided against it after weighing the options. Her one regret is not being fluent in another language.
