As part of Regent's Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS), students had the unique opportunity to hear from two influential figures in the world of fashion and luxury journalism - Lydia Slater, Editor-in-Chief of Harper's BAZAAR, and Sasha Slater, Head of Luxury at The Telegraph. Moderated by Regent’s BA (Hons) Liberal Arts student Sophie Slater, the event provided a deep dive into the realities of luxury and fashion journalism, covering everything from career journeys to the evolving role of print and digital media.
Journeys in journalism: From art to editorial
The Slater sisters each shared their paths to their current roles. Lydia spoke about her extensive experience in journalism, which ultimately brought her to Harper’s BAZAAR, where she champions the voice of women in luxury. Sasha, inspired by Lydia’s career, began her journey at Christie’s before transitioning into freelance writing. She reflected on her time as a features assistant at Cosmopolitan, noting how the role allowed her to 'learn on the job' and refine her craft.
The luxury of print
Both Lydia and Sasha highlighted the unique position of print media in the luxury sector. Despite the growing influence of digital media, Lydia reinforced the enduring significance of print in luxury journalism: 'a luxury product is something tangible,' she said, emphasising the real and visual appeal that only physical copies can deliver. Sasha echoed this, explaining how luxury supplements in The Telegraph are 'windows into lots of different worlds' that showcase the best in art, tech, and design.
Lydia further explained her thought process when attending fashion shows, saying, 'when I’m at a show, I’m always looking for a cover,' reflecting how she continuously seeks that perfect moment to represent in print. She also touched on the balance between the creative and commercial sides of her role, such as managing editorial shoots and meeting advertisers' expectations.
Trends, social media and storytelling
The discussion naturally turned to the rise of social media and its impact on fashion journalism. Sasha noted the influence of street style, stating, 'ideas can come from anywhere; it’s the quality of what you do with them that matters.' She also emphasised how important it is for young journalists to trust their instincts and cultivate their own voices, encouraging students: 'people are always hungry for stories... keep pushing with your own voice.'
Lydia shared practical advice for aspiring journalists, stressing the importance of getting started: 'I would write to whatever outlet that speaks to you... put yourself out there because somebody will be interested... the more you do it, the better you get.' Her advice tied back to The Regent's Model 'learning by doing', encouraging students to seize opportunities as they arise.
Behind the glamour: the reality of fashion shows
While fashion shows often seem glamorous from the outside, the sisters revealed some of the more practical aspects of attending these events. Sasha highlighted the hectic nature of these shows, noting that fashion journalism involves juggling various roles and responsibilities, but it’s the moments of joy and creativity that make it all worthwhile. Lydia added, 'these industries are intended to spark joy,' showing how the magic of fashion lies in its ability to inspire and delight.
Lydia also discussed the process of deciding what makes it into the magazine: 'you can’t please everybody; I always think, ‘do I like this?' This personal touch, combined with expertise from trusted colleagues, helps to shape each issue.
Advice for aspiring journalists
In closing, both Lydia and Sasha offered valuable words of wisdom for students interested in pursuing careers in luxury fashion journalism. Lydia urged students to 'put yourself out there' and start writing wherever possible, while Sasha reinforced the importance of storytelling: 'it’s all about stories. It doesn’t matter how you tell it, as long as you have a voice and want to express yourself, someone will pick it up.'
Keep an eye out for future Distinguished Speaker Series on our Events page – or catch up with previous events.