TO DO · 03/27/2014
Lucky vs. Warby Parker
Last week, we hosted Lucky magazine editor in chief Eva Chen along with her staff for an after-work ping-pong face-off. Fantastic showmanship, cleverly-named teams (we’re especially partial to Prêt-à-Pong and Lords of the Ping) all around.
Eva, Neil, Lucky creative director Katia Kuethe, and Dave
Before we got down to the competition, Eva shared a few career insights and answered a lot of our questions. After time at some well-known fashion titles, like Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Teen Vogue, she was hand-picked by Anna Wintour—the very one—to freshen up the shopping magazine. And, fun fact, she grew up a couple of blocks from our co-founder Neil.
Team Babe Alert! from Lucky
On building a good team: Everyone who is part of the Lucky team is someone who has a passion for the brand and understands the objective. You have to have that core belief in the brand.
On the work/play balance: Having fun matters.
On featuring more than just supermodels in magazines: A big thing for me at Lucky has been diversity. I take it really seriously. Since I have started, I want every ethnicity represented. It was something I was sensitive to growing up.
What she learned from her first boss: Carlyne Cerf de Dudzeele: She’s Jeremy Scott and Karl Lagerfeld’s muse and she was one of the toughest bosses I’ve ever had. She would be like, “Go back and make it perfect.” I learned about the right way to do things and work ethic.
What sets Lucky apart from other magazines: The magazine of ten years ago was dictating to you. The concept of personal style and making it a conversation is very important to me. People are craving realness and authenticity—it is sorely and direly lacking in the fashion world—and Lucky is a bit more practical. You won’t see a model hanging from a tree hanging from a custom-made hammock from Balenciaga. It’s 100% focused on helping you find your style.
Sweets from Fatty Sundays, treats for the victors
Better luck next time, Lucky. (We won.) You were valuable contenders and worthy opponents. Lots of thanks to you and Eva!
Photos by Kelsey Rose