tastemakers

Anne Christensen Developed Her Style at Buffalo Exchange

After rampant media speculation about where she would land after departing her post as fashion director of T earlier this summer, Anne Christensen was quickly tapped as the new executive fashion director at Glamour, where she’s currently working to expand the mag’s fashion pages. Having collaborated with photographers like Bruce Weber and Jean-Baptiste Mondino, the Arizona native is known for her keen editorial eye and styling sense; her work has graced the pages of top fashion publications from T to Chinese and Italian Vogue. We chatted with the famed redhead about her fashion roots, favorite escapes, and how knowing about Nashville restaurants snagged her that coveted job as Grace Coddington’s assistant.

How did you get your start in the fashion industry?
I started at Vogue magazine as an assistant to the market editors. Grace Coddington was planning a trip with Bruce Weber to Nashville and I chatted with her about places to eat there. I think she liked my enthusiasm — and maybe my red hair, too — and soon thereafter she asked me to be her assistant.

When did you realize you wanted a career in fashion?
In college, I worked in a great thrift and resale store called Buffalo Exchange — the original was in Tucson, but they opened one here on 11th Street about a year ago. I did the window displays, helped buy clothes, and had a great vintage wardrobe. I didn’t really know a job in styling was a possibility until I moved to New York after college. I had an internship in Washington, D.C., as a congressional aid, then landed the job at Vogue.

Who are your favorite designers?
I think Phoebe Philo is a great designer — I want to wear everything she’s done. I also love Marc Jacobs, Nicolas Ghesquière, Proenza Schouler, and Miuccia Prada.

Are there any emerging designers you have your eye on?
Joseph Altuzarra has a lot of talent. Also, the English designer Christopher Raeburn, who works in recycled fabrics.

What’s the first designer item you ever bought?
An Azzedine Alaïa orange knit minidress with a matching off-shoulder bodysuit.

Where do you like to shop in New York?
Besides the stores of the designers I just mentioned, I like to go to Opening Ceremony, Uniqlo, Barneys, and Project No.8.

What do you like to do when you’re away from the office?
I love to go to the galleries or to a museum. I find the city incredibly inspiring. This summer I’ve also been spending time at Far Rockaway and the Taco Shack.

How would you describe your personal style?
Casual with a bit of toughness, when I can pull it off.

What trends are you appreciating right now?
The military trend and the flat sandal.

Which trends are you ready to see retired?
The super-mini and the crazy, over-the-top, ridiculous shoe.

What’s one item you’re saving up to buy?
A six-armed chandelier lamp from Lindsey Adelman.

What should every woman have in her closet?
A dress that she knows she looks great in.

What’s something you never leave the house without?
A magazine of some kind.

Who are you inspired by?
My mom — she just finished quilting a star quilt for the sheep wagon she restored.

Who do you most want to work with?
Steven Meisel! I hope he’s reading this.

What is your favorite part about being a fashion editor? And what is your least favorite part?
My favorite part is easy: working on a shoot, collaborating with the photographer, getting the mood of the clothes, deciding on location. It always changes, so it’s always interesting. I can’t really think of the least favorite … maybe just the packing up after it’s over.

Anne Christensen Developed Her Style at Buffalo Exchange