Name: GLORIA BAUME

Position/Title: FASHION DIRECTOR AT TEEN VOGUE

AMAHZING BLOG: As a fashion director for such a prestigious magazine as Teen Vogue, what’s your typical day like?

GLORIA BAUME: I usually start appointments at 9:30 am. I meet with designers, go see collections, but most of the time I am selecting looks and pulling outfits like a mad person for a last minute shoot. I usually finish my appointments by lunch. Then, I go to the office and deal with whatever is happening that day- a run-thru for a story, figuring out the direction for a shoot, speaking to freelance stylists about their upcoming story, working on inspiration boards, calling in last minute requests, organizing racks of clothing for stories, managing the fashion department, etc. In the evening there is usually a presentation or event to attend to but I try to get home before 8 pm to my 10-year-old daughter, Anita Baume.

AMAHZING BLOG: How do you choose your outfits in the morning before you head out to the office?

GLORIA BAUME: I have to admit that getting dressed in the morning is one of my favorite parts of the day. It’s also when I feel the most creative. It relaxes me and makes me happy! What I wear has to do so much with the mood I’m in. Do I feel like a boy or a girl? Do I feel feminine and romantic or tough and combative? Do I feel Athletic and energetic or moody and introverted? Cool and edgy? It’s a new adventure everyday!

AMAHZING BLOG: How much influence does your daughter has in your style?

GLORIA BAUME: More and more everyday, especially now that she is entering her preteen years. I’m lucky that the school bus picks her up before I have to leave for work every morning because she would not let me out of the house dressed the way I do most days. As far as she is concerned I should only wear skinny jeans, a fitted Henley cool sweatshirt or Jacket (only certain kinds) and cool boots or sneakers.

Teen Vogue’s February 2010 Cover

AMAHZING BLOG: After seeing shows in New York, London, Milan, and Paris, how do you edit the looks that will be featured in the magazine?

GLORIA BAUME: We create a little ‘trend book’ the week we return from the shows, that covers all the major and minor trends, ideas and inspirations. We give each ‘story’ a little narrative and a board of ‘looks’ (runway or presentation looks) to show the mood and esthetic. During our fashion meeting at the beginning of each season we assign stories from our little trend book to a team of stylists and photographers. The trend book covers a lot of ground and pretty much takes us thru the season.

AMAHZING BLOG: What’s your favorite part of being a fashion director?

GLORIA BAUME: Well! Being a fashion director is one thing but being a Teen Vogue Fashion Director is what makes it so amazing!!! Teen Vogue is unlike any other magazine. We are about style. Personal style. The quirky, cool, easy-way each girl or boy puts himself or herself together. It’s about how they mix and match and break the rules. Fashion is important, and trends are directional. But what matters to us is that style that emanates from a personal journey.

AMAHZING BLOG: What inspires you at the moment?

GLORIA BAUME: Today: Keith Herring, Extreme Winter Sports, Claude Monet, Pandora, liberty fabric, New Zealand wood: Kauri, Anita Baume. Tomorrow it will be all different except for Anita Baume.

AMAHZING BLOG: What shows are you looking forward the most this season?

GLORIA BAUME: Comme des Garcons, Tao, Junya Watanabe, Toga, Marni, Marc Jacobs, Sacai, Meadham Kirchhoff, Louise Gray, Celine.

Editor/Writer: Taisa Veras