Today, it was announced that T’s women’s style director, Kate Lanphear, will become the next editor-in-chief of Maxim magazine. Beyond her vast and varied contributions to the world of T, Lanphear has also drawn a global following for her distinctive rock-inspired look — a look that made her one of the original stars of the street-style world and continues to exert influence today.
Here, as we revisit some of her most memorable outfits, Lanphear shares the secrets behind her incomparable style.
Above all, be yourself…
“Style is about evolving your own uniform that reflects who you are and how you feel most comfortable. For me that’s often jeans and a T-shirt. I’ve always
been into rock music and something kind of sexy and black.”
…but don’t be afraid to try the trends.
“You know you’ve seen something good at a fashion show when it makes you reconsider how you want to get dressed in the morning. There
are plenty of times when you want to test drive a trend to see if it’s going to become part of the uniform.”
Meaningful extras make your look your own.
“I wear a lot of jewelry, but it all has meaning — a bracelet given by a dear friend, something that I picked up in a market overseas. It’s
like wearing memories. The Guns ‘n’ Roses T-shirts I wear are the ones I was wearing as a teenager.”
Find your signature hairstyle (and don’t be afraid of a little damage).
“I had this hair color when I was a kid and now I have to fry it — basically white-knuckle it until it’s
cooked. I’ve had it this short and this bleached for a long time. Tommy Buckett at Serge Normant has cut my hair since I’ve been in New York.”
Borrow beauty tips from old ladies.
“I use Shimmer Lights — it’s this shampoo grannies use, and it’s purple. That’s the only product I use, except for a straightening
iron.”
Makeup and skincare just might be overrated.
“I don’t really do makeup. It really is about the sunglasses. If you’re tired, no amount of eye cream is going to help you, I find. I only
ever wear Ray-Ban Wayfarers — I’ve tried some other ones, but those have emerged as uniform-worthy.”
A good coat goes a long way.
“It was a great season for coats, and I splurged on a Calvin Klein coat, look seven from the fall/winter show, because a coat is something you wear every day. It’s
cozy, fuzzy wool and single breasted, and of course it’s black.”
When it comes to footwear, go to extremes.
“It’s either sky-high or Chucks.”
Never forget to say thank you.
“It is difficult to express just how deeply grateful I am to have had the opportunity at T to learn from such a dynamic editor. Deborah Needleman is a force. Not only
is she one of the smartest, savviest editors I have ever worked for, she is also the most generous in spirit and mentorship.”
