Becky Malinsky's Fashion Proust Questionnaire
"It's my job to send people into the world in killer outfits."
There’s a key difference between inspiring by example and actually explaining to people how to dress themselves. In a non-bossy, non-condescending, gracefully pedagogue way that is. I can count on one hand the content creators that manage the latter.
Becky Malinsky’s 5 Things newsletter is that inspo-guidance sweet spot. She has patience, she has taste, she has a realistic vision of what people actually want to wear, and she has narrowed down the five things you should buy every single week for you.
By the way, I know a lot of very elegant and successful women who want and need to be told this –I speak to my tech CEO sister about it often. Women like her simply don’t have time to scour the collections—that’s our mission. The fashion people. Should we choose to accept it. May seem obvious but one does sometimes forget.
Becky’s strengths —beyond her kind willingness to lend a hand— the ones that have put her newsletter at the tippy-top of the Fashion and Beauty ‘stack for ages now, lie in her expert curation, service-oriented styling, forward-looking trend forecasting and clear, engaging ability to transform intricate fashion landscapes into actionable wardrobe advice. Plus she’s a lot of fun to chat to.
Here's Becky Malinsky’s Fashion Proust Questionnaire:
What is your idea of a perfect outfit?
One I feel just as great about when I get home at the end of the day as when I got dressed in the morning.
What is your greatest fashion fear?
Hating my outfit 30 minutes after leaving the house.
What, in hindsight, is the worst outfit you’ve ever worn?
A pale pink Zara cotton dress with faux broderie anglaise trim to a PR Coordinator interview at YSL in 2006. No one told me I was supposed to be in all black. I did not get the job.
What is the worst outfit you’ve ever seen on someone else?
I saw someone at a fashion show once wearing a coat that had a big stamp on the back that said "sample". The lack of awareness made it bad. Otherwise, I try to let each be his/her own.
Which living person’s style do you most admire?
Miuccia Prada. Alexa Chung (can't quit either of them!)
What is your greatest extravagance?
The Row. Isn't it everyones?
But also, creating fashion stories on my own terms, answering only to myself. That is truly a luxury.
What is your current state of mind with regards to the fashion industry?
Slow and steady wins the race. Just trying to keep myself centered and focused on what feels right to me as the industry seems to change course so quickly and often of late.
What do you consider the most overrated style virtue?
High heels and their representation of maturity, status and formality. Does that count as a virtue?
On what occasion do you lie about someone’s outfit?
In non-professional settings, whenever necessary. Would never lie to a client though...it's my job to send people into the world in killer outfits.
What is the quality you like most in a man’s outfit?
A lack of "fashion".
What is the quality you like most in a woman’s outfit?
Risk. And an ability to style jewelry, which does not come intuitively to me. Totally different category than clothes. I deeply envy this skill.
Which fashion trend do you most despise?
Designer sneakers
Which words or phrases do you most overuse when describing fashion?
I find myself describing what something is NOT when explaining why it's good. I could be more direct...but I don't like to hurt feelings.
Which runway collection in history was your greatest love?
Marc Jacobs Fall 2010. I am still looking for look 36. Literally, if I found it I would throw a vow renewal party just to wear it. It was always what I wanted to wear when I got married.
When were you happiest with your own look?
Two very random moments come to mind but:
Pale pink paco rabanne pants, black tight ribbed tee, black Prada square toe d'orsay heels
Vintage floral midi dress, belted with my dad's braided belt. Vintage silver strappy sandals that I scoured the internet for after I saw a photo of Mrs. Prada in them.
Takeaway, I think is something with a little bit of 1950s/60s retro vibe, with equal parts preppy and feminine is my ultimate recipe. Thanks for coming on this revelatory journey with me.
Which designer’s talent would you most like to have?
Karl Lagerfeld - it's the 360 of it. The talent lies not just in just design but all the elements necessary in world making.
If you could change one thing about your wardrobe, what would it be?
A bigger closet? JK, kind of. Being comfortable with less comfort.
What do you consider your greatest achievement, career-wise (so far!)
Knowing when it was time to leave a job that I loved more than anything.
If you were to die and come back as a fashion item, what would it be?
Prada SS20 Look 39 Jacket. It's perfect. Nothing can substitute it.
Where on earth do you get the most style inspiration?
I live in NYC. I just leave the apartment and ideas start coming in. But more specifically, when in a funk, parking yourself on a bench in the MoMA will never disappoint.
What is your most treasured possession?
Celine Spring 2017 look 36. Dress and shoes. Would never sell. And of course my wedding dress (Valentino Resort 2017 look 39) and my engagement ring which is a vintage cartier setting that belonged to my husband's grandmother.
What do you consider the lowest depth of fashion rock-bottom (ie. Karl’s sweatpants)
Multiple brand logos in one look. That is money, not style.
What is your favourite fashion-related occupation?
Concept designer
What is your most marked style characteristic?
Ease.
Who are your favourite fashion writers?
Judith Thurman, Michael Gross (does he count?), Dana Thomas, Christina Binkley, Rachel Tashjian, Lauren Sherman, Meenal Mistry, Alexander Fury, Nancy MacDonell.
Who is your style hero in fiction?
Lenu Greco.
Which historical figure’s style do you most identify with?
Ralph Lauren (Does he count?). I aspire to Georgia O'Keeffe's ability to edit. Clare McCardell's idea of american fashion.
Which individual that you know (or have known) personally most influenced your style?
My five year old son! It all revolves around him. Can I pick him up wearing it? Is the fabric too fancy for him to touch me? Do I need to schlep snacks? Will I see other parents? How many steps will we need to walk? :)
What would you like to wear to your own funeral?
Prada Spring 2020 look 39. But with a loafer, not a boot.
What is your style motto?
I often find myself saying "I don't descriminiate, good is good!" Meaning: I don't identify wiht one brand or one style. I like to hunt out what what I find to be interesting and it can be found anywhere, and at any price point.
I think we all want to see Becky renew her vows in this Marc Jacobs look! Someone find it!
My favourite questionnaire so far! Becky just seems so down to earth and clever