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There is an undoubted blurring between our home and professional lives at the moment. Of course, many of us have quite literally brought our work home. In addition to finding new ways of completing our day-to-day jobs, we are also bringing people into our homes in new ways. With the rise of video conferencing of all kinds, I for one have had more virtual visitors over to mine in the last month than I would ever have in what I consider my “real” life. While this might be new territory, there is something inspiring about seeing into people’s lives in a more 360-degree way. Some might call it voyeurism but I choose a term that we in the fashion industry might be more familiar with: behind the scenes. It is, of course, important to set up boundaries within the confines of this new world—and work—order, but seeing how people work can be very motivating. In the spirit of sharing a bit of our own Vogue behind-the-scenes, below are the desks of five of our fashion editors who are currently working their hardest to stay productive and creative at home.
Hamish Bowles, International Editor-at-Large
By day, my dining room table is heaped with books as I m in the throes of research for a big exhibition project. Alibris and, of course, Amazon and eBay are invaluable. I can’t get through the day without lots of cups of organic turmeric tea from Traditional Medicinals. My cup is from Richard Ginori— Oriente Italiano. I have one pale green one pale blue. Also witty mugs from Chatsworth Gift shop with messages once embroidered on the late Duke’s sweaters such as, "JUST STOP TALKING ABOUT YOURSELF" and "NEVER MARRY A MITFORD." I have an Amen candle to soothe me. I listen to iTunes, of course—a lot of opera and operetta at the moment—Jessye Norman and Elizabeth Schwarzkopf. If I stop for lunch, I love my new Portuguese China and linens from Carolina Irving and Daughters. At night, I sometimes change to vintage Porthault tablecloths. Rory O’Connell’s cookbook Master It is invaluable! I have a dressy dressing gown I usually wear for dinner by Holland Holland. Thank god for my paper flowers from John Derian as I miss the real thing!! Chair cushion is giraffe silk velvet is from Bevilaqua in Venice, a lovely reminder of travel.
Tonne Goodman, stylist and Sustainability Editor
Evie [my eldest child], age 3, as Batman steers my resolve, and my father’s doodle promotes abandon. The scissors are just a beautiful thing from MoMA. The actual desktop is very ordinary: a mess of papers and a laptop.
Virginia Smith, Fashion Director
Since WFH, I live in fear of technology issues so I have two phones, iPad, and laptop at the ready. My son’s self-portrait, done at age 4, reminds me of all I have to be grateful for. The beautiful flowers were sent to me from my husband—such a sweet gesture.
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Rickie De Sole, Executive Fashion Director
I am at home in the city and working from my bedroom as my son plays in the room next door. I love sitting by the window and looking out at the streets below. I find I don t need much here—I sit on zoom calls all day and scribble notes in my notebook endlessly. The orchid is from the bodega downstairs; they are the only store open on the block and I welcome the touch of spring as I sit in this chair all day wishing I was outside!
Willow Lindley, Accessories Director
When I first thought to do this story, I jumped at the opportunity to do a little desk clean up before snapping some images on my iPhone. For me, a clean and concise workspace means a clear mind. In lieu of a proper desk, I’ve tried to best set myself up on my grandmother’s old dining table. She was a book publisher, so I like to think it’s helping me write a bit better and, in an ideal world, faster. I always have a lip balm on hand, a glass of water, my blue light glasses for when my eyes get tired, and as I’ve been spending more time indoors, my vitamin D gummies. This iPad stand has really revolutionized my work-from-home experience as it gives me a place to do video or phone calls while still having complete access to my laptop. When not on a call, it keeps me entertained with Spotify or a podcast. I really feel like I’m in a command station when all my technology is up and running even if it’s a bit makeshift. Just add a cup of tea—and these toy horses I decided to keep around after they were excellent props for virtual story time with a friend s child recently—and I’m ready to go.
