The Agent wears Prada

Because it’s a holiday Monday it seemed appropriate to find some frivolity, and boy, does this interview of Caroline Michel, former publisher of HarperCollins who’s now an agent with the William Morris Agency in the UK, fit the bill:

What are you wearing today?

I love dresses – this one is by Prada and is a few years old. I find it much easier wearing things that can take me through the day and night, in case I have to attend a book launch or a play opening. The belt is YSL; I can only wear it when I’m feeling skinny. I found this bracelet in a drawer, it’s by Chanel. I bought it 20 years ago in the days of total bling, when everyone had huge shoulders and too much jewellery, but it keeps coming back. I’m not a flat shoe person at all, and I couldn’t resist these incredibly high stilts by Prada. I wear them in the office, but change into a lower pair if I’m walking to a lunch. I love them.

Do you feel you have to live up to people’s expectations of you as a glamorous woman in publishing?

No, these labels attach themselves, they are other people’s view of you, I think you are just who you are. Publishing is filled with extraordinary people who all have their own style.

For those unlucky to be at work, do write in — what’s your sense of style, favorite accessory, beloved article of clothing, can’t miss pair of shoes, sport coat you can’t do without, that sort of thing?

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