Krissy Turner is currently the Shopping Editor at Telegraph Media Group, and has been with the company for three and a half years. Prior, she worked on the fashion teams at The Sunday Times Style and The Mail on Sunday’s You. She lives in North West London, and, if she’s not working, can likely be found at the cinema or out eating pasta with friends.
Let’s talk about the beginning of your career. How did you get started in fashion and what first ignited your passion?
I grew up wanting to be a marine biologist, then in my teens decided I was going to be a lawyer, choosing subjects at school then Sixth Form that worked to this plan. A fashion career was a complete lightbulb moment for me, but the passion for it was always there: I’ve long loved clothes, and would come home from primary school and leave post-its next to my favourite things in my grandmother’s catalogues, borrowing them for days at a time to flick through once they’d arrive each season. Equally, writing was my main hobby. I’d spend hours working on my ‘novels,’ updating my diary, writing ‘screenplays,’ and reading. My birthday lists were always full of clothes, stationery, books and shoes, and rarely toys. On my first day of A-level law, I realised I’d be terrible at it – I needed to be creative to love what I was doing, and I couldn’t bear the thought of having a career I didn’t enjoy. I knew I’d love one that combined my two favourite subjects, so I took the leap and switched to a Media A-level course, and applied to study Journalism at University shortly afterwards, planning to complete a ton of fashion internships so that I ticked both boxes.
Who inspired you when you started out in the industry and how did you open the door to get in?
I actually didn’t have any ‘inspiration’ within the industry. I collected magazines and read newspapers every day, but I didn’t aspire to be like anyone in particular, just to join them, but I forced the door open to do it. In fashion journalism, getting your foot in the door is notoriously difficult and a silly merry-go-round – essentially, you’re told you can’t get experience until you have experience, unless, of course, you know someone, which I didn’t. At 16, I sent around 50 emails asking editors for advice on how they got their jobs and best protocol for getting noticed, and only one got back to me. He was the publisher of my favourite weekly magazine, and after offering some brilliant advice, he put me in touch with the fashion editor, stating that he had agreed I could come in for a week. It changed the game – once I had that under my belt, it was easier to get the next work experience lined up. I stay in touch with my unofficial mentor to this day.
What has been your best learning experience to date working within the industry?
I used to fear ‘rocking the boat’ and speaking up for fear of being loathed for it or it hindering my progress, and it took me a while to learn that it’s my differing experience and point of view that means my voice needs to be heard. I wouldn’t let it hinder me because I’d still work hard and do a great job, and as I gained more confidence and matured, speaking up came naturally.
If you could go back in time, and give some advice to your younger professional self, what would it be?
At the beginning of my fashion career, after one awful experience at one of my first events, I avoided all press events for just over two years. It took me meeting a PR (now a friend) who was a woman of colour and invited me to a press event that she’d organised where she promised that unlike the other event, I would feel welcome and definitely wouldn’t be the only woman of colour there. Press events bring about the opportunity to network and promote your name and work, and they’re key in the industry, and I no doubt hindered my own career by being put off for so long. I’d tell young Krissy to get out there regardless. I likely would have come across my friend sooner, too.
Who inspires you within the industry today and why? Do you have any funny anecdotes you would like to share with us?
If I’m honest, I’m inspired by anyone from a marginalised minority background who is thriving in the fashion industry today. I’m aware of the challenges (as big as being denied a job opportunity because they’re from a minority, and as ‘small’ as nobody speaking to them at an event) that they would have had to face, and there’s unspoken automatic respect that I pay to that perseverance. I have however appreciated that the events of the past six months have encouraged a ‘speak up’ mentality on social media, which means that everyone is much more relatable. I follow fashion editors from all over the world who are now sparking debates, provoking thought, pushing for change and questioning systems and methods, which is brilliant.
What would you say were your “milestone moments” so far?
I have a column in the Daily Telegraph that’s based around my specialist subject, high street fashion. I’ve been a columnist for four years now. 16 year old me would never have believed it if you’d have told her that in 10 years, she’d have a fashion column in a national newspaper. I recently hosted a virtual discussion with beauty journalist and diversity advocate Ateh Jewel, regarding what needs to change in the fashion and beauty industry. It was the first time I’d voiced my honest thoughts, ideas and rants on a wider scale, and to our readers. It was really well-received, and it was brilliant to be able to do it with Ateh. It really made me hopeful. Being a part of the founding committee of the FMA is definitely a milestone. An organisation like this shouldn’t be needed, but I’m so pleased that it’s here, and unfortunately, it’s highly necessary.
What has driven your success?
I’m quite a stubborn person, so when I get an idea in my head, there’s no stopping me, even more so if I’m told I won’t be able to do it. On the outside looking in, I could see that there was a diversity problem in fashion when I decided this would be my career path at 16. I’d scan the images of editors in magazines, and while it was odd and frustrating to me that they so rarely ever looked like me, I wanted to be a fashion journalist, so that was going to have to change. I worked hard (as a fashion intern starting out, you can often end up working 16-18 hour days), and made sure I stood out for more than the obvious reason. I’m also very much aware that I can’t fail or give up, so technically there’s no other option but to succeed. There’s a 16 year old out there looking to me to represent them in some way, whether that’s ensuring that a model looks like them on one of my shopping pages, or that my face is speaking on a fashion panel and reassuring them that they can join me. I love advising readers on what to wear and how to shop smart, but I know I’m here for other reasons, too.
Speaking of challenges and change, what would you say were the main hurdles that you had to overcome working within an industry which is predominantly homogenous and how would you like to see the industry evolve?
Oh, I have so many! The one that stands out most is that elitism and classism are rife. Having come from a normal, working-class family and living on a council estate – but interning at luxury fashion magazines – I don’t think I’d have coped if I didn’t have a thick skin, self-esteem and quick wit. It’s hard to believe that you’re bringing as much to the table in career terms, as someone who could buy, or knows the person who owns, said table. Luckily my parents live in London, so I could stay at home (and work part-time in retail) while interning for months on end with only travel expenses covered, but for others who didn’t have that luxury, the door to the industry is impossible to open. Paying interns fairly, so that anyone and everyone is welcome, then putting structures in place to help them climb the ranks is something I’m particularly passionate about.
Do you have any hints or tips you can share for young people within the Black and minority community wishing to become a stylist/work in fashion editorial/brand campaigns?
I would highly recommend joining a mentorship program like the FMA will have in due course. Having a helping hand already in the industry is an undeniably useful tool, whether it’s for help finding the correct contacts, inside insight, feedback on your work or career advice. It’s also so easy and understandable to be deterred by not ‘seeing yourself’ in the publication or campaign you’re hoping to work for, but if everyone is put off then change will never happen. Be yourself, stand out, believe you can be the change and push through. Once your foot is in the door, you have to believe in your worth if you’re ever made to feel grateful to be there. To have gotten that far, you’ll likely be great at what you do, you worked hard to get there, and will continue to work hard to move up the career ladder.
You are a founding member of the Fashion Minority Alliance. What are you hoping it will achieve?
So much! I have high hopes. Within the industry, I want us to make sure that everyone is feeling valued, represented and properly supported, and that up and coming talent know that the system will support them, too. As such, I’m hoping that real allies are born from this, too – those forcing change outside of their social media accounts, too. For myself, I’m hoping to never be the only woman of colour at an event, applying for a job, at a press dinner, or a product launch. Externally, I’m hoping that there’ll be a 16 year old out there reading a magazine and feeling like they can be a part of this industry, whether that’s as a journalist, model, photographer, creative director, publisher or stylist, and not having to question whether they’re welcome because they’re not represented in any way, shape or form.
Krissy Turner is currently the Shopping Editor at Telegraph Media Group, and has been with the company for three and a half years. Prior, she worked on the fashion teams at The Sunday Times Style and The Mail on Sunday’s You. She lives in North West London, and, if she’s not working, can likely be found at the cinema or out eating pasta with friends.
Let’s talk about the beginning of your career. How did you get started in fashion and what first ignited your passion?
I grew up wanting to be a marine biologist, then in my teens decided I was going to be a lawyer, choosing subjects at school then Sixth Form that worked to this plan. A fashion career was a complete lightbulb moment for me, but the passion for it was always there: I’ve long loved clothes, and would come home from primary school and leave post-its next to my favourite things in my grandmother’s catalogues, borrowing them for days at a time to flick through once they’d arrive each season. Equally, writing was my main hobby. I’d spend hours working on my ‘novels,’ updating my diary, writing ‘screenplays,’ and reading. My birthday lists were always full of clothes, stationery, books and shoes, and rarely toys. On my first day of A-level law, I realised I’d be terrible at it – I needed to be creative to love what I was doing, and I couldn’t bear the thought of having a career I didn’t enjoy. I knew I’d love one that combined my two favourite subjects, so I took the leap and switched to a Media A-level course, and applied to study Journalism at University shortly afterwards, planning to complete a ton of fashion internships so that I ticked both boxes.
Who inspired you when you started out in the industry and how did you open the door to get in?
I actually didn’t have any ‘inspiration’ within the industry. I collected magazines and read newspapers every day, but I didn’t aspire to be like anyone in particular, just to join them, but I forced the door open to do it. In fashion journalism, getting your foot in the door is notoriously difficult and a silly merry-go-round – essentially, you’re told you can’t get experience until you have experience, unless, of course, you know someone, which I didn’t. At 16, I sent around 50 emails asking editors for advice on how they got their jobs and best protocol for getting noticed, and only one got back to me. He was the publisher of my favourite weekly magazine, and after offering some brilliant advice, he put me in touch with the fashion editor, stating that he had agreed I could come in for a week. It changed the game – once I had that under my belt, it was easier to get the next work experience lined up. I stay in touch with my unofficial mentor to this day.
What has been your best learning experience to date working within the industry?
I used to fear ‘rocking the boat’ and speaking up for fear of being loathed for it or it hindering my progress, and it took me a while to learn that it’s my differing experience and point of view that means my voice needs to be heard. I wouldn’t let it hinder me because I’d still work hard and do a great job, and as I gained more confidence and matured, speaking up came naturally.
If you could go back in time, and give some advice to your younger professional self, what would it be?
At the beginning of my fashion career, after one awful experience at one of my first events, I avoided all press events for just over two years. It took me meeting a PR (now a friend) who was a woman of colour and invited me to a press event that she’d organised where she promised that unlike the other event, I would feel welcome and definitely wouldn’t be the only woman of colour there. Press events bring about the opportunity to network and promote your name and work, and they’re key in the industry, and I no doubt hindered my own career by being put off for so long. I’d tell young Krissy to get out there regardless. I likely would have come across my friend sooner, too.
Who inspires you within the industry today and why? Do you have any funny anecdotes you would like to share with us?
If I’m honest, I’m inspired by anyone from a marginalised minority background who is thriving in the fashion industry today. I’m aware of the challenges (as big as being denied a job opportunity because they’re from a minority, and as ‘small’ as nobody speaking to them at an event) that they would have had to face, and there’s unspoken automatic respect that I pay to that perseverance. I have however appreciated that the events of the past six months have encouraged a ‘speak up’ mentality on social media, which means that everyone is much more relatable. I follow fashion editors from all over the world who are now sparking debates, provoking thought, pushing for change and questioning systems and methods, which is brilliant.
What would you say were your “milestone moments” so far?
I have a column in the Daily Telegraph that’s based around my specialist subject, high street fashion. I’ve been a columnist for four years now. 16 year old me would never have believed it if you’d have told her that in 10 years, she’d have a fashion column in a national newspaper. I recently hosted a virtual discussion with beauty journalist and diversity advocate Ateh Jewel, regarding what needs to change in the fashion and beauty industry. It was the first time I’d voiced my honest thoughts, ideas and rants on a wider scale, and to our readers. It was really well-received, and it was brilliant to be able to do it with Ateh. It really made me hopeful. Being a part of the founding committee of the FMA is definitely a milestone. An organisation like this shouldn’t be needed, but I’m so pleased that it’s here, and unfortunately, it’s highly necessary.
What has driven your success?
I’m quite a stubborn person, so when I get an idea in my head, there’s no stopping me, even more so if I’m told I won’t be able to do it. On the outside looking in, I could see that there was a diversity problem in fashion when I decided this would be my career path at 16. I’d scan the images of editors in magazines, and while it was odd and frustrating to me that they so rarely ever looked like me, I wanted to be a fashion journalist, so that was going to have to change. I worked hard (as a fashion intern starting out, you can often end up working 16-18 hour days), and made sure I stood out for more than the obvious reason. I’m also very much aware that I can’t fail or give up, so technically there’s no other option but to succeed. There’s a 16 year old out there looking to me to represent them in some way, whether that’s ensuring that a model looks like them on one of my shopping pages, or that my face is speaking on a fashion panel and reassuring them that they can join me. I love advising readers on what to wear and how to shop smart, but I know I’m here for other reasons, too.
Speaking of challenges and change, what would you say were the main hurdles that you had to overcome working within an industry which is predominantly homogenous and how would you like to see the industry evolve?
Oh, I have so many! The one that stands out most is that elitism and classism are rife. Having come from a normal, working-class family and living on a council estate – but interning at luxury fashion magazines – I don’t think I’d have coped if I didn’t have a thick skin, self-esteem and quick wit. It’s hard to believe that you’re bringing as much to the table in career terms, as someone who could buy, or knows the person who owns, said table. Luckily my parents live in London, so I could stay at home (and work part-time in retail) while interning for months on end with only travel expenses covered, but for others who didn’t have that luxury, the door to the industry is impossible to open. Paying interns fairly, so that anyone and everyone is welcome, then putting structures in place to help them climb the ranks is something I’m particularly passionate about.
Do you have any hints or tips you can share for young people within the Black and minority community wishing to become a stylist/work in fashion editorial/brand campaigns?
I would highly recommend joining a mentorship program like the FMA will have in due course. Having a helping hand already in the industry is an undeniably useful tool, whether it’s for help finding the correct contacts, inside insight, feedback on your work or career advice. It’s also so easy and understandable to be deterred by not ‘seeing yourself’ in the publication or campaign you’re hoping to work for, but if everyone is put off then change will never happen. Be yourself, stand out, believe you can be the change and push through. Once your foot is in the door, you have to believe in your worth if you’re ever made to feel grateful to be there. To have gotten that far, you’ll likely be great at what you do, you worked hard to get there, and will continue to work hard to move up the career ladder.
You are a founding member of the Fashion Minority Alliance. What are you hoping it will achieve?
So much! I have high hopes. Within the industry, I want us to make sure that everyone is feeling valued, represented and properly supported, and that up and coming talent know that the system will support them, too. As such, I’m hoping that real allies are born from this, too – those forcing change outside of their social media accounts, too. For myself, I’m hoping to never be the only woman of colour at an event, applying for a job, at a press dinner, or a product launch. Externally, I’m hoping that there’ll be a 16 year old out there reading a magazine and feeling like they can be a part of this industry, whether that’s as a journalist, model, photographer, creative director, publisher or stylist, and not having to question whether they’re welcome because they’re not represented in any way, shape or form.