Harrowing from downtown Toronto, Gracie Carroll’s life is anything but average. She realized from a young age that fashion was her calling and has already held a coveted internship at Teen Vogue Magazine, worked at ELLE UK, and made a name for herself in the fashion industry.
After making waves in both New York and London, Gracie has returned to Toronto and a life of blogging and fashion writing. Let’s meet her!
You worked in retail before you were legally allowed to work and interned for university credit before you were in university. How did you know at such a young age that fashion was your calling?
I guess it’s just in my blood. I considered many different careers before hand and they just seemed so boring to me.
How do you stay so motivated?
I’m very passionate about the things I believe in. I’ve always had the drive to work, even when I was really little. I used to create businesses with my neighbour and try to get everyone on our street to buy whatever we decided to sell.
Did having a mother in fashion and a father in music influence your career choice? How?
Most definitely. Everyone in my family is very creative and have creative careers. For me and my brother, it’s the only life we know!
Describe your style in five words or less.
Eclectic.
What must-have staples are in your wardrobe right now?
Classic pieces in black.
How did it feel to land an internship at Teen Vogue?
That’s any fashion-lover’s dream come true!
It was definitely very exciting, and scary at the same time. I learned so much that summer and built some amazing friendships. Teen Vogue, and their editors back then (namely Taylor Tomasi Hill and Aya Kanai), still influence my style to this day.
Describe the experience of packing up your life and moving from Toronto to New York City.
Well, like any move, you pack up your stuff and take it to your new home.
What did working at ELLE UK teach you about the fashion industry?
Working at ELLE UK was such an incredible experience and the most treasured moment of my career in fashion so far. It showed me how different the environment can be at major publications, it was like a night and day comparison to Teen Vogue. It was also great to see how such a big name puts so much emphasis on supporting emerging designers from their country. It also showed me that very important people in the fashion industry aren’t’ always scary, and will treat you like a human being. Not everyone’s nose is in the air.
What’s your favourite season for fashion? Why?
That’s a tough question but I guess it would be fall because that’s when you get to wear the most clothing! I have a love for every season though, I love the change and I’m always ready for it when it comes around.
What’s one trend that you’re now embarrassed to have loved?
Hmmm can’t think of anything recent, but maybe bubble skirts back in the day?
What advice would you give to people who dream of being in the fashion industry?
Intern! I think interning is so important, I learned so much from all of the many internships I’ve done and created a lot of great relationships through them. Eventually not getting paid can get tiring, and hard, but it’s the best way to learn about the industry. Also, not all internships are the same, and always make sure you are learning every time you’re there. If you aren’t being treated properly by your mentors, find a new internship right away.
Follow Gracie on her fashion journey on her blog, facebook, and instagram.