Eva never expected fashion or journalism, to play any part in her career. After attending a high school in the Upper East Side, in 1997, she attended Johns Hopkins University, studying as a pre-med student. As she was searching for summer internships while studying for her MCATS, she happened upon (and scored!) a paid position as an intern working in the features and beauty department of Harper’s Bazaar. After graduating in 2001, Eva decided to pursue a career in fashion journalism, spending time at Elle and Teen Vogue where her career skyrocketed. She became the beauty and health director, (which is only 5 names from the top on the Teen Vogue masthead) as well as the special projects director. Soon, Anna Wintour (editor-in-chief of Vogue, and artistic director of Condé Nast) noticed Eva, taking her under her wing.
Anna Wintour helped remake Lucky after its recent financial downfalls. After making tons of changes, such as cutting its 12 issues a year to 10, Eva Chen was hired as editor-in-chief of this 13 year old publication, replacing Brandon Holley, who was serving as editor-in-chief for 2 ½ years. On Eva’s new vision for Lucky, it is
“for that girl who loves to shop, but also likes to shop smartly — she’s not just going to Bergdorfs or Barneys, as amazing as those stores are, and buying the latest thing just to have it. I think people these days are inspired by so many different things in so many different channels, from magazines to friends, in-store, advertisements, Instagram. Lucky is the magazine that’s going to pull it all together. That’s what I’m working on — making it a resource for people who shop in every which way, and putting it all together in one place,” (businessoffashion.com).
Eva Chen is an extraordinary young editor-in-chief. As a first generation Asian American who’s found success in fashion journalism, she can serve as an inspiration to all of us. “Making it to the top” doesn’t happen for all of us. As a college student, Eva’s open mind led her towards a field that she felt truly passionate about. We don’t all have the luxury to pursue what we truly love. But, if we have the opportunity, we should pursue our dreams and love every minute of the way. Let her example speak to us and inspire others.
Edited by: Danyelle McInnis
Sources: {fashionista.com} http://fashionista.com/2013/06/why-eva-chen-is-the-first-editor-in-chief-of-our-generation/ , {wwd.com} http://www.wwd.com
Photos Courtesy of: blog.saksfifthavenue.com, refinery29.com, f.fastcompany.net