Amy Fine Collins

Amy Fine Collins is an American journalist, author, and longtime editor known for her influential presence in the world of fashion and style. She is known for her work at magazines like Vanity Fair and Airmail.  Recognized for her sharp eye and elegant personal style, she is also a member of the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. Throughout her career, Amy Fine Collins has worked to document the intersection of fashion, history, and high society, making her a respected voice in contemporary cultural journalism.

Was there anything in your childhood/upbringing that drew you to fashion?

My mother studied fashion design but switched out of the field to study art, and then art history.  I was taught by example to think visually, with art, decor, clothing.  I was a fiend for paper dolls.  I remember every item of my mother’s wardrobe from the moment I was sentient.   

I know that you have an academic background in art history- and taught at Columbia and Parsons. How did you break into the fashion journalism industry?

I began writing about fashion in the same manner and in the same places that I wrote about art.  One of my articles caught the eye of Geoffrey Beene and he pulled me out of academia and into fashion journalism.

As a style icon- who is routinely named on international "Best Dressed" lists- What advice do you have to young girls on having the confidence to be an original- a trendsetter? 

There is only ONE International Best-Dressed List. It is the only original and authentic list of its kind, now entering its 85th year.  I have been in its Hall of Fame since 1996.  To be an original you must deviate from trends and conformity.  What is your signature? Find it and play it up. 

Recently you have garnered much attention for your decision to wear a large modern Jewish star necklace to make a make a statement about Jewish pride- pushing back against the dominance of Christian symbols in fashion. Can you talk about this decision?

It disturbed me that everyone’s Stars of David were pusillanimous, dinky,  trifling. Why? How could that be when enormous cross necklaces are so ubitiquitous, and have been for decades, if not centuries.

Not only are you proudly wearing your Jewish star as a badge of honor- you have also exposed antisemitism- like your NY Post article highlighting the history of antisemitism in NYC during the Capote years. Do you feel a sense of obligation to be a voice for the Jewish people- given your platform and status as a highly acclaimed and respected journalist?

I defer to writers who are more expert on the subject of Judaism than I.  That said,please have a look at a story I did for Vanity Fair, “Jewish Like Me.” That probably was the most important article I ever wrote about Judaism. No doubt I have more  stories to write on the subject.

link to "Jewish Like Me"article: https://www.vanityfair.com/news/2008/05/jewish200805srsltid=AfmBOooOsweKaFUrCSzDYA5MAsf5yo7KLTh4EVx1YC95nHrMTvBO06nb

 I have become fascinated by the vast influence Jewish women and men have had on American fashion- everyone from Levi Strauss to Hattie Carnegie, Nettie Rosenstein, Ida Cohen Rosenthal, Lina Bryant, Estelle Joan Summers among countless others to more recently Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, Diane Von Furstenberg, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs this list goes on and on. The Met Gala has paid tribute to the influence of many religions and nationalities on fashion. I don't think there would ever be a mainstream exhibition honoring the influence Jews have had on fashion. Do you think that the contributions of Jewish men and women as an ethno-religious group in the fashion industry is overlooked?

That is one of the best ideas I have heard in a long time- honoring the Jewish influence on fashion with an exhibition.  The Jewish Museum has had only one really important fashion exhibition, its Isaac Mizrahi exhibiton.

 I understand that not only was there a historical happenstance that drew Jews to the fashion industry- but Judaism has a strong emphasis on maintaining a good appearance and good hygiene, derived from the concept of Hiddur Mitzvah ("beautifying the commandment"). In Judaism clothing is not simply protection from the cold or for decoration- clothes represent the wearer: they are the first impression. Why do you think Jews have historically been drawn to the fashion and beauty industries? Do you think there is anything about our culture that draws us to the fashion industry? 

I believe tailoring was one of the handful of professions allowed to Jews in most European nations. We carried those skills with us to America. We did not have, as Christians did, the idea of Vanity as a sin.  So often when we were expelled or purged we could take only books and the clothes on our back. Both remain essential to us  In Eastern Europe, skin care is traditionally a science, not a superficial pursuit.  Estee Lauder and Helena Rubinstein, Max Factor, brought an approach to beauty and cosmetics that was less shady, less associated with actresses, prostitution, and loose women, and therefore acceptable in America.