#MAKEITHAPPEN
Kim Hersov, Creative Director & ConsultantKim Hersov's résumé reads like any fashion person's dream—she's been editor-at-large for Harper's Bazaar UK and PORTER magazine, creative director for bohemian lifestyle brand Talitha, co-founder of the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Trust, and style consultant for various luxury brands (from Dior to Pucci) over the years. But it's her positive and assured outlook on how to deal with challenges that inspires us the most. Whether it was her divorce or the end of her business partnership with Talitha, Hersov took those wounds and channeled them into opportunities for growth and new beginnings.
"I always go back to that old cliché—time heals all wounds," she tells us. "There’s also the need for self-reflection, acknowledging accountability, and forgiveness. It takes two to tango in any breakdown."
Today, Hersov continues to push forward and is taking her love for vintage—she's an avid collector—with her soon-to-be-launched vintage lifestyle concept, The Quaintrelle. The mother of three boys, self-described maximalist, and fashion industry veteran is proof that there is no such thing as a linear career or lifestyle. Get to know her here.
Kim Hersov in the Chiana Fair Isle sweater and Dacey clogs
My Hustle
My hustle…
I am currently launching a lifestyle concept called The Quaintrelle—focused around vintage. Coming your way soon...
I am currently launching a lifestyle concept called The Quaintrelle—focused around vintage. Coming your way soon...
What got me started…
I have worked in fashion for years and what got me started was probably the influence of my grandmother. She had great style and was always an inspiration. She was great friends with Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass back in the day, and actually introduced me to Bill after I graduated from university. He was about to retire and there was no job materialized, but it is what got the ball rolling. I ended up starting my career at American Vogue (by a stroke of luck) and then moved to London where I was editor-at-large at Harper's Bazaar in the U.K. for about 13 years. I went on to be editor-at-large at PORTER magazine for another six years (until 2019) and had a video column for Net-a-Porter’s The Edit for about three years. I also co-founded and was creative director of the holiday/lifestyle brand Talitha until 2018 and did various styling/consulting projects over the years with Louis Vuitton, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Pucci, etc.
I have worked in fashion for years and what got me started was probably the influence of my grandmother. She had great style and was always an inspiration. She was great friends with Oscar de la Renta and Bill Blass back in the day, and actually introduced me to Bill after I graduated from university. He was about to retire and there was no job materialized, but it is what got the ball rolling. I ended up starting my career at American Vogue (by a stroke of luck) and then moved to London where I was editor-at-large at Harper's Bazaar in the U.K. for about 13 years. I went on to be editor-at-large at PORTER magazine for another six years (until 2019) and had a video column for Net-a-Porter’s The Edit for about three years. I also co-founded and was creative director of the holiday/lifestyle brand Talitha until 2018 and did various styling/consulting projects over the years with Louis Vuitton, Dior, Ralph Lauren, Pucci, etc.
What clears my head …
Mediation, running, and the occasional tequila
Mediation, running, and the occasional tequila
When in doubt , I…
Turn to my morning pages. I have been doing these free-flow diary pages daily for years now. They are an exercise from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron—a book on creativity that I have found life-changing.
Turn to my morning pages. I have been doing these free-flow diary pages daily for years now. They are an exercise from The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron—a book on creativity that I have found life-changing.
Greatest challenge and how I overcame it...
Getting divorced is up there and also ending my business partnership with Talitha (which was like a divorce). I always go back to that old cliché—time heals all wounds. I would also say that these challenges, while painful, are often the best opportunities for growth and new beginnings. There’s also the need for self-reflection, acknowledging accountability, and forgiveness. It takes two to tango in any breakdown. For me, those were the keys to moving on.
Getting divorced is up there and also ending my business partnership with Talitha (which was like a divorce). I always go back to that old cliché—time heals all wounds. I would also say that these challenges, while painful, are often the best opportunities for growth and new beginnings. There’s also the need for self-reflection, acknowledging accountability, and forgiveness. It takes two to tango in any breakdown. For me, those were the keys to moving on.
how i make it happen
3 morning musts…
1. A glass of water with a half teaspoon of baking soda—to alkalize the system
2. Coffee and chocolate—not so healthy, I guess, but I can’t start my day without an injection of caffeine and the chocolate replaces sugar and is one of my guilty pleasures.
3. The morning pages. They are my savior.
1. A glass of water with a half teaspoon of baking soda—to alkalize the system
2. Coffee and chocolate—not so healthy, I guess, but I can’t start my day without an injection of caffeine and the chocolate replaces sugar and is one of my guilty pleasures.
3. The morning pages. They are my savior.
Life hacks...
My life hacks seem to relate to life with 3 boys...
1. Stick a bar of scented soap in their luggage to cut the smell of the dirty laundry when it ends up back home.
2. Cut a hole in the corner of your juice and almond/oat milk cartons so that it doesn’t explode/leak all over the counter.
Work-related hacks…
1. Don’t procrastinate. Tackle the things you most dread/find most challenging at the start of the day so that it doesn’t hang over your head!
2. I also love making lists as a way to organize myself and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from completing the tasks.
My life hacks seem to relate to life with 3 boys...
1. Stick a bar of scented soap in their luggage to cut the smell of the dirty laundry when it ends up back home.
2. Cut a hole in the corner of your juice and almond/oat milk cartons so that it doesn’t explode/leak all over the counter.
Work-related hacks…
1. Don’t procrastinate. Tackle the things you most dread/find most challenging at the start of the day so that it doesn’t hang over your head!
2. I also love making lists as a way to organize myself and the feeling of satisfaction that comes from completing the tasks.
Personal talisman...
I have two talismans. One is a grey pearl skull pendant (the eyes are agate) on a gold chain. I bought this necklace from Belmacz by designer Julia Muggenburg about 15 years ago and never take it off. I also have a woven evil eye bracelet by Diane Kordas that never comes off my wrist. I see both as good luck charms that are an integral part of me.
I have two talismans. One is a grey pearl skull pendant (the eyes are agate) on a gold chain. I bought this necklace from Belmacz by designer Julia Muggenburg about 15 years ago and never take it off. I also have a woven evil eye bracelet by Diane Kordas that never comes off my wrist. I see both as good luck charms that are an integral part of me.
Best advice received...
"The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius
"The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts." - Marcus Aurelius
My Style
Favorite wardrobe hack…
There are no rules. So be bold and have fun.
There are no rules. So be bold and have fun.
Wardrobe MVP...
I am a magpie (a collector) and a maximalist so it is impossible to name one. I live in jeans so my boyfriend's would be a favorite. And I love a dramatic coat and a cape, so a vintage Thea Porter velvet coat and a vintage Saint Laurent cape come to mind, as well as a vintage black and gold kimono jacket. The list goes on. I treasure all the pieces in my wardrobe.
I am a magpie (a collector) and a maximalist so it is impossible to name one. I live in jeans so my boyfriend's would be a favorite. And I love a dramatic coat and a cape, so a vintage Thea Porter velvet coat and a vintage Saint Laurent cape come to mind, as well as a vintage black and gold kimono jacket. The list goes on. I treasure all the pieces in my wardrobe.
What I would tell my younger self about getting dressed...
Be fearless and be bold and have fun with your style. Put your best self forward and enjoy every minute of life as it goes by in a blink.
Be fearless and be bold and have fun with your style. Put your best self forward and enjoy every minute of life as it goes by in a blink.
Wearing Veronica Beard makes me feel…
Like the best version of myself. The clothes are fun, they’re chic/elegant, they’re quirky... and there is something to suit every mood/occasion. I LOVE the brand!
Like the best version of myself. The clothes are fun, they’re chic/elegant, they’re quirky... and there is something to suit every mood/occasion. I LOVE the brand!
my recharge
What I’m reading/listening to/binging…
I am currently reading/working through A Course in Miracles. While quite profound, it is also quite intense, so I am also reading the novel The Paper Palace—it's a brilliant escapist read. We recently binge-watched two series of The Witcher. My partner (Barry) and I are Game of Thrones fans so this was right up our alley. We also loved Devs! And film-wise, our recent favorites were Dune and The Power of the Dog.
I am currently reading/working through A Course in Miracles. While quite profound, it is also quite intense, so I am also reading the novel The Paper Palace—it's a brilliant escapist read. We recently binge-watched two series of The Witcher. My partner (Barry) and I are Game of Thrones fans so this was right up our alley. We also loved Devs! And film-wise, our recent favorites were Dune and The Power of the Dog.
Beauty/self-care must-haves…
Highlights are key in my beauty regimen and I swear by Nicola Clarke to keep my locks blonde throughout our gloomy grey winter. I can’t live without the Ruuby app for all my at-home beauty treatments! Skin products that I love are:
1. The Overnight Facial Night Elixir, Sarah Chapman
2. Advanced Supercell Serum, Romilly Wilde
3. The Rich Cream, Augustine Bader
4. Bee Venom Eye Cream, Rodial
5. And I also swear by Amanda Harrington tanning brushes and her daily gradual tan as a way to beat the winter gloom, as well as James Read Tan for the face and body (the mousse).
Meditation is also important for my self-care, as are those daily morning pages. Oh, and, Lyma supplements and the Lyma laser are game-changers.
Highlights are key in my beauty regimen and I swear by Nicola Clarke to keep my locks blonde throughout our gloomy grey winter. I can’t live without the Ruuby app for all my at-home beauty treatments! Skin products that I love are:
1. The Overnight Facial Night Elixir, Sarah Chapman
2. Advanced Supercell Serum, Romilly Wilde
3. The Rich Cream, Augustine Bader
4. Bee Venom Eye Cream, Rodial
5. And I also swear by Amanda Harrington tanning brushes and her daily gradual tan as a way to beat the winter gloom, as well as James Read Tan for the face and body (the mousse).
Meditation is also important for my self-care, as are those daily morning pages. Oh, and, Lyma supplements and the Lyma laser are game-changers.
Favorite thing to do…
To source vintage! I am obsessed. I love the hunt—wherever I am in the world. But I'm fortunate enough to live in Notting Hill and I'm in the vintage market every Friday, rain or shine. My other favorite activity is hiking summers in Lake Tahoe! I love travel adventures in general.
To source vintage! I am obsessed. I love the hunt—wherever I am in the world. But I'm fortunate enough to live in Notting Hill and I'm in the vintage market every Friday, rain or shine. My other favorite activity is hiking summers in Lake Tahoe! I love travel adventures in general.
Favorite thing to make…
I re-learned to crochet during lockdown, so currently, my favorite thing is to crochet blankets and scarves (they were my family Christmas gifts this year). I am working my way up to knitwear—I love the Wool and the Gang kits.
I re-learned to crochet during lockdown, so currently, my favorite thing is to crochet blankets and scarves (they were my family Christmas gifts this year). I am working my way up to knitwear—I love the Wool and the Gang kits.
One mover and shaker I admire…
Julie de Libran. I adore her and her style and the new label she has launched! She is elegant and a truly wonderful person.
Julie de Libran. I adore her and her style and the new label she has launched! She is elegant and a truly wonderful person.
Shop the Look
SHOP NOW, clockwise from top left:
Chiana Fair Isle Sweater
Calella Bag by Hereu
Blake Straight Jeans
Dacey Clog
