WHO REALLy is…
Angela VelasqueZ
Founding & Executive Editor of Rivet magazine
Angela Velasquez is the founding and executive editor of Rivet magazine. The American with the statement hair (long, curly & black) knows how to convince in a conversation: with her deep knowledge and unique understanding of our industry! She knows her job and she knows who she is talking to. So, we would say that it’s time to know more about her!
How did you meet your co-founders? Tell us more about your career: What did you do before Rivet Magazine?How did the magic happen?
Angela: I began my career in media as a designer at Condé Nast Traveler and then landed a fashion editor gig for two trade publications – one covered the footwear market, the other the children’s apparel market. Those experiences revealed to me the business behind fashion, which I don’t think I had ever thought about as a consumer. The best part about the children’s magazine was that there was always a reason to have animals on set.
One of my first shoots included a baby alligator, wallaby, monkey, snake and parrot – we were asking for trouble.
What was the coolest interview you ever did?
Angela: I can tell you about the coolest interview I pass up! I nabbed a phone interview with Zendaya and Law Roach for their first-ever footwear line a few years ago – it was before they both became the modern-day style icons they are today, but you could tell that was the trajectory. I was up against a deadline, and feeling overwhelmed, I caved and asked one of my colleagues to take it.
You split your time between New Orleans and New York during the pandemic. How did this help you to find the right balance for your work?
Angela: It is impossible to not feel light and calm in New Orleans, and those are two qualities that I don’t ever associate with New York City – especially during a pandemic. So, I did take advantage of our remote working policies and stayed in the French Quarter for a few months. That being said, I would never want to shake off the pace of New York life – it’s a superpower.
One can feel that you really love fashion. If you could launch your own brand, in which other brands would you find inspiration?
Angela: I love how Valentino and Celine mix blazers and billowy, bohemian shirts with jeans. Style-wise, that’s a look I aspire to. But what I really love is shopping. I may be the last millennial on earth that prefers to go to stores versus shopping online, but stores – and the thrill of the hunt – is my form of entertainment.
You must be travelling a lot. What was the craziest professional travel you did and why?
Angela: I’ve had to pack a lot of odd suitcases – the weirdest being for a work trip that brought me from NY to Munich to Reykjavik (for a personal weekend) straight to Las Vegas and then back to NY. I don’t recommend having to pack for so many different climates at once. But the craziest and most fun was a press trip to Brazil for a Sao Paulo footwear trade show that included a few days in Rio. Still don’t know how I managed to keep my job after that one.
Can you tell us an unexpected tradeshow anecdote you have witnessed?
Angela: I’m surprised by how many denim brands are still cautious about allowing trade media into their show booths. I understand there’s a risk of copycats, but I also see the same brands giving jeans away to influencers. We’re shortening the lifespan of fashion trends because we see it on social media long before it ever reaches stores.
What is your very personal passion and why?
Angela: Travel, fashion and work… But I also really like my family. There’s only a few of us, but we genuinely like to hang out with one another.
Where can we find your If you could interview one legend, dead or alive, who would it be and what would be your first question?brand ?
Angela: Princess Diana has always been my legend. I admire how she ruffled feathers and seemed to enjoy doing so. But I guess I’d have to ask her about her denim choices and what she thinks of people copying her style now.
What’s your favorite song of all time?
Angela: I always go back to Amy Winehouse. I’m that annoying person that demands to hear “Valerie” at every social gathering and karaoke night.
What’s the song you love but you’re ashamed of?
Angela: I’m not ashamed, but I do feel like I’m too old to enjoy Harry Styles (as a solo artist) as much as I do.
If you could teleport yourself right now, where would you go?
Angela: London in the 60s, but I would also be content with modern day Paris because I keep thinking about the shopping I’ve missed out on during the past year and a half.
Any tips for the students who would love to be a fashion journalist?
Angela: I didn’t even know it existed until I began my job search, but don’t turn your nose up to trade media. We may not be invited to as many fancy events or receive heaps of free merch as editors at consumer publications, but trade media requires a deeper level of thinking. To understand the inner workings of an industry, to identify trends before they hit the runway, and to feel comfortable talking and writing about sustainability and technology, will ultimately make you an asset to a company in both media and fashion.
Ask yourself the question you wish to be asked and answer to it.
Angela: What’s your middle name? Because my middle name is Jean – it’s the first name of my mom and grandma. As an editor covering denim, I regret not making that a part of my byline.
My middle name is Jean – as an editor covering denim I regret not making that a part of my byline.