Get Ready with Chrissy Rutherford at Paris Fashion Week

Profile

Freedom is what keeps writer and brand consultant Chrissy Rutherford motivated to do it all. “I try to only take on projects that I feel energized by,” says the former Bazaar editor. There's a reason why fashion month made the cut. “I love the community aspect of fashion week," she says. "It’s nice seeing and reconnecting with people. During September, there’s this back to school vibe that I love. It feels nice to come back together.”

Although hopping from city to city for shows, press appointments and parties can feel overwhelming, she says the creative exchange is worth it. “There are always those shows that ignite flames inside of you and make you think about them nonstop,” she says. “These moments remind me of why I love fashion so much.”

We spent the day with Rutherford–who was clad in a polka dot Zimmermann dress and Neil J. Rodgers boots– ahead of Zimmermann’s PFW SS23 show and discussed seeking inspiration, staying grounded and overcoming fears.

By Lena Herrmann

RI:
How does this fashion month compare to past ones?
CR:
It’s been pretty easy. Compared to my past life as an editor, fashion week is totally different. Now, I don't have to do as much as I used to and I can actually just enjoy it and not have the stress of having to run back to my apartment to write something up.
RI:
Which shows have been your favorites thus far?
CR:
In New York, I loved Brandon Maxwell. He's so talented and his collections always make me happy. I always feel really fortunate to be a witness. In London, I saw Erdem, definitely one of my absolute favorite British brands. It was so beautiful. [Erdem Moralioglu] always does the show at a museum, which I really like. And then in Paris, so far, I got to go to Hermès yesterday, which felt like a dream.
RI:
Any shows you’re looking forward to?
CR:
Thom Browne and Zimmermann, who's showing in Paris for the first time.

RI:
How has it been temporarily living in London?
CR:
I've been living there for the last four months. I love life in London a lot. I think it still gives me that big city feeling like New York, but it's less chaotic. The pace of life is so much slower. There are parks everywhere and it's so much cleaner. I think, in the same vein I touched upon before about freedom, it feels really exciting to be in a new city where I don't know as many people. It pushes you to get outside of your comfort zone and be intentional about making new friends and going to new places. I feel fortunate to be able to do that. I was born and raised in New York. I've lived there my whole life, so this is really the most adventurous thing I've ever done in my life.

“I always want to feel like myself, especially at Fashion Week.”

By Lena Herrmann

RI:
You’ve also been really transparent about your fear of flying. Especially during Fashion Month, where you’re tasked with traveling more, how do you stay grounded ahead of flying?
CR:
I've struggled with my fear of flying since I was a teenager. Back then, it was way more extreme than it is now. I had to really make a conscious effort to get over my fear and I started that process in my mid-20s. I’ve realized the biggest thing that helps my fear of flying is actually flying and traveling on a regular basis, because then it doesn't feel like this momentous occasion like it used to.

I try to meditate most days — that really helps me. I also try to practice deep breathing, especially when I'm on the flight. Listen, I still bring Xanax with me just in case I feel super anxious. I most likely won't take it, but it's just nice to have it. Music always really calms me down, too. Just moving my body, especially when I have times where I am experiencing higher levels of anxiety in general, really helps.

“I try to respect those moments when I need to go back to my hotel room and just not talk, be quiet and be by myself.”

RI:
Any beauty and fashion trends that you’re noticing from this fashion month?
CR:
I feel like a lot of brands are still heavily into the Y2K trend which is cool but it’s not necessarily my style. From working in fashion, I’ve realized a lot of trends come and go. That said, as I've gotten older, my style has become much more classic. I have those pieces that I'm just always going to rely on. Here and there, I might throw in a cargo pant situation and a little bra top, or whatever the kids are doing these days.
RI:
How do you typically build your looks for fashion week?
CR:
I'm definitely always going to be a clothing first girl. It's taken me a long time to really get into beauty at the level that I'm interested in it now. I like to look for some key pieces that I know I'm going to wear. I always like suiting or a matching set situation. It feels very one and done, but you're always going to look put together. I definitely lean on those kinds of things. I always want to feel like myself, especially at fashion week. For me, it's not always a time to get super experimental, but I really respect the girls that do. I always ask myself, ‘Is there anything I've been wearing lately that I just felt really good and confident in? How can I recreate that in a new way?’

By Lena Herrmann

CHRISSY WEARS:

Satin & Shimmer Duet Eyeshadow in Satin Plum/Lavender Shimmer
Lash Lift Serum Mascara
Skin Enhance Luminous Tinted Serum in 100
Softlight Luminous Hydrating Concealer in 130
Solar Infusion Cream Bronzer in Seychelles
Cream Blush Cheek & Lip Color in Foxglove
Satin Lip Color Lipstick in Poetic

RI:
What’s your typical beauty approach during fashion week?
CR:
Again, I always want to feel like myself. I'm not super experimental when it comes to makeup, probably because I'm always doing it myself and my skills are limited. I love a liquid cat-eye, so I'm always going to do that. I always love playing up my eyes, keeping the skin looking nice and even. Yesterday, I wore an all black look for Hermès, so I threw on a little red lip and put some gloss over it. Brooke DeVard had posted on Instagram a couple days ago that glossy red lips were her favorite look for fall, so I was inspired by that.

By Lena Herrmann

RI:
How do you practice self-care during fashion month?
CR:
I've always been kind of an energetically sensitive person, but I think even more so now, especially after being cooped up in the house for 2 years. I try to respect those moments when I need to go back to my hotel room and just not talk, be quiet and be by myself. Maybe meditate. I also love to take a bath. I've been taking a bath every day that I've been in Paris. A bath is very, very restorative for me. I'm a Pisces, a water sign, so I always need some water to bring me back to center.
RI:
What’s your getting ready routine before the shows?
CR:
I hate feeling rushed. But ironically, I always wait til the last minute to get ready. I like to wake up and do my hair and makeup and then I’ll get back into bed and relax until I have just enough time to put my clothes on and head out the door. Any chance I can get to have downtime, I’m laying in bed. My friends always make fun of me but I love to be in bed and relaxing. I’m just not the type of person who can go, go, go.