December 2nd. Cold. Wet. Windy. Just another day in Belfast. A day, Let Them Eat Cake editor Ashley Mauritzen donned a rust brown vintage blouse by Liberty, courtesy of her Godmother. Opting to pair her vintage silk with her Grandmother's mink and a Dubai bought necklace. Oh and Earrings from Disney Land Orlando.
An eclectic mixture as the colourful fashion writer and trend forecaster sits comfortably. A glass of white wine in hand. Legs casually crossed, following an eventful day at Blick Studios debut Fashion Forum afternoon. Ashley of course gave an insightful look inside her world of all things fashion related closing the evening's fashion fueled festivities.
Her polite, humorous and all-round delightful demeanor is on top form as Ashley discusses fashion, future projects and landing her dream job as Editor-In-Chief. Something the London College of Fashion, Fashion Journalism MA graduate claims was a stroke of luck. "I was in the right place. Right time. I had previous editorial experience. I have a good eye for photography. I also had a pool of writers I brought with me from an academic background who brought a fresh perspective."
Since becoming editor, Let Them Eat Cake's core values remain the same. "Its always cutting edge. Always focused on the next big trend but the remit has expanded. Its not just fashion and upcoming writers, but software as well." The site remains non-commercial, something Ashley is pleased about. "I'm immensely proud. It has a lot of integrity and that brings people to it."
Ashley's always had an interest in fashion and image projection. Or how she puts it, the way we build and brand ourselves. "Its fun and pleasurable to see people experimenting." Going so far as to describe individual fashion creatives as "infinite pallets where they can paint or try anything." Something she carries through to her own look. "I've a multiple personality disorder when it comes to what I wear. Everyday is a new adventure. One day I'll look like a Librarian and the next I'll look like a robot. I'm very excited about silver actually". Possibly my favourite line.
Metallic trends aside, Let Them Eat Cake's new Android App has been a roaring success but the App is not the only thing the publication has up its avant-garde laced sleeve. "I'd like to continue meeting and working with exciting people...and I'd rather not talk about the other stuff. I'll keep it a secret."
Ashley did however let slip the potential for a possible agency. "We work with a lot of great people. I feel we can help introduce these talented people who work for us for free to land paying jobs." Agh...money for writing? Chance would be a fine thing. Living the dream.
So has Ashley got any sound advice for aspiring digital magazine starters? "Don't do it. I don't want anymore competition. However if you do and you produce good content people will find it. Good content will spread." If you build it they will come.
She also gave a little advice for those aspiring fashion writers out there. Basically email everyone. Create an online portfolio. Having your writing together is essential. Research is also another vital tip. "If you are writing to a features editor, tell me why you love my magazine. Why you want to write for it. Ask can you come meet me. The targeted approach is the better one. If you manage a face to face meeting, chances are you are half way through the door."
There you have it folks. 30minutes of fashion packed topics and tips from a wonderful industry professional. Take a look at Let Them Eat Cake's new issue via cakeit.net. Blick Studios is hosting its second Fashion event, this time in the areas of business and online topics with guest speakers from working PRs to talented and hardworking Fashion Designers entitled Belfast Fashion 2.0. For more information check out www.blickstudios.org
An eclectic mixture as the colourful fashion writer and trend forecaster sits comfortably. A glass of white wine in hand. Legs casually crossed, following an eventful day at Blick Studios debut Fashion Forum afternoon. Ashley of course gave an insightful look inside her world of all things fashion related closing the evening's fashion fueled festivities.
Her polite, humorous and all-round delightful demeanor is on top form as Ashley discusses fashion, future projects and landing her dream job as Editor-In-Chief. Something the London College of Fashion, Fashion Journalism MA graduate claims was a stroke of luck. "I was in the right place. Right time. I had previous editorial experience. I have a good eye for photography. I also had a pool of writers I brought with me from an academic background who brought a fresh perspective."
Since becoming editor, Let Them Eat Cake's core values remain the same. "Its always cutting edge. Always focused on the next big trend but the remit has expanded. Its not just fashion and upcoming writers, but software as well." The site remains non-commercial, something Ashley is pleased about. "I'm immensely proud. It has a lot of integrity and that brings people to it."
Ashley's always had an interest in fashion and image projection. Or how she puts it, the way we build and brand ourselves. "Its fun and pleasurable to see people experimenting." Going so far as to describe individual fashion creatives as "infinite pallets where they can paint or try anything." Something she carries through to her own look. "I've a multiple personality disorder when it comes to what I wear. Everyday is a new adventure. One day I'll look like a Librarian and the next I'll look like a robot. I'm very excited about silver actually". Possibly my favourite line.
Metallic trends aside, Let Them Eat Cake's new Android App has been a roaring success but the App is not the only thing the publication has up its avant-garde laced sleeve. "I'd like to continue meeting and working with exciting people...and I'd rather not talk about the other stuff. I'll keep it a secret."
Ashley did however let slip the potential for a possible agency. "We work with a lot of great people. I feel we can help introduce these talented people who work for us for free to land paying jobs." Agh...money for writing? Chance would be a fine thing. Living the dream.
So has Ashley got any sound advice for aspiring digital magazine starters? "Don't do it. I don't want anymore competition. However if you do and you produce good content people will find it. Good content will spread." If you build it they will come.
She also gave a little advice for those aspiring fashion writers out there. Basically email everyone. Create an online portfolio. Having your writing together is essential. Research is also another vital tip. "If you are writing to a features editor, tell me why you love my magazine. Why you want to write for it. Ask can you come meet me. The targeted approach is the better one. If you manage a face to face meeting, chances are you are half way through the door."
There you have it folks. 30minutes of fashion packed topics and tips from a wonderful industry professional. Take a look at Let Them Eat Cake's new issue via cakeit.net. Blick Studios is hosting its second Fashion event, this time in the areas of business and online topics with guest speakers from working PRs to talented and hardworking Fashion Designers entitled Belfast Fashion 2.0. For more information check out www.blickstudios.org
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