By Tyler Martin
Being a magazine editor has always been my dream job. In this role, an editor curates every aspect of the publication – from extravagant editorial shoots to timely, relevant features, and fun product roundups that always piqued my interest. It reminded me of Nigel the art director’s speech in The Devil Wears Prada, where a magazine’s not just a magazine, it’s also “a shining beacon of hope.” That’s why I jumped at the chance to hear Teen Vogue’s Editor-in-Chief Versha Sharma speak at the International Symposium on Online Journalism (ISOJ). The conference was held last week at the University of Texas at Austin.
Sharma gave the keynote, deftly tackling the topic “The Gen Z Scoop: How Teen Vogue Leverages Trust and Authenticity to Attract Young Audiences.” I quickly learned that Teen Vogue is so much more than just a fashion magazine geared toward young adults. It’s a platform that serves as a truth telling voice for young people, highlighting stories that are incisive and sometimes disruptive.
During her talk, Sharma discussed her career journey before becoming EIC, how she curates content for her Gen-Z and millennial readers, and Teen Vogue’s recent exclusive with Vivian Wilson, Elon Musk’s 20-year-old estranged, transgender daughter. (You can watch the full keynote here for even more fun tidbits – like Anna Wintour’s tendency to rewear her favorite dresses in the Conde Nast offices.)
In addition to expected topics like her career journey, Sharma revealed details behind the magazine’s bombshell exclusive and asked her some specific questions on behalf of fashion-obsessed SMU Look readers.
TM: What do you love most about leading a magazine for young adults? What do you think is most valuable about your readers and specific audience?
VS: What I love most about leading a magazine for young adults is the diversity of perspectives we get on the platform—and the stories I learn from them every single day. We’re passionate about encouraging people to pursue careers in journalism and fashion. So, getting to give someone their first byline, a photographer their first cover shoot, or a designer their first major feature is incredibly exciting. We also love showcasing young and emerging talent, and that’s something we try to do as often as possible.
TM: What was the coolest event you’ve attended that was a true pinch-me moment?
VS: It’s gotta be the Met Gala. That was a total pinch-me moment—and honestly, it still is. Walking up those stairs was incredibly intimidating, but once I got to the top, it was such a blast. Inside, it’s so much fun. Credit to Anna for the whole thing, of course, but one of the reasons it’s so special is that she doesn’t allow publicists inside. So, you have celebrities and editors all just mingling on their own terms. No cameras or phones are allowed—only approved ones—so it’s all very tightly controlled. But overall, it’s such a wonderful, unforgettable event.
TM: What piece of advice would you give to a college grad looking to move to New York and start in the fashion industry?
VS: I moved to New York without a job and without any connections. I didn’t even tell my parents—Indian immigrant parents—because they didn’t really understand why I wanted to pursue journalism. So while I wouldn’t necessarily recommend doing it that way, my advice would be this: Figure out what you’re truly passionate about. Identify the people you admire and want to follow—and reach out to them. One of the amazing things about social media is that you can contact people directly. Find your people, build your network. I still live in New York and truly believe it’s the greatest city in the world. It’s an incredible place to chase creative dreams, and I really encourage anyone who wants to enter the industry to go for it. We need young and diverse perspectives now more than ever.
This interview has been condensed for length and clarity.
Cover artwork by Staff Member Athena Mamatas
