Elle magazine’s recently appointed Fashion Features Director tells of her ideal reporter and her admiration for fellow fashion writer, Robin Givhan.
Thirty-two-year-old Alice Wignall’s position at Elle is at the other end of the journalism spectrum to that of a reporter, yet she took little time to consider the necessary criteria for such a job.
Within her role at Elle, she appreciates the need to keep to deadlines, although she hasn't personally experienced the ‘news rush’ during her career.
‘Professionalism is very important,’ she says, ‘such as punctuality and responding to e-mails quickly.’
She also values the essential knowledge of the world combined with the initiative to express these opinions. Yet from a features perspective, she believes creativity can also make a good reporter.
‘They still need to be a good writer; stylish and funny.’ Perhaps a way in which all manner of journalists can unite in a need to please and entertain the reader.
Alice joined Elle’s team in June 2010 after freelance writing for the Guardian and working for a number of women’s magazines including Bliss and More.
Throughout her career, the Fashion Features Director has admired Robin Givhan, the 45-year-old fashion editor for The Washington Post. ‘She reports on fashion as a serious thing – not just pretty clothes,’ Alice explains. ‘She can relate it to culture and politics yet still keep it accessible.’
Yet, perhaps it is Givhan’s reputation for being radically blunt with her words that makes Alice think of her. Another element for a budding reporter to add carefully to their checklist – to be remembered.
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