Yale Breslin moved to New York from Toronto with a blog and a dream of bigger things. Now the editor of Industrie magazine, he tells us how he got so far ahead.
What brought you to New York?
I knew I always wanted to work in magazines. What that meant, I had no idea. But I knew I had to be a part of a publication. That was the impetus behind the move. Toronto is an amazing place, but for my work, it didn’t make sense to be there anymore.
How did you land your first writing jobs?
Sheer aggression…with a smile. I remember e-mailing everyone and anyone I could to set up meetings. The purpose was basically this: “Hi, you don’t have to pay me (yet), but I want to be a part of what you do. I know what’s relevant right now…so let me talk about it and write about it. See what you think of my work after I send through the text.” Luckily, people gave me a chance.
I remember your blog called The Malcolm.
Malcolm is my middle name. I made it when I was still living in Toronto. After I began writing for a few publications and websites, I figured I could do it on my own. So, I launched a basic Wordpress blog and started talking about cool shit that I was interested in. It was a simple design but it looked good. Slowly, people began pitching me story ideas. Switcheroo! It took on a bit of a life of its own, but it wasn’t lucrative enough.
You worked at V and VMan when you first moved here.
I was the online editor for both V and VMan for a little bit. Great place, but I got a call out of the blue that I couldn’t resist.
What was it?
Roc Nation. They wanted to talk to me about helping them with their—at the time—new website and YouTube channel Life+Times. It was something I couldn’t refuse. Working with the team over there was—and still is—awesome. It’s a site that is a lens through all things Jay Z, from his taste in fashion, design, art, architecture, sports, watches, cars, hotels, restaurants…you name it. It was amazing to work on the content for the site.
What are some of your favorite interviews?
I think one of my very first interviews was Thom Browne. When Riccardo Tisci collaborated with Jay Z on the album art for Watch The Throne, we spoke to the designer about the collaboration, and that was pretty remarkable. Graydon Carter gave a great interview once. There have been a ton of people that have been interesting to speak with. I’m a lucky kid.
Tell me how you landed at Industrie.
I had been contributing to Industrie for a few issues. I think the first story I ever wrote was an interview with Cecilia Dean, who was my boss at V. Erik Torstensson and Jens Grede, the founders of the magazine and the people behind the Saturday Group, had me meet them at The Mercer hotel for a meeting. They were looking to move the magazine from London, where it was originally based, to New York. We had a fun conversation—Swedes and Canadians get along great—and they asked me if I wanted to take on a bigger role with the publication. And there it is. We’re only getting started. Watch this space!
You’re a fashion insider and Industrie is all about the insiders. How do you choose people for the cover and inside the magazine?
There are so many people in this industry who do incredible things, but determining a cover always happens over a slew of conversations. We come out two times a year. We like to celebrate the unexpected choice, yet the subject is always someone who is deserving. For instance, Tonne Goodman graced the cover of issue 7, while our last cover featured Edward Enninful with Naomi Campbell. Edward was celebrating 25 years in the industry, and we wanted to recognize his iconic work.
Tell us about the next issue of Industrie. What can we expect?
Expect to see someone like you’ve never seen them before, in a way that has yet to be documented.
Who are some Industrie people you can’t get enough of?
I can only speak for myself here, but I’m obsessed with what Stuart Vevers is doing at Coach and what Julie de Libran is doing at Sonia Rykiel. The Row always amazes me for its understated romantic sensibility, and my favorite Instagram account to follow is Idea Books.
Let’s talk style. What labels are you craving right now?
I’m pretty basic in the way I get dressed. Running shoes, a pair of jeans, a black or white T-shirt and usually a crew neck sweater. James Perse, FRAME, Adidas, and Supreme are some of my favorites. I also like to mix in a little bit of street-wear. I’m into Bianca Chandon and Palace. This is, of course, when I’m not in gym clothes.
My buddy Donald Robertson told me that all Canadians are nice. Is that true about you, too?
I’d like to think so. I hate a stereotype, but I’ve been called way worse things than ‘nice,’ so I’ll accept it and leave it at that.
