This week’s Mover column spotlights an InStyle triple threat: Sam Broekema, former accessories director turned market and accessories director; Stephanie Trong, who’s been promoted from fashion features editor to fashion features director; and Ali Pew, who was made style director. The trio writes in!
Photography: Patrick McMullan
ALI PEW, style director
What you’re most excited about in your new role: Creating content and styling stories that feature so many fascinating talents. In upcoming issues, we have comedians, singers, models, designers, and celebrities (and not always your typical celebrity)—just people who are doing really interesting things.
Your favorite Laura Brown moment: Showing her cover dress options in an Irish pub in Midtown while she was being interviewed for a TV segment. Amazing multi-tasker! I quickly learned there was never going to be a dull moment with her.
Why you wanted to work in fashion: I actually started to love fashion when I got a subscription to InStyle as a teenager—not making this up! I remember thinking, “I want to be the person who picks that outfit.”
Your first job in the industry: Interning in the Condé Nast Traveler fashion closet. The team was super small, which meant I got to work closely with all the editors. Prepping for the fashion shoots in exotic locations and seeing the full process was an amazing way to learn the ropes.
The most over-worn item in your wardrobe: Céline loafers
What are you most known for in the office: Wearing black and/or navy and making up Real Housewives taglines for coworkers.
STEPHANIE TRONG, fashion features director
What you’re most excited about in your new role: I love that it varies so much, from writing short news bits to longer profiles to essays about why I love to shop.
Your first project on the books: The September issue! I can’t give anything away, but there are so many gems in there. I had the pleasure of working with a few women I’ve long admired.
Your favorite Laura Brown moment: We were just talking about this yesterday: On her first day to meet the entire staff, she wore proper work trousers (Céline) paired with a Hawaiian shirt. That’s a good representation of her approach—she gets the job done but always with a sense of humor, which is refreshing.
Your first job in the industry: Editorial assistant at Jane, which I loved. My first EVER job was at Express in the local Texas mall, steaming clothes in the back room (so I guess you could say I was always in fashion!)
The most over-worn item in your wardrobe: This summer, I’ve been obsessed with oversize linen tees from Aritzia and my black Coco mules from The Row.
Your first mentor in the biz: Jane Pratt. She really encouraged me to write in my natural voice and to ignore all the rules when it came to…everything.
SAM BROEKEMA, market and accessories director
What you’re most excited about in your new role: It’s nice being back in fashion. I was doing ready-to-wear at Vanity Fair before switching to accessories at Bazaar, so it’s kind of a homecoming.
Your favorite Laura Brown moment: Every morning Laura comes in with a resounding, “Hey nerds!” which I love.
Your first job in the industry: The fashion closet at Vanity Fair.
The most over-worn item in your wardrobe: Ancient loafers from Church’s that have been resoled at least 10 times.
Your first mentor in the biz: Elizabeth Saltzman at Vanity Fair taught me what it meant to be an editor.
What are you most known for in the office: Laughing, constant laughing.
