14 NOVEMBER 2014 | MUSES

Andrea Robinson is known to many for her many accomplishments: Author of Toss the Gloss, Beauty Industry Executive to companies such as Revlon, Estee Lauder and Ralph Lauren, former Vogue editor, and entrepreneur of soon-to-be-launched cosmetic brand “Mrs. Robinson”. But for me, I would add Mentor and Fairy Godmother to both my sister, and me. Andrea’s family lived above us in our New York apartment building during my childhood, and she has been one of my mother’s closest friends since then. I can remember, as a little girl, waiting for the elevator to arrive in the morning, anticipating the vision of Andrea, chic and glamorous, when the doors opened, revealing her with children, on the way to school and work. Andrea is someone who everyone notices and admires. Since working, I have never made a career move without first consulting Andrea. Her insights and advice have led me and her example has inspired me-

As my personal and ultimate muse, Andrea Robinson shares with us some of her musings.

What’s in your make-up bag?
A lip pencil from drug store brand Prestige. A hard to get lipstick from Jemma Kidd, the color is Peggy and I have about 20 for fear of it discontinuing. Laura Mercier cream blush and a foundation by my new brand Mrs. Robinson (Launching in 2015).

What do you wear on a fat day?
All black and very high heels. Height makes you look thinner.

How would your female friends describe your style?
Minimal and chic. I do love frou frou shoes and bags though, I would wear a simple coat with a huge, luxurious fur hat. I like to focus on accessories, you will often see me in big, statement earrings.

What’s the most treasured item in your wardrobe?
A small string of pearls that my mother used to always wear. I feel like I inhabit her when I wear them now, which is a lovely feeling. She wore a lot of black too, so maybe I took after her in that respect.

Hot date night with your lover, what do you wear?
I would wear something very sleek and simple with a lot of subtle sex appeal.

When home alone, what do you wear?
My most favorite things  – oversized silk men’s pajamas. I currently love the Joe Fresh ones.

What do you wear to bed?
Depends on who is there.

You’re the fashion police for a day, what do you ban?
Trendiness for the sake of trendiness. I always prefer style, worked in with something modern around it.

Have you ever worn anything you now regret?
Probably lots of things in my life! I mostly regret things when I see pictures of myself – and I think why did I ever think I could get away with that?

If you could live in any other time for its fashion, when would you choose?
I love comfort, so probably sometime in the future when clothes will feel weightless. I feel most comfortable when I’m walking around without any clothes on. From a comfort point of view, is a d-r-a-g.

Can you judge a book by its cover?
Somewhat.

What are your bad habits?
Eating in general. Snacking. Good cheese. A nice glass of wine… or a couple.

What’s your greatest extravagance?
I love to take first class trips. Experiences are my greatest extravagance. I also adore the ballet.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
My boss at L’Oreal Guy Peyrelongue once said to me when I asked him his opinion on two plans of action, “I hired you for just that, so don’t ask me what I think. You do what you think is right”. I have stuck by that mantra always. You make your own decisions and take responsibility for them. Own it and go for it.

What’s your favorite smell?
Something wonderful cooking on the stove, tuberose in a garden, a beautiful gardenia, to name just a few of my favorite smells.

What’s your idea of a great holiday?
Somewhere exotic and beautiful I’ve never been to, where my vision and senses and appetite for newness and adventure are engaged. Being in the lap of luxury, having everything I lay eyes on breathtakingly special. The beauty and color of India for example, just took my breath away.

What are you most proud of?
My children.

What is your pure bliss?
Being in my enormously comfortable bed, sleeping on my fabulous Matouk sheets, my silk pajamas and reading a juicy novel, with lovely music.

Who or what would you like to be reincarnated as in your next life?
This is so interesting. There are so many women I would like to be. On the political front – Margaret Thatcher, Aung San Suu Kyi or Indira Ghandi. On the acting front – Mary Martin or Cate Blanchett. To answer the question, I would like to reincarnate in the body of not too many, but the mind of many.

Yes or no to a nip and a tuck?
Well, of course. But it really has to be just a nip.

How would you like to be remembered?
She was a great mother, she did pretty well in business and she had great friends.
Read about Andrea’s book HERE

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