Exclusive Interview: Jennifer Kim from NY Times Style Magazine!
Founded in 1933, Esquire is one of the longest running men’s magazines still in print today. At one time, it featured contributions by Ernest Hemingway and F. Scott Fitzgerald, and in the 60s, the magazine popularized New Journalism, which was an unconventional style embraced by Tom Wolfe, Truman Capote, and Hunter S. Thompson. Today, the magazine continues to thrive and is an excellent source of current men’s fashion news. We recently met with Jennifer Kim, who used to assist covering men’s fashion and grooming for Esquire but now assists covering jewelry at The New York Times Style Magazine. In addition to giving some background on her career, she also provides some valuable insight with regards to diamonds and pick up lines… read on!
Q:Tell us about how your career in journalism started.
A:My career in editorial started out with just a curiosity in magazines. I always loved flipping through the glossy pages and seeing all the various story montages. I applied for an internship at Esquire magazine my senior year of college at Parsons School of Art and Design. I was majoring in Fashion Design, and was interested in other areas of fashion that I might be able to pursue. I didn’t want to design under one aesthetic or style. I believed working for a magazine would be a great way to observe an array of aesthetics beyond clothing and accessories. I enjoy behind the scenes, deadlines, always thinking ahead, and the consistent problem solving on how to make the old, new and the new, acceptable or known.
Q: What did you like most about writing for Esquire?
A:I co-wrote the mens bi-monthly grooming column with a contributing stylist. This was a first for Esquire, and for myself.
I immensely enjoyed working on this column. It was always a challenge to address the reader in a neutral voice without sounding like a female was writing it. I must have smelled 10 different shaving creams on a weekly basis (exaggeration). I loved seeing what was new and how companies were coming up with solutions to solve the various problems.
Q: With the proliferation of both print magazines and of course the plethora of online ezines and blogs, how do longstanding magazines like Esquire acquire and retain readers?
A: The computer has now become one of the main household appliances. Readers have access to so much more information than ever. Despite the convenience, in my opinion there is something about the physical activity of holding, flipping through a magazine and the convenience of it, especially when you’re traveling. You can just pull out a magazine and read it and not have to worry about battery power. I think with older readers and readers with a long history of loyalty to a particular magazine probably still prefer a hardcopy verses reading it online.
Q: You used to cover men’s fashion, but now you are focused on women’s jewelry.
I have to ask, will diamonds ever stop being a girl’s best friend?
A: I assist on the jewelry market here at The New York Times. It is definitely a different animal compared to the mens market. After working on several shoots here, I have to say “ Diamonds will always be a girls best friend.” It’s a timeless element, be it simply adorned or ornately fashioned into something extravagant. Which every you go, it’s still the icing on the cake. Whether it’s fondant or butter-cream, deciding is the fun part.
Q: What did you like most about covering menswear?
A:When I worked at Esquire, I assisted with the mens market. I learned so much about menswear from just seeing all the collections, assisting on the shoots and writing the credits for them. I appreciate menswear because I feel its constraints create the challenges for designers and stylists to think outside of the box.
Q: What brands or designers do you think are doing the most for menswear today and why?
A: With people having so much access to information and resources, a lot of designers are doing great things. I don’t have a particular brand or designer in mind for menswear, but it’s always interesting to see the new comers and what they bring to the table.
Q: On Esquire’s blog, there is a section featuring 25 “Allegedly Clever Pick-Up Lines”. Do these ever work? In your opinion what is the best way for a guy to approach a woman at a bar?
A: I think if the pick up lines are really clever, then yes. It gives the woman something to think about and catches her off guard. I think those are usually the best. If that fails a nice smile would just fine.
Q: General question that is way outside the scope of this interview, but what do women really want? Do they even know?
A: Haha, good question! I think we’re all trying to figure it out (even men). If we knew, I think the world would be terribly boring. The battles are far more exciting as much as it drives us crazy.
Q: What are some of the traits or qualities that you find sexy in men?
A: Confidence, intellect and humor
Q: What are some of your favorite pastimes?
A: I love sitting outdoors with a great book, and intimate dinner with friends. I also enjoy painting, traveling, cooking, and I’m always making something, be it a gift for friends or personal projects. So it’s always either a book or art projects in hand.
