The Colorful World of Tory Burch

I have known Tory Burch the person long before she was Tory Burch the brand. When Allure first launched, I worked there as an assistant gathering all of the world’s best clothes and accessories for my then boss, the legendary fashion editor Polly Mellen. At the time, Tory, who was working in the public relations for a designer, was someone I would call repeatedly to borrow the latest gowns and shoes for all of our photo shoots. Even back then, she always had the most pleasant and reassuring voice, even when I was calling from far-fetched locales stressed and trying to track down clothes for a shoot.

Years later, I was working at another magazine when Tory opened her first store and successfully launched her namesake brand. We had both entered phase two of our careers. Since then, Tory’s lifestyle empire has exploded and represents all of the stylish ideals that women crave today: chic clothes at accessible prices, the vision to be the CEO of your own company, and giving other women with a chance to excel with the Tory Burch Foundation.

Tory’s first book, Tory Burch: In Color, debuted this week with all the proceeds going to her foundation. I was so honored that she asked me to participate in a talk with her at the Apple store in Soho, Manhattan. Together we discussed all the inspirations of her creative life, from her upbringing in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania to her chic parents and teenage sons to building her company to the power of social media and even a quick shout out to Tupac.

We both talked about how creating a book is a long journey and that you have to love the product you put out. I can tell this book is very personal for Tory in many ways. Divided into 11 chapters inspired by color, the book is a kaleidoscopic look at Tory’s life and influences. It is filled with personal photographs, style tips, cocktail recipes, and great advice—you’ll even find a tidbit in there from yours truly.

Tory Burch: In Color, $50, listen to the podcast here.