I was so honored to be able to learn “STYLING” from one of the fashion industry’s most important fashion editors and stylists, Polly Mellen. Polly was a former stylist and editor at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue and had moved to Allure when I became her West Coast Assistant.

Polly’s career in the fashion industry began when she moved to New York City to work as a sales associate at Lord and Taylor. While there, a coworker arranged for her to meet with the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Diana Vreeland. After that, Mellen became a stylist and editor at the magazine and Vreeland taught her everything she knew. Both women then moved on to work at Vogue.

Polly Mellen was known for her collaborations with many influential photographers such as Irving Penn, Helmut Newton, Mario Testino, Steven Miesel, and Richard Avedon. We worked with Patrick Demarchelier and it was a wonderful learning experience.

Here are some iconic shoots Polly helped to produce:

Our first photo shoot was with Angelina Jolie and I think it was Angelina’s 1st cover. Polly could be intimidating but I am so thankful for everything she taught me. Polly is now retired but continues to be present in the fashion industry by attending events and shows.