MY FUTURE BOSS
Erica Corsano, fashionista
For years, Erica Corsano was the self-proclaimed “bag lady of Boston.” Even on the rainiest and unappealing of days, Corsano could be found strolling through Saks or Neiman Marcus, shopping bags in hand, looking utterly absorbed by the inspiring fashion around her.
Months ago, I asked Corsano to meet me for coffee at Boston’s Copley mall. My objective? To learn more about her fascinating career. Now the editorial director of Stuff Magazine, Corsano was a freelance fashion writer, stylist, and consultant when I met her.
On the afternoon of our get-together, I caught up with this style maven at Neiman’s, one of my favorite stores. A fashion enthusiast, I could not help but be momentarily captivated by the display of men’s shoes at the entrance.
Corsano, 31, is upbeat and engulfed in an air of insouciance when she greets me at the top of the escalator. We dip into the nearest Starbucks. This is, of course, after we stop and chat about the Ferragamo and Louis Vuitton shoes in window displays.
Corsano was raised in a family where fashion was a passion. The sister of a fashion editor, she got her first fashion job in public relations at a major house of style, Bottega Veneta. Though it did not take much for me to become fascinated by her many lessons, my interest really piqued when she started talking about the difference between working in New York City and Boston: “New York is the training ground for this business -- the boot camp.” At this point, my eyes tripled in circumference and I could not wait to hear more.
It is impossible to mention fashion careers and not get images of dragon ladies and ruthless dream-shattering, as in “The Devil Wears Prada.” In the world of fashion and media, Corsano explained that it is indeed “cutthroat” and very easy to get caught up in the glamour and glitz of it all. However, she does not go without mentioning: “It’s really important to have a balance, because it can get really overwhelming. Like me -- I meditate and I do yoga.” With a surprisingly nonchalant and inspiring undertone, she says, “At the end of the day, it’s just clothing. I mean, it’s just shoes and bags here; we’re not curing cancer.”
All this stress does not come without some hefty rewards. Corsano enjoys the aspect of working in a smaller city such as Boston, as opposed to New York City, because she is what some would call the “wearer of many hats.” In a smaller city, with smaller publications, it is more likely that you will do many jobs and not be stuck in one role in a huge operation. As for her day-to-day life, her many tasks may include: “deciding which stories to pitch...meeting with local personalities and business owners...styling shoots with a team of people to create a fashion spread.” This is in addition to actually writing and editing.
In five years, Corsano wants to “be running a national women’s publication to inspire women across the country.” And in 10? She hopes to be the next Oprah. We share a laugh and I can see that ambition is indeed the most stylish accessory for someone to sport.
Along with big plans for fashion, Corsano enjoys doing non-profit work mentoring teens and working with senior citizens. Her demeanor takes on a more excited dimension when she says: “Our lives are insignificant unless we help each other. I believe it’s all of our callings in life.”
By the time the interview comes to an end, I can see again just why I want to work in fashion.
Upon saying goodbye, I know this is certainly not our last time communicating. I am grateful for the opportunity I have been given to meet such a role model. Exiting the mall through the same doors I entered a little over 30 minutes prior, I look in the mirror without hesitation and see myself in a new light. I am capable and ready to make my dreams come true. As I dart through the night’s pouring rain into the subway, I just know I am on my way to the world of dragon ladies and ruthless dream-shattering and, for some reason, that does not scare me one bit.
photo by Mike Diskin