By Laurie Melchionne
Meet Caroline Vazzana, fashion influencer with almost half a million followers on Instagram, and host of the five-star-rated Apple Podcast, “Making it in Manhattan.” Vazzana’s main gig is in styling and editorial; her hands in the fashion industry run deep. When she’s not glamming up the streets of SoHo or attending New York runway shows, you can find her strutting in front of the Eiffel Tower during Paris Fashion Week, or spilling the tea on how to make thrifting turn your closet into a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind items.
If anyone can tell the world about what it’s like to make it in Manhattan, it’s Vazzana. Vazzana grew up in New York and was exposed to the city’s vibrant fashion scene at a young age. She made the decision at just 14 years old to become a fashion designer. From there, she plunged herself into studying fashion during college and after a few internships in the city, found her calling in styling and fashion editorials. “Making it in Manhattan,” which has a five-star rating on Apple Podcasts, started in 2015 after Vazzana started writing her book, which was published in 2018 and goes by a similar title, “Making It in Manhattan: The Beginner’s Guide to Surviving & Thriving in the World of Fashion.”
From there, Vazzana’s hands only delved deeper into the Manhattan fashion scene. “About a year ago,” she explained, “I started thinking of ways I could grow my brand and connect my audience in a new and exciting way. I knew a podcast would be the perfect fit.”
It’s through her expansion across the Internet that the heart of Vazzana’s fashion influence image grows. With paid partnerships on Instagram, TikTok reels and constant coverage at major fashion events to share on the podcast, Vazzana embodies the way the term “fashion blogging” has changed over the years.
“There’s a lot of prep and planning behind the scenes that has to happen to make everything come together,” Vazzana said. “It’s funny because only a small percentage of my time is very glamorous at events. The majority of the time I’m alone in my closet in a fuzzy robe or pajamas editing and answering emails.”
Collaborating with a wide range of Vazzana’s favorite brands is how she stories through fashion with her audience. It’s a working relationship where Vazzana gets to flaunt her favorite pieces while cultivating awareness of the brand through her following. “[It involves] creating photos or video content to share across my channels or creating content to live on their [the brands’] platforms,” shared Vazzana. “Every collaboration looks different, but I do my best to put my own personal touch on everything.”
While Manhattan’s fashion scene is the beating heart of Vazzana’s content, she’s no stranger to the industry’s hottest spots around the globe. Paris, Milan and London are some of the places you can find her during fashion week calendars. Traveling abroad, according to Vazzana, is something to treasure. For Vazzana, the true reward is when she gets to pack her community in her suitcase and take it along with her on her travels. It allows for her followers to see first-glimpse, inside looks on the next season’s trends debuted at global fashion weeks. That it starts with Vazzana on social media is a real treat, both for her and for her fans.
However, New York always plays her home base.
“Since I’m from New York, I’ve always loved the city and knew I wanted to be part of the fashion community here,” added Vazzana. “Every city is so different and has its own style. In New York, it’s very eclectic and anything really goes when it comes to the style which I love.”
New York is also a major source of inspiration. Vazzana incorporates her aesthetic into not only being a fashion influencer online, but also as an informative figure who educates fashionaholics across the Internet. Her outfits are eclectic, bold and outside-of-the-box. From sparkling Alice and Olivia shoes to banana-yellow Prada bags, Vazzana’s style turns heads when she walks down the street. The inspiration?
“Really anything could inspire my style,” Vazzana said. It can hit her on the street, or while chatting with a new person she meets at an event or simply during a morning coffee run. “I try to take things that I personally love and that inspire me. I share them with my audience through photos, videos and now, my podcast.”
Fashion is a notoriously competitive industry; there’s a reason why “The Devil Wears Prada” resonated with so many New Yorkers. Vazzana is no stranger to crazy moments in her career, having kickstarted her journey in fashion magazines (like Anne Hathaway’s character in the movie).
Knowing this, Vazzana emphasized the way she’s grown in the industry by surrounding herself with supportive people. “I promise, they do exist!” she added.
However, fashion blogging isn’t all glitz, glam and dress-up. Like any career, challenges pop up on the road from time to time. A lot of Vazzana’s work is done alone, which can sometimes make the daily grind feel isolating. And like many professionals, career comparison is a negative that Vazzana runs from, too. “I try not to compare my career to others,” Vazzana explained, “but it can be difficult when we’re all constantly sharing online.”
Vazzana has been in the industry for a long time, and knows how to counteract impost syndrome. Connecting with her online community is how she plunges to the top. “The most rewarding aspect is getting to work for myself and my community. I love being able to inspire people to be their most colorful, confident selves and not care what others think.”
While fashion influencing isn’t necessarily easy, starting is. When asked what advice she can give to aspiring fashion figures, Vazzana said, “Just start sharing! I know so many people are worried about what others might think or the fear of judgment and so that stops them from going for it. So, my biggest advice is to stop caring what others think and just go for it. Life is too short!”
What’s next for this fashion guru? In addition to growing her ever-skyrocketing, self-made brand, Vazzana hopes to continue to inspire people across the Internet and the world itself. At the heart of her fashion message is confidence, self-expression and ignoring the haters while you fill your closet with the boldest, brightest pieces that scream, “I’m me!”
Sooner or later, Vazzana hopes to break into TV and stitch her name onto some design collaborations. The future, like Vazzana’s very career, is full of endless possibilities. As upcoming Spring/Summer 2024 collections drop throughout the fall and winter seasons, Vazzana tells her audiences to stay tuned as she shares how you, too, can make it in Manhattan.
