The Allure of Authenticity: A Q&A With Fashion Mogul Caroline Vazzana
The Allure of Authenticity: A Q&A With Fashion Mogul Caroline Vazzana
By Ava Rosetti — April 17, 2025
Earning the title of “The Modern Day Carrie Bradshaw,” Caroline Vazzana is redefining what it means to “make it” in the fashion industry. The fashion editor, stylist, author, influencer, and entrepreneur is a force in the fashion industry who has turned her love for bold style into a career that inspires and influences many: 1.1 million on TikTok and 583,000 on Instagram to be exact.
As the founder of her own brand Making It In Manhattan, Vazzana has built a platform where style and fashion meet authenticity. With years of experience at top publications such as Teen Vogue and InStyle, Vazzana knows what it takes to succeed in fashion, and she continues to share this knowledge with her followers on social media. Her career is a testament to the idea that fashion isn’t about fitting in—it's about daring to stand out.
Whether she is attending New York Fashion Week or sharing inspiring career and style tips with her followers on social media, Vazzana is a powerful presence in the fashion world who continues to inspire the fashion community every day. In this Q&A, Vazzana dives deeper into what fashion means to her and how she has developed her own personal brand into what it is today.
Square Magazine: How did you get your start in the fashion industry? Is there something specific that started your love for fashion?
Caroline Vazzana: Growing up in NYC, I've always loved fashion, but I really knew I wanted to be part of the fashion industry when I watched "Project Runway" and discovered Betsey Johnson's runway shows on Youtube. I admired how kind and fun Betsey is and said to myself, if everyone in the fashion industry is as nice as Betsey, I want to work in fashion.
SM: When did you become a fashion editor and what about that time in your life has inspired you to become who you are today? How has this reflected in your career as an influencer?
CV: During college, I did one of my internships at Marie Claire magazine, and then I began my post college career with my first "real job" working on the print team at Teen Vogue. After working on the print side of things, I decided I wanted to learn more about the digital side of the editorial industry, so I accepted a job at InStyle magazine. I learned so much during my time in the corporate fashion world, from how to write professionally, and how to network, to the importance of working hard and being proud of my work. It was during this time that I decided I wanted to take a chance on myself and become my own boss. All of those skills are ones that I have utilized throughout my career as an influencer, especially when it comes to working with brand partners.
SM: What inspires you the most about being involved in the fashion industry?
CV: I am so inspired by all of the amazingly talented and creative people in the fashion industry. There are also so many up and coming designers and it always amazes me how innovative they are. I find inspiration for my looks everywhere, but I always feel especially inspired during fashion month when I get to see the work of so many different designers and all of the different ways they present their most recent collections.
SM: What is Making It In Manhattan and why did you start this brand? What does it mean to you?
CV: I came up with the idea for Making it in Manhattan—which is the brand I started that includes an editorial site, book called "Making it in Manhattan: The Beginner's Guide to Surviving and Thriving in the World of Fashion," and most recently a podcast where I interview influential people in the industry—when I was working at InStyle. I realized that there was so much advice out there about working in the fashion industry from so many amazingly successful people, but not a lot of advice from someone who was still young in the industry for other people just starting out. So I decided to be that voice and share what I was learning along the way with really tangible advice that hopefully would be able to help other people.
SM: When and why did you start your eponymous clothing brand, Caroline Vazzana? Are there any updates or hopes for the brand’s comeback anytime soon?
CV: I actually worked on my clothing line in collaboration with a company and we created two collections! There aren't any plans right now in the works to bring the brand back, but I always say never say never! I love sharing my unique style perspective and am definitely open to designing again if the right opportunity presents itself.
SM: How has your personal style evolved as you have grown into the person you are today? How have you been able to express yourself through your clothing?
CV: My personal style has definitely changed throughout the years and is constantly evolving as I enter different phases of my life. I am a very emotional dresser and my style definitely changes depending on how I'm feeling each day, but I hope that my style shows people that fashion is meant to be fun, it's not that serious!
SM: What do you want your personal style to say about you?
CV: My goal is to be myself and hopefully by sharing my style, it inspires other people to take risks with their fashion choices and wear what makes them feel confident.
SM: If you had one piece of advice for someone wanting to get their start in the fashion and magazine industry, what would it be?
CV: My best piece of advice to someone starting out in the fashion or editorial world would be to put yourself out there to make connections! Find people on social media or LinkedIn that have jobs that interest you or work for companies you'd want to work for and ask to meet them for coffee (in person or virtually) to pick their brain. People are usually really willing to help answer questions for people who are just starting out and are interested in what they do! Make sure to come up with some thoughtful questions to ask, and be sure to thank them for taking the time to meet with you.
To keep up with Vazzana’s latest looks and adventures, follow her on Instagram @cvazzana, and don’t forget to check out @makingitinmanhattan to learn what it really takes to “make it” in the industry.
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