THE QUEST EXCLUSIVE: Accesoriz-"ed" The Inspirations of Dani Stahl

Originally it was from pictures from parties at New York City's Marquee nightclub a few years ago, then it was in person at a few Nylon Magazine events and private parties, then later it was on line--various articles I'd flip through where I'd see this life of the    party, everyones favorite girl.  What I'd found was Dani Stahl: a definitive style star, a girl who loves to have fun, a girl who knows what's what, lastly and most importantly a girl who knows how to accessorize.  Dani Stahl, the Accessories Director of the hip counter culture, rock fashion monthly known as Nylon Magazine was technically at "it" status; yet, so laid back one could barely identify her as such.  Decidedly there had to be more to her...more than just another fashion mag insider on the circuit sporting stylish sunglasses day and night--an identifying trademark of Ms.Stahl.  Who knew I'd be able to find out so easily?  By far this has been one of the quickest and easiest interviews I've done to date.  So who exactly is Dani Stahl, and what is her contribution to the world of Accessories? ... read on to find out.

Getting Started

If there's one thing that most "it" girls have in common on the New York social circuit it's the attribute of having attended prestigious private schools while growing up.  In the case of Dani Stahl, this benefit extended one step further with her having graduated from Chapin, a small all girls college in New York which also was the alma mater of Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer, Gwyneth Paltrow and comedienne Maya Rudolph amongst others. It is this foundation that undoubtedly sets the tone for future success and in this case set the tone for Dani Stahl who from there went onto NYU (New York University) and majored in Graphic Design and Photography.  Artistically inclined yes, but lover of fashion?...even more so; her earliest jobs began in the fashion industry at publications such as Elle, where she began as an intern and later as a full time worker, and then as Fashion Assistant at Vogue.

The Nylon Thing

Characteristically, Dani Stahl was on the fast track to a dream job in the world of  better known Fashion mags when somehow her attentions were diverted and she took on positions where her artistic and creative sides came into play.  Ms. Stahl began at Nylon Magazine nearly 6 years ago as an Editor-in-chief's assistant where she did events, as well as put her artistic knowledge to use via developing a tech page called Technolust.  The Technolust page garnered her the title of Accessories Editor and then a few years ago the title of Accessories Director which is the very position she holds currently.  So the burning question becomes just what is her tie (no pun intended) to the very items that help make men and women look their very best every day?  Apparently, Dani Stahl has always loved accessories, and much of her inspiration came early on from her mother who frequently collected bags, shoes, earrings, etc.   Clearly these early inspirations have helped to mold her, allowing her to be a master in her craft--providing the latest in sunglasses, scarves, belts, jewelry and more to thousands of readers each month. The icing on the cake for Ms. Stahl's talents and the fact that her work is well received may be why Nylon  has a strong, strong following.  Unlike other similar publications, Nylon's early twenty-something rock girl core tends to take dressing, and yes that includes accessories, along with music and men all very seriously... translation...fans!

The Designer's Itch

Like many in the industry who gain a real foothold in their area of expertise, Ms. Stahl has been involved in a number of Fashion Accessories projects, some through Nylon like her many visits to various sunglass factories where she makes different items with every visit.  As with many in positions such as hers one would expect to see some sort of product line with the name of the well regarded expert attached to it.  Luckily, there is no disappointment here...so just what does she design? ... jewelry.  Unfortunately, her wares are not completely available to the public just yet--Ms. Stahl designs a press collection for Lia Sophia which is a huge direct sales jewelry company--"I make capsule collections for celebrity gifting and brand recognition for press and the hospitality suites i.e.: Sundance, Upfronts, etc."  This type of showcasing is invaluable as who better to have access to your work than celebrities?  Only time will tell if her creations will make their way to a store near you in the near future.

Friends Like These

If the professional life of Dani Stahl has not struck a cord as being anything out of the ordinary, then ponder this-- while many fashion mag girls are out looking for their next story, Dani Stahl is liaising with longtime often celebrity friends from the worlds of TV, film and the like.  Her strong associations with distinguished colleagues such as Michael Carl of Allure, Annabel Tollman and J. Errico of Interview keep her sharp and inspired, free from the competitive cut-throat way of thinking that often envelops many at her level at this stage of the game.   

Yes, this is a life filled with celebrities, attending sought after events, fashion, fun and inspiration, but has Dani Stahl reached "it" -- not a chance!  She confessed in the end "I don't think that ever happens--you have to keep setting new goals when you've reached the old ones--keep on going!  The bigger the better!  Sounds about right to me ... see you at the top Dani!

;)

Comments

[software developer]

Humm... interesting,

You always have the best pictures..

Thanks