In the Studio with: Linda Rodin
Fashion icon Linda Rodin talks taste.
Photo courtesy of Linda Rodin
Stylist Linda Rodin lives in a colorful, cluttered-in-the-best-way apartment with her beloved poodle, Winky. Beyond working in the fashion industry for over 35 years, she’s also created an eponymous beauty line–including face oils, fragrances and lipsticks–which has earned an international cult following. After running into the New-York native in midtown Manhattan, she agreed to chat style—and its distinct difference from taste.
It was great to meet you at Green Market. You look fabulous even while grocery shopping.
Oh, thank you! I’m at the market at least three times a week — usually with my poodle, Winky.
Tell me a bit about your journey in fashion.
I started many years ago — I wanted to be a fashion photographer. My sister noticed I was good at pulling clothes, but at the time I was like, “How could that be a job?” We had never heard of the word “stylist” or anything. Long story short, it was a job! I stayed in it for 35 years.
What do you think made you stand out in the industry? (Feel free to boast.)
Oh, I don’t know. I’ve always had a good eye, and I like to put things together. That’s what’s fun for me. It seemed like a natural thing to do.
What does it mean to have good taste versus good style?
I think they’re completely unique. You like what you like — that’s style. Taste is a question of how you convey your style. Being in fashion, it’s easy to go with the flow — but that’s not always in good taste, which has a lot to do with timelessness.
Are you born with it, or is it learned?
I think you’re born with a certain level of both. You change and evolve from there.
What’s your style like?
It’s pretty classic, but I like to mix things up a bit. I don’t like to look like everybody else, and I like to put things together that might not be expected.
Any fashion essentials?
Denim. I wear denim every single day — have been for sixty years. Levi’s are my favorite.
Where do you shop?
I shop everywhere. I find the search to be fun and like to discover new places.
What advice would you give to young women who are trying to make a name for themselves? I don’t even know what it means to ‘make a name for yourself’ anymore. Everyone is on Instagram, so it’s become a totally different concept. You shouldn’t start out with a goal to simply be famous — that’s a hollow mission. People might like you today and hate you tomorrow. You have to do it for yourself. Pursue a passion that you have, and if people like it, they’ll follow you.
Thank you, Linda!