Q&A: How Sandrine Charles & Lindsay Peoples Wagner Shop
Classic intrecciato Bottega bags. Phoebe Philo-era Celine. Gucci loafers. Shearling-trimmed statement coats. This is the stuff fashion insiders’ wardrobes are made of — Sandrine Charles’ and Lindsay Peoples Wagner’s wardrobes, to be specific. When it comes to personal style, Charles, a public relations specialist and founder of her eponymous PR firm, and Peoples Wagner, former Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue and the newly appointed EIC of New York Magazine’s The Cut, both go for practicality, comfort and impact. It’s an approach many can appreciate with the unique realities of WFH life (like looking your best from the waist up).
The two industry veterans have also made it their mission to address a different reality of our times. While the country as a whole was confronting race throughout 2020, Charles and Peoples Wagner knew the longstanding issue of discrimination in fashion could no longer continue. About halfway through last year, they teamed up to create the Black in Fashion Council. The organization is dedicated to dismantling systemic racism within the fashion industry; partnering with brands to help them effect change and hold them accountable; and increasing inclusivity, equality and opportunity for Black professionals, from entry-level positions to the C-suite.
To celebrate their work thus far, the duo were recently honored in Creative Collective NYC’s Creative Class ’21, a celebration of “culture-shifters across a variety of disciplines.” And if you tuned into NYFW last week, you may have caught the BIFC’s discovery showroom, where 16 up-and-coming Black designers, some making their Fashion Week debut, presented their latest collections to press and buyers. Providing a platform for rising Black designers is a fundamental aspect of the BIFC’s mission, and each brand was handpicked by Charles and Peoples Wagner themselves.
The BIFC co-founders shared their sartorial taste with us by each curating an edit of their favorite things on TRR, and we picked their brains about personal style, their favorite Black-owned brands and why they love resale. Shop Charles’ and Peoples Wagner’s edits and read on to discover what they’re buying (and how they’re styling it) now.
Sandrine Charles, Founder of Sandrine Charles Consulting & Co-Founder of Black In Fashion Council
Where are you currently located?
Brooklyn, NY
How would you describe your style?
Cozy, cute and sometimes spicy.
What is your fashion mood for spring?
Jumpsuits, adding skirts and cardigans into my wardrobe.
How does shopping resale play into your own style?
I like to find inspiration in styles I did not previously invest in but love. I also love selling to share pieces I know someone else will appreciate.
What are your favorite go-to brands?
Nike, Tibi.
What are the Black-owned brands people should shop?
Daily Paper, Edas, Buttah, Aliette, Victor Glemaud, Pyer Moss.
What’s on your spring wishlist?
Furniture! I am finalizing some pieces for my apartment.
Whose style are you inspired by?
A mix between my mom and aunt’s style growing up — spot on classic Caribbean women excellence to a range between Rihanna to Solange.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this spring?
Wearing dresses again… with sneakers most likely.
What are you obsessed with on TRR right now?
Boutique Moschino Coat; Celine Classic Bag; Acne Sweater
I like to add a bit of old school glamour to my wardrobe day-to-day, especially in quarantine. This Boutique Moschino coat would be spot on for my conference call walks or even walking my dog. My outerwear can get very dramatic.
I am absolutely getting back into incorporating my preppy style into my looks. This crewneck sweater from Acne is my style. And this Celine bag is so classic. It is perfect for going to work or just a Sunday stroll.
Lindsay Peoples Wagner, Editor-in-Chief of The Cut at New York Magazine & Co-Founder of Black In Fashion Council
SHOP LINDSAY PEOPLES WAGNER’S EDIT
Where are you currently located?
Bushwick, NY
How would you describe your style?
Minimalist with color. I like to dress effortlessly because I’m so busy, but I like colors and tones. It’s uniform but doesn’t look boring.
What’s your fashion mood for spring?
Comfortable, elevated basics!
How does shopping resale play into your style?
I’ve always been into resale because when I got into fashion, I couldn’t afford to pay full price for things I wanted. Now, I really enjoy looking at archived pieces and searching for specific items that may have sold out.
What are your favorite go-to brands?
Loewe, The Row, Bottega Veneta.
What are the Black-owned brands people should shop for?
Christopher John Rogers, Aliette, Victor Glemaud, and Pyer Moss.
What’s on your spring wishlist?
I’ve been into searching for Phoebe Philo Celine pieces.
Whose style are you inspired by?
Rosie Huntington Whitely and Tracee Ellis Ross.
What’s one thing you’re looking forward to this spring?
Taking long, socially distanced walks with friends, without the snow!
What are you obsessed with on TRR right now?
Bottega Veneta Crossbody Bag; Gucci GG Canvas Loafers; Tiffany & Co. Chain Bracelet
My obsession with chain jewelry started sometime last year, and I’m still very into how easy it is to layer with sweaters and make even the simplest outfit look more expensive. Everyone knows Bottega makes the best bags, and this one is one of my favorite styles because it’s beautiful and practical, a hard combination to come by.
As so many of our shopping habits have changed in the past year, I realized I don’t want to wear tall heels that hurt my feet anymore unless I’m going to an event or special occasion, but I still need some height as I’m very short. These Gucci loafers are the perfect “I don’t want my feet to suffer, but I don’t want to wear flats” purchase.
