Women Making History: Gala Darling

Have you ever seen someone so beyond-cute that you wanted to just run up to them and feed them cupcakes? If you answered ‘No’, then you have yet to see today’s Woman Making History honoree…

Although I’d love to start a rumor that she’s from Candyland, Gala Darling calls New York City home. The lovely Virgo, originally from New Zealand, loves writing, unicorns, vintage typewriters, raw food, loud music, bookshops, taking photos, having adventures in distant lands, kissing & shoe-shopping…and just like candy, NYC, books and shoes, there’s something addicting about Gala…

Gala Darling, a New Zealand girl with candy-coloured hair, left the corporate world behind forever at age 23 to pursue her love of publishing.  Her website, Gala Darling’s iCiNG, is a seamless & fabulous mix of fashion, lifestyle advice & tips on how to live magically.  An international nomad & playgirl, she delights in writing from any city that pleases her (though she considers New York City home).  She loves dressing up, kissing, dancing, & really big shoes.

Speaking of shoes...oh my!

Get the rundown on Gala via the M.I.S.S. survey!

Oh, Gala...thank you for giving me a reason to post a picture of Mr. Sean Daley aka Slug of Atmosphere on M.I.S.S.! <3

Let’s get into the interview!

M.I.S.S.: What woman, besides your mom or grandmother, do you find inspirational?

Diana Vreeland is my all-time hero.  She had an inimitable work ethic, a never-ending wealth of creativity & enthusiasm, & strong desire to craft herself into the best person she could be.  I absolutely adore her.  I also think Mary-Kate Olsen is totally brilliant.

M.I.S.S.: How did you get your start?

I created it myself, really.  I didn’t get invited to the “fashion party”—I just decided it was what I wanted to do.  After years of dull jobs doing stuff I didn’t care about, I thought it was time to create my own career & do something I loved.

Women Making History: Gala Darling & Nubby Twiglet...and some We <3 Colors & shoe action above!

M.I.S.S.: What’s your favorite project that you’ve worked on?

Usually whatever I’m working on at the moment — I don’t really look back on things a lot.  You’re only as good as whatever you’re currently doing, after all.  The two things I’m working on right now (in addition to writing regularly for iCiNG, my online magazine) are working as the Fashion Editor for ChinaShop magazine (http://www.chinashopmag.com) — which keeps me very busy — & writing my book, which is also a monthly podcast series.  I write a chapter of the book a month, 10,000 words, & release it online as a paid subscription.  Each chapter covers a different subject area, like self-love, careers, relationships, etc.  The podcast is called Love & Sequins, but the book will be called Love Letter To The Universe.

One of Gala's current obsessions? The idea of having Tim Walker take photographs of her! Give her a call, Tim!

M.I.S.S.: Who do you want to work with?

I find so many people inspiring.  At the moment I am obsessed with the idea of having Tim Walker take photographs of me.  I think if that happened I could die happy.

M.I.S.S.: What part of writing in the fashion industry is the most challenging and do you dislike the most?.

I suppose it’s always looking for a new way to say something.  A lot of fashion writing is just regurgitation, which is so not me.  I don’t want to report on runway trends—I want to present information in a way that is inspiring & USEFUL to the average girl who can’t afford haute couture.  I want to give her something that actually enriches her life & is something she can take & make her own.

M.I.S.S.: Any advice for people who are just starting out in a career path similar to yours?

Don’t get comfortable; maintain your personal integrity (it’s the most valuable thing you have); stay original; hustle.

xo ever,
Gala Darling.

Sage advice from Gala: ...stay original; hustle!

Thanks so much, Gala!

Stalk Stay addicted to all things Gala Darling by checking out the links below:

• iCiNG-Gala Darling
• Gala on Facebook
• Gala on Flickr
• Gala on Last.fm
• Gala’s Love Letter To The Universe
• Gala on Twitter

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