Hilary Alexander – Farewell to a force behind fashion journalism

From her early days in New Zealand to becoming a leading voice in the fashion world, Hilary Alexander’s impact on the industry is unmatched like her personality

Remembering fashion journalist Hilary Alexander

The fashion world mourns the passing of Hilary Alexander, legendary editor and journalist. Her three-decade career in fashion journalism, along with her bright and joyful personality, has left a profound mark on the industry.

The New Zealand born journalist’s success was recognized with the Journalist of the Year award at the British Fashion Awards, twice. This was followed by an OBE in 2013 for her extensive services to fashion journalism. Alexander was a self-declared workaholic, and dedicated herself to her role as a leading voice for the industry. Always being the first one to be in the know, she is also said to have coined the word ‘supermodel’.

From New Zealand and Hong Kong: Alexander’s career journey across the globe

Alexander started to establish herself in her career in New Zealand and Hong Kong, where she wrote for many publications before becoming the fashion editor of The China Mail. She moved to the UK in 1982 and started working for the Daily Telegraph within the ‘woman’s page’ section, as it was called then. Her success was quickly honored by a promotion to fashion editor in 1985, and fashion director in 2003.

Outside of the glossy pages, Alexander’s TV and radio appearances cemented her as one of the most sought-after voices in the industry. Along with various shows worldwide, she also contributed to BBC documentaries. One of her most well-known appearances was on Britain’s Next Top Model, where she was a featured stylist.

Alexander published her own book in 2018 dedicated to her personal style favorite. Titled ‘Leopard: Fashion’s Most Powerful Print’, the book was a curated collection of striking leopard prints from catwalks to magazine covers. With a true passion for the industry that goes beyond her profession, Alexander is known to have said she will never retire, as she loves clothes and jewelry too much.

Alexander Doctor of Design from Nottingham Trent University

Alexander’s insights were picked up on the educational front too, and she became a visiting professor for the University of the Arts London in 2001. Six years later, Alexander also received the title of Doctor of Design from Nottingham Trent University.

Throughout her career, she was a strong advocate for emerging talent. She showcased it through Graduate Fashion Week, and later became the honorary president Graduate Fashion Foundation in 2019. Alexander was passionate about supporting new ideas and innovation, and she achieved that by bringing new talents to the spotlight.

Apart from her support for young talents, she also used her platform to raise awareness for causes close to her heart. She was an avid voice for charities like Battersea Dogs and Cats home and styled fashion shows for Breast Cancer Care.

Lampoon, Hilary Alexander and Vivienne Westwood — Hilary Alexander and Vivienne Westwood

Hilary Alexander – Editor and Fashion journalism around the world

Alexander’s passion for the fashion industry meant that she would travel broadly for the right opportunity. Her work as editor led her to style fashion shoots all around the world under any condition. Finding a way to connect to wi-fi even in the remotest of shooting locations, she made sure that her insights were out in the world as soon as possible. Accompanying teams of photographers, she would not only contribute with her talents, but also with her joyful attitude and unmatched life stories.

Strong industry connections

Many key names in the fashion industry went to Alexander not only for a story, but also secrets. She built trust with her connections, and knew the right time to break the news to the world. An essential addition to any front row or after party, many saw her with her glass of champagne in hand. These were occasions where she let her professionalism and friendly nature mix.

Her close circle of fashion friends wasn’t the only place she sought stories. Alexander had a unique way of forging her own path to find newness. Her attention was drawn to real-life stories of fashion emerging throughout the city. Coupled with her animated and bright tone, she introduced a new point of view to the fashion journalism world.

Following her passing, many friends and colleagues within the industry shared their memories of Alexander. Julia Robson, who had worked with the famed journalist for over twenty years, recalls her sense of humor and down to earth nature. Highlighting her advocacy for young talents, Robson states that Alexander played a huge role in launching many people’s careers, as she rooted for anyone she felt had a spark. Anna Wintour was also among those who shared her admiration of Alexander, emphasizing her wit and her endless love for the industry once more.