Fashion events occur year round, but what goes on behind the scenes of those events and who are the people behind the team that make these extravagant nights come to life?
Meet Magali Souffrant, also known as Lily. She is one of the faces behind the fashion world’s most dazzling events. As a special events assistant at Vogue and a recent New York University graduate with a focus in global music marketing and artist development, Lily is part of the team that makes these nights truly special.
Growing up in the Chicago suburbs, Lily always dreamed of New York. Immersed in the arts from a young age through show choir and theater, music has always been her first love. She’s fascinated by the intertwined relationship between music and fashion. When she went to NYU, she chose Gallatin, where she could create her own major, and decided to pursue a degree in fashion for its broader opportunities. Lily continues to pursue her passion for music
through creating, songwriting, and singing. Her love and appreciation for fashion remain strong, but if she weren’t in the fashion industry, she would love to pursue a career in music. Lily says, “I appreciate fashion, but music has always been my number one.”
In any industry, but especially in fashion, learning and developing specific skills will take you far. Lily emphasizes the importance of going the extra mile to get noticed, saying, “It’s not just about working hard enough to get by, but working hard enough to stand out.” Sharing a personal story from her internship, she highlights the need for a thick skin in fashion. During her internship, Lily felt she was giving 100%, but the company needed more. She learned to bite her tongue and not take criticism personally, realizing they weren’t attacking her character. People in the industry may express their frustrations toward those in entry-level positions, but it’s crucial to remember it’s not about you and to develop a thick skin.
Given the popularity and scale of Vogue events, event planning can be incredibly hectic. Lily provides an in-depth look at Vogue’s event planning process. The events team starts by finding a venue and curating the guest list. One of her roles involves sending out mass invitations. When it comes to decorating, all decorations must be approved by Anna Wintour before the process can move forward. On the day of the event, Lily is responsible for checking in guests and ensuring everything runs smoothly.
Her most memorable event has been working on The Met Gala. She has also enjoyed attending dinners at Anna Wintour’s house, particularly a Tony’s theater dinner. Being around people with similar interests, like theater or music, brings her joy. She states, “Being around theater people and their personalities felt very much like home to me.”
From the marvelous Vogue events to the intimate dinners with industry icons, Lily Souffrant’s journey in NYC has been nothing short of transformative. More than just a job, it’s been an education in style, dedication, and the power of believing in yourself. As she continues to navigate the city’s lively streets, one thing is clear, the lessons learned within those glossy pages and vigorous streets will shape her path for years to come.
