Jacob Foster | Contributor
Steph Adams is a leading fashion influencer inspiring millions around the globe since the creation of her media platforms in 2010. Her popularity only grew after releasing multiple best-selling books with the most recent being Fashion Icons, which soared to the top of the bestseller list in the US and the UK just three days after its release. Besides these personal milestones, Steph’s impact has extended beyond the literary and fashion world, with her involvement in multiple international projects and collaborations.
Over the years, Steph Adams has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, support, and advocacy, with an impressive track record of charity work and empowering initiatives. Her overriding dedication to empowering men and women is one of the principal reasons why she was recently honored with the prestigious 2023 Global Recognition Award and the World Women Leader Award. Steph Adams is recognized for featuring diverse voices in her work, further evidencing her commitment to inclusivity and representation.
Steph, you are a successful model, businesswoman and writer. You have published 13 books that became bestsellers, and in 2023 received two prestigious awards for your work. Which achievements – in modeling, in managing magazines or in your writing career – mean the most to you and why?
I believe that everything you do in life becomes your own personal stepping stones. Each lesson and experience help you to become more equipped to take on your next role, whatever it may be. I started as a model and then studied for a Bachelor of Arts in advertising and design. I believe this really helped with all the work that I do now. I then went on to work as a graphic designer, art director, and then into the digital atmosphere – which was honestly the hardest to break into for me, even coming from a fashion background.
One of your books is about women who change the rules of the game – captivating stories about celebrities who did not give up when faced with difficulties. Tell us what rules of the game you had to change? How do you see your role in empowering women through your books?
What I had to learn the most was how to open my own doors, and this came through publishing different books and interviewing different women. The most popular books I have published are focused around fashion and success. Every story will teach you that it’s OK to make mistakes. In fact, it’s necessary and sometimes the setbacks are the most powerful tools for propelling us forward.
Several of your books are dedicated to Paris, the fashion capital. What elements of Parisian culture were key to your inspiration? Tell us about the most memorable experience or encounter you had at a Parisian fashion event.
Yes, I spend a lot of time in Paris, attending each fashion week, and it’s always like entering another world, as if you were going back in time. I have had many memorable experiences at different fashion events from L’Oréal, Christian Louboutin, Dolce and Gabbana, YSL, Dior, Zuhair Murad, Stephane Rolland and Balmain.
The one that stands out the most was learning about the history of Chaumet whose top clients were Napoleon and Josephine. This was possibly one of the most incredible. I shot the cover of Luxury in Paris in the Chaumet building, wearing a piece of Chaumet Jewellery.
Having a drink in the Hemingway Bar at The Ritz inspired my book: Citation’s D’amour. In fact, you don’t even need to attend fashion events to get inspiration, it comes naturally just being around the history and culture and fashion of Paris. However, many of my fashion books were inspired by the fashion events I attend in Paris, i.e. Style in Paris, Fashion & Style and Fashion Icons.
What projects and initiatives do you support as part of your charity?
I have supported many charitable initiatives, from children with learning challenges, visually and hearing impaired children, mothers in need and breast cancer foundations.
What is your motivation to step out of your comfort zone and take on new challenges in your career and creative life?
The more you step out of your comfort zone, the easier it becomes. Also, you become moved by the people you meet at various events, many of whom are very successful, all doing incredible things. Following your own personal career path starts to become your second nature.
You have over 4 million subscribers on Instagram alone. What ways of engaging with audiences through digital platforms work best to unite the community around your books and ideas?
I started my media platforms in 2010 and since then have worked with hotels and brands. Interviewing different people all around the world as well as attending international events has helped to gain international following.
Model: Steph Adams @stephadams2012
Management: @say__media
Photographer: Sheena Golani
