VALERIE Steele stands as an influential figure in the world of fashion, both as a curator and a thought leader who oscillates between being a historian and cultural detective, uncovering the hidden stories behind what we wear. As the director and chief curator of The Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Steele has orchestrated some of the most iconic exhibitions in fashion history, including Gothic: Dark Glamor and Paris, Capital of Fashion. Her work goes beyond the surface, exploring the deep cultural and psychological layers that make fashion a reflection of society.

Known as “The Freud of Fashion,” Steele’s influence extends far beyond the museum walls. She has authored more than a dozen books, blending her sharp academic insight with a deep passion for the art of dressing. Whether exploring the power dynamics of fashion or its intimate connection to identity, Steele’s work continually reveals how style is interwoven with the human experience. Her rare ability to integrate history, culture, and clothing into compelling narratives has redefined not just how we understand fashion, but how we understand ourselves through what we wear.

Get ready to dive into the sharp, insightful mind of Valerie Steele, where fashion is more than fabric; it’s a window into culture, identity, and everything in between.

#1 If you could have any famous writer (past or present) pen your biography, who would you most love to commission? 

Virginia Woolf

#2 There is one song that defines your energy when you enter a room, what is it? 

Best Life

#3 You don't collect this item but you could so easily have indulged in building a museum of...? Contemporary art

#4 It's 11am on a Sunday morning, what are you most often doing at that time? 

Forest bathing, i.e. sitting in the park, drinking coffee and reading the newspaper

#5 You've decided to have a dinner party with friends, and the first thing you organize is: 

The guests

#6 Which motto defines your way of being? 

À la mode, à la mort

#7 Do you play to win at chess or play to enjoy the game?

I'm no good at chess, but in other things, I'm pretty competitive

#8 What would no-one ever expect you to think before you enter an event, but you often do? 

Allons y! [Let’s go!]

#9 What emotionally moves you more than anything else? 

The soprano or countertenor voice singing Baroque opera

#10 Describe yourself in one word. 

Flâneuse

How did legendary Albert Watson answer Take Ten? Find out here