Power dressing with Audrey Gelman
When you go from working with Hillary Clinton to helping women start their own businesses, you need a wardrobe that says smart and chic. AUDREY GELMAN, joint founder of The Wing, New York’s first women-only co-working space, reveals her office essentials
Audrey Gelman – and The Wing – have proved a lot of people wrong. Despite the runaway success of the women-only co-working space, it was a hard sell when Gelman was first trying to get financial backing from the typically male-dominated world of venture capitalism. “A ton of men did not get it and flat out told us we would fail,” Gelman recalls. Her idea was simple: “As a Brooklynite, I needed a base in the city that wasn’t a Starbucks.” But in just a year and a half, The Wing has already expanded to encompass three New-York outposts, one in Washington D.C. and more on the way, with international locations in the pipeline, proving that it was a prescient idea.
RÉSUMÉ
Occupation: Co-founder and CEO of The Wing.
Experience: Gelman’s background in political PR saw her work on Hillary Clinton’s 2008 presidential campaign and lead Scott M. Stringer to victory in the 2013 race for New York City comptroller, before launching women’s co-working and community space The Wing in 2016.
Greatest achievement: “Seeing how a space like The Wing has impacted our members’ lives. We have mothers and daughters who have joined together. We’ve seen women start companies together and form close and meaningful friendships. Getting to witness those connections being forged really moves me.”
STYLE
Working style? “I’ve always subscribed to the ’80s power-suit look, but lately I am dressing more for comfort as I’ve been spending longer hours in the office.”
Power piece? “My Cartier Tank watch and double-breasted suit by designer (and Wing member) Emily Meyer always make me feel ready for business.”
Favorite designers? “I have a lot – Chanel, The Row, Simone Rocha, Rosie Assoulin, Rachel Comey, Supreme and Raf Simons’ new-look Calvin Klein.”
Beauty essential? “Sephora Charcoal Exfoliating Wipes; Chanel La Solution 10 De Chanel moisturizer; Rodin Olio Lusso Lavender Absolute Face Oil; and Glossier highlighter.”
What are your health essentials? “Getting a good night’s sleep, a long hot soak in the tub, and frequent visits to the Russian baths.”
What’s your most treasured item? “My wedding ring.”
Fashion icons? “Historically, my idols are Lee Radziwill, Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy and Lauren Hutton, but I love how the Olsen twins and Jenna Lyons are dressing right now.”
Favorite gadget? “Definitely my Amazon Alexa – I ask it the weather and news every morning.”
TRAVEL
Packing essentials? “I’m a generous packer but it’s a real achievement when I actually remember both a toothbrush and toothpaste!”
Favorite destination? “I need to travel more! I love the Amalfi Coast, and I recently visited Provence, which was beautiful – Saint-Rémy and Gordes were stunning. However, as a native New Yorker, there’s nothing better than seeing the skyline while driving home on the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway. I love that John Updike quote that people in New York believe anyone living anywhere else must be kidding.”
WORK
Which personal quality has been most instrumental in your professional success? “I am relentless, and you really have to be if you want to succeed in getting something off the ground. Nicki Minaj once said you have to be a beast, and I agree with that.”
How do you dress for work? “I try not to overdo it. Sometimes when I have a meeting with someone who is dressed to the nines I feel intimidated, and I never want to make anyone feel that way about me.”
What’s your advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs? “Band together. Create networks of women with different kinds of expertise: legal, branding, operations, communications, etc. Nobody can do it alone.”
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