WOR L D A C C O RDI N G TO . . .
LUCY SYKES RELLIE AVENUE’s back-page column asks New York notables our version of the questionnaire made famous by Marcel Proust
T
hough she’s turned her attention to telling stories, the life and times of Lucy Sykes Rellie is in and of itself novel-worthy. After moving to our side of the Atlantic in the mid-’90s with twin sister—and fellow writer—Plum, Sykes Rellie worked as a stylist and editor before becoming fashion director of Marie Claire and, more recently, fashion director of Rent the Runway and creator of her own eponymous children’s clothing line. Almost as well known for her fun-loving attitude and wild parties as she is for her work, Sykes Rellie has been a staple on the New York social scene since her arrival nearly 20 years ago. Most recently, her novel The Knockoff—co-written with Jo Piazza—has shot the top of best-seller charts as the book of the summer. Here, Sykes Rellie shares her summer favorites and the secrets to her success.
but I do love a bit of Mark Ronson, though!
WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP TO THE HAMPTONS? I’ve been coming out East for weekends and holidays for the past 20 years—I consider it my “countryside” escape from the city. WHAT IS YOUR EARLIEST HAMPTONS MEMORY? Coming out here with my twin sister, Plum, and hanging in. We rented a big old house on the beach. We rode bicycles, took walks, had bonfires, and—of course—went to glamorous parties that we usually gate-crashed!
WHAT’S YOUR PRESENT STATE OF MIND? Thrilled. 184 | AVENUE ON THE BEACH • AUGUST 2015
WHAT’S THE COOLEST THING IN YOUR APARTMENT RIGHT NOW? My kids! WHAT’S THE BEST ADVICE YOU’VE EVER RECEIVED? If you really want something to work, you have to be obsessed with it. NAME A BOOK THAT CHANGED YOUR LIFE. Edith Wharton’s The House of Mirth.
WHAT’S YOUR SIGNATURE DRINK? A French 75. Champagne cocktails are perfect for the summer. WHAT DO YOU COLLECT? Friends.
WHO IS THE MOST INTERESTING NEW YORKER YOU KNOW? Both Howard Rosenfield and Bill Cunningham.
WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE DINNER COMPANION? Howard Rosenfield and L.A. Reid.
WHAT ARTICLE OF CLOTHING CAN YOU NOT LIVE WITHOUT? A very expensive corseted bra—I have to keep up somehow!
WHAT’S ON YOUR SUMMER PLAYLIST? I don’t really don’t have one. Usually it’s NPR 24/7 on my radio,
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP? Better. ✦