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Welcome to Working It, where Racked follows street style into the office. Forget pedestrian khakis and button-downs—these fashionable professionals take dress codes to a whole new dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Should Vice be foreign to you—or so multi-faceted at this point you can't quite grasp the breadth of it all—here's the rundown: It's a magazine, it's a record label, it's a news source, it's on YouTube and HBO, it publishes books like Heavy Metal in Baghdad and Fashion Cats, it offers "creative services" for major brands like Nike and Red Bull. In its vast network of print, video, and digital, Vice covers sports and music and world affairs and technology and fashion and just about any other namable millennial interest—and they do it with their own brand of panache, take it or leave it.
The base of the operation is currently housed in a network of industrial buildings in the equally polarizing neighborhood of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, justifiably synonymous with "hipster" at this juncture in modern history. Though the bulk of the staff—over 300 of them in this location—is male, there is a smattering of sharp ladies in the mix, and we had the pleasure of getting to know a handful of them on a recent visit to Vice HQ. Peak inside the incredible space they call "work," hear how they landed their killer gigs, and find out what isn't office-appropriate attire at Vice, after the jump.
Annette Lamothe-Ramos, Creative Director, VICE Media wears a vintage button-down, Topshop crop top, American Apparel skirt, Zara shoes, and Bing Bang rings.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
My T by Alexander Wang tank dress, black leather high-top Converse, and vintage leather jacket. If I'm going to have to go through the hell of buying an entire new wardrobe I want to be as comfortable as possible doing it because there is nothing in this world that I hate more than shopping for myself.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
A young Jane Birkin because she's the only woman in history who has ever been able to look comfortable, cool, and sexy all at the same time.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
"Just Do It."
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I'll spend anything on the perfect blue jeans, A.P.C.'s Butler style or vintage Levi's 501s. I can justify shelling out a questionable amount of dough on a pair of high quality denim jeans that will last me an eternity because I can also appreciate the time and effort the previous owner has put into wearing out the ass for me. I've never even come close to that kind of perfection on my own. The dedication is impressive.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I'm really into brands like Reformation teaching other girls that it's "okay" to wear running sneakers or sports slides with a nice dress. I will never be the type of female that owns a pair of six-inch heels, so I'm happy that this is now acceptable among fashion's elite.
Assuming there's no dress code at Vice, where do you personally draw the "too casual for work" line?
You've gone too far when your butt is hanging out of your shorts or mini skirt. We have way too many stairs in this office for anyone to wear anything short without sporting a pair of Nike Dri-Fit bike shorts underneath for layering.
How did you land your job at Vice?
I started at Vice ten years ago working in music marketing. Then I moved into events, graphic design, ad sales, I've basically done a little bit of everything. But it wasn't until our former Editor-In-Chief asked me to assist a stylist on a Richard Kern shoot that I realized I had any interest in fashion. Shortly after I became Fashion Editor and just last year moved up to Creative Director of the magazine.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
To be perfectly honest, nothing really shocks me anymore. But I will say that I never expected Vice to send me to China to hang out with dwarves at a place called Kingdom of the Little People. That was definitely an eye-opening experience for me.
Best office perk?
Not having a job that forces me to sit behind a desk all day. Also our general audience is pretty amazing. The fact that I can dress puppies up in bondage gear, pass it off as a "fashion shoot", and people actually get the joke is truly a beautiful thing.
What have you learned working at Vice that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
I've learned that it is possible to have a job where you get to do everything that you love. Had I not been fortunate enough to find myself working in such a nontraditional environment I doubt I would have ever been able to try my hand at so many different things let alone succeed at them. I get to write stories, style shoots, direct editorials, cast ad campaigns, host videos, take photos - all at a company that creates the type of content I really enjoy. I get to have fun and nothing is better than that.
Miyako Bellizzi, Fashion Market Editor, VICE Media wears a vintage top and skirt, socks from the St. Marks Sock Man, Supreme sneakers, L. Jardim hand chain, vintage and custom necklaces, vintage earrings, and vintage, Bing Bang, and Vice rings.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
Let it burn. There's a reason my closet's on fire, and maybe I'm better off not having so much excess in the first place.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
I wouldn't feel comfortable in anyone else's clothes.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Only buy something if you feel like you can't live without it.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I'm a vintage gal and if I see an amazing, one-of-a-kind piece, I'll splurge on it. I own as many hoop earrings as there are days in the year—I cheap out on hoops because I go through them so often it doesn't even make sense to spend money on them.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I'm all about the athletic trend. It's summer, so anything mesh is my go-to, like jerseys, basketball shorts, mesh tops. I only really wear sneakers or boots. You would never catch me in sandals or strappy, girly shoes.
How did you land your job at Vice?
I was a freelance stylist before I came on board full-time. I started helping out Annette on shoots a few years ago and we hit it off. Haven't stopped working with her since.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
Well, we're doing a fashion shoot in a prison this week.
Best office perk?
Working on jobs outside the office is the best perk.
Annie Dietz, Senior Producer, The Creators Project wears an Elizabeth & James top, Timo Weiland skirt, Ava & Aiden heels, Giles & Brother necklace, Catbird hand chain, a gifted cuff, and vintage earrings.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
I would save my little black Nicole Miller cotton cocktail dress because it can be fancy or semi-casual depending on what you do with it. My favorite pair of blue jeans because... well, who can live without that? And I'd grab a pair of ankle booties because they can be winter/fall/spring/most of summer, and go with pretty much anything. And then I'd have to cheat and grab a shirt as a fourth item to go with my jeans.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
Khaleesi from Game of Thrones. Her costumes are always striking and beautiful, yet at the same time look super comfortable and easy to wear. they are feminine, but they are bold and represent confidence and strength of character. They may be impractical for a New York City lifestyle, but if she can conquer a desert in them, maybe a girl could tackle the subway too.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Go to the Upper East Side Goodwill.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I spend more on things that will be in my closet for a long time or that I use a ton: little black dresses, jeans, classic pumps, wool winter coats, running shoes, sports bras. Also on swimwear because if you're going to go around in tiny pieces of cloth, they'd better look good. I cheap out on things that probably won't be trendy anymore a year from the time I am buying it.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I really like wide legs and palazzo pants. They make waists tiny, legs long, and can be like an optical illusion: is that a maxi skirt or are they pants? So pretty. But I can't understand why skorts are back. It's like a mullet. Make up your mind. Long or short? Skirt or shorts?
Assuming there's no dress code at Vice, where do you personally draw the "too casual for work" line?
Crop tops are definitely in, but don't show your belly button. I love the Free the Nipple movement, but wear a bra to work, or if you don't then at least make sure your shirt is not totally see-through. And finally, ass cheeks that peek out beneath your shorts when you're not even bending over... not client-facing cool.
How did you land your job at Vice?
Serendipity mixed with being the actual right fit for the job. I reconnected with a friend who was looking for career change advice, and he happened to have interviewed for a job here that wasn't the right for him, but that turned out to be the exact right thing for me. So he forwarded them my resume, and a couple months later there I was.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
When I was just under two months into my job here, I found myself in Sao Paulo running a five-camera crew to produce content from The Creators Project Sao Paulo event, in a language I could barely speak. Then I had to do the same thing in Beijing less than a month later with a totally non-English speaking crew of the same size. But it was amazing, and one of the best learning experiences I have ever had.
Best office perk?
Well, my best friend works at Vice too so the best perk is seeing her everyday. Other than that, the best perk is being surrounded by such a vibrant, creative, ridiculously smart and adventurous group of colleagues.
What have you learned working at Vice that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
If you have a good idea, speak up. That's the way you make your dreams come true.
Dina Rayzman, Video Editor, VICE News wears a vintage jumpsuit, McQ sandals, Ted Rossi cuff, and vintage rings.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
Grace Jones. She is a muse and an inspiration. I wish I could rock some of the outfits that she wore to Studio 54.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I spend money on shoes and statement pieces, and as a result I never have enough basics in my wardrobe.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I really like the metallic trend—brings you back to the '70s disco glam. Not a fan of faux fur or skulls.
How did you land your job at Vice?
I wore a vintage emerald silk '80s secretary dress to my job interview. And my resume was pretty good too.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
I had to go to Ukraine with our News crew to cover the conflict in the east of the country. It was an intense experience reporting from a war zone.
Best office perk?
To work with smart and brave young people to create amazing stories. And free parties of course.
What have you learned working at Vice that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
I really like my job because I get to work on so many interesting projects that are all so different. Whether it's about child miners in Bolivia, an island full of snakes off the coast of Brazil or truck stop strippers in New Mexico, I learn new things every day.
Francisca Magis, Audience Manager, VICE Media wears a Wilfred top, AllSaints skirt, Zara trench, Vagabond sandals, Ray-Ban sunglasses, Alexander Wang bag, vintage necklace, and vintage, Catbird, and Dana Bodourov rings.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
Leather bag, leather pants, leather jacket.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
I'm going to be obvious and say Mary-Kate Olsen. Imagine how well-rounded her closet probably is.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
That a purchase should fill a void in your wardrobe or create new outfit options.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I'm all over the place here; I buy what I like, but in general, I splurge on basics and investment pieces.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I'm into all of the sportswear influence that has been going on; you'll never catch me in a festival look or sneaker wedges.
Assuming there's no dress code at Vice, where do you personally draw the "too casual for work" line?
Booty shorts?
How did you land your job at Vice?
Hard work in school, internships, being a Vice reader, and a friend being at a random Earl Sweatshirt show at the right time.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
Is it weird that everything has been smooth sailing so far?
Best office perk?
Working with a bunch of talented, creative people who I love.
What have you learned working at Vice that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
The internet is weird and unpredictable but it tends to make sense in the end.
Genel Ambrose, Executive Assistant, VICE Media wears an ASOS dress, American Apparel shoes, Jac Vanek jacket, vintage necklaces, rings and bracelets by L'Enchanteur, and earrings from MyrrhJewelry on Etsy.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
I would save my Herschel Settlement backpack, Guccisima Joy leather satchel and Celine croc embossed Phantom. I love bags. Everything else can be replaced.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
Lisa Bonet in the '90s. I love everything about her aesthetic back then. Watching her on The Cosby Show, I always admired her quirky incredible style.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Never pay full price.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
Bags. I love a good classic handbag. I cheap out on everything else.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
The Birkenstock trend is really cute but I wouldn't be caught dead trying it. I don't think the sandals compliment my feet.
Assuming there's no dress code at Vice, where do you personally draw the "too casual for work" line?
Cut-off shorts.
How did you land your job at Vice?
Last summer, a friend referred me for the role. I interviewed on a Tuesday and by Friday, I got offered the job.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
I am working on story about skin lightening products. After receiving a product that had no listed ingredients and putting it on every possible surface—including leather, an orange peel, and clothing fabric—I finally gave in and tried it on my own skin. Eek.
Best office perk?
Working in Williamsburg is definitely a plus. It feels good to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
What have you learned working at Vice that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
I learned that you can work really hard and be yourself. Having worked in corporate America before Vice, I came across a lot of posers in business suits. I appreciate my Vice co-workers who don't pretend to be anything more than who they are: hard working, intelligent, creative, wacky, and totally inspiring individuals.
Laura Kim, Production Data Coordinator and Rights Management, VICE Media wears a vintage top and shorts, Tabio socks, and Alexa Chung for Madewell boots.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
Chicago Bulls sweatpants, a pair of clear Prada heels, and my Thrasher t-shirt. I could probably build a new wardrobe around that platform.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
Rihanna! She's like the expensive dream version of what I aspire to look like. Thank you RiRi.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Quality over quantity. It's always better to splurge and buy fewer things.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I love nice shoes and bags, but everything else I own is basically vintage (except underwear). I have an online vintage store that I run with my friend Hally Erickson called Total Pleasure, so most of my wardrobe is from there.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I've always loved athletic wear, but I can't really hang with Nike slides because they remind me of house shoes. And drop-crotch harem pants... No thank you ma'am.
How did you land your job at Vice?
I ask myself that every day. Really though, I knew people who work here and it was a right place/right time situation.
What's the craziest thing you've done for a work assignment?
Hung out with [rapper] Danny Brown.
Best office perk?
There's a bar in our newest space. And we always have seltzer water stocked in our fridge which is very important since I'm a full-blown seltzer addict.
What have you learned working at Vice that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
I never knew that I could work with so many friends.
Monica Benitez, Project Manager, VICE Media wears a Forever21 jumpsuit, Jeffrey Campbell heels, a Michael Kors watch, rings from grandma and Urban Outfitters, a gifted cuff, and necklaces from Cuba and the Brooklyn Bazaar.
Your closet is on fire! What three items do you save from the flames?
My grandmother's fur coat 'cause she would kill me if I destroyed it (it was the first item my grandfather bought her when she moved from Cuba to Miami), my plain black H&M tee since it's hard to find the perfect black tee that isn't too baggy, and my go-to sheer black, sleeveless button down shirt.
Whose wardrobe would you swap with in a heartbeat and why?
Victoria Beckham because she always dresses with purpose even if she is picking her kid up from school. Sexy, all black and full of adventure.
What is the best piece of shopping advice you've gotten?
Buy pieces that go well with everything. Basics are your best friend.
What do you splurge on, and what do you cheap out on?
I definitely splurge on basics and lingerie. If I need to hold back on purchasing anything I would be cheap on jewelry.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
I love the "All black ERRYthang look" and feel as if I can pull it off well. I would never be caught dead dressed in '80s gear.
Assuming there's no dress code at Vice, where do you personally draw the "too casual for work" line?
I would definitely draw the line on flip flops. We are not at the beach, homie.
How did you land your job at Vice?
I was an intern for the Business Development team, and got hired from there.
Best office perk?
It's a tie: Being able to work in the bar/lounge area on a leather sofa and our amazing coffee machine.
· What the Reformation Team Wears to Work [Racked]
· What the Editors of Harper's Bazaar Digital Wear to Work [Racked]
· See What the Editors of Fashion Blog The Cut Wear to Work [Racked]
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