A "real" Melania Trump VF interview is still on the table.
Mark Guiducci on the future of Vanity Fair.
Good morning everyone.
I am looking into the weather-related spritz bump that New York bars are experiencing for all of you, and should have some hard numbers to report on later this week. In the meantime, keep your eyes open while taking your lunch breaks in the city — outdoor seating quickly reveals who has a real job, and who doesn’t.
Today’s Guest Lecture is with Mark Guiducci. I first met Mark last June, at a diner on the Upper East Side. I was struck by his warmth and wit, and overall generosity towards me. He made me feel welcome at both the diner, Viand, and his corner of Condé world.
Today’s letter includes: Mark Guiducci on his plans for Vanity Fair, one way to get an internship at Feed Me, the whisper networks facilitating international Chanel purchases, and one of my favorite New York diners is closing.
Have a story you want me to look into this week? Reply to this email or text the anonymous Feed Me Tip Line: (646) 494-3916
This interview is part of a Feed Me feature called Guest Lecture. In this series, I introduce you all to an expert who I’m curious about, and give paid readers an opportunity to ask them anything they want. Past guests include Eliana Gil Rodriguez, Eric Wareheim, and Annie Kreighbaum.
Today, Mark Guiducci, the global editorial director of Vanity Fair, answers your questions about landing a job at VF, what Graydon Carter taught him about throwing a party, and how to pronounce his last name.
With the new hires and the editorial direction, I think you’re doing a brilliant job. What does it take to join VF? - L’Amica
“We are always looking for new writers and it really only takes one or two hit stories to spark something. A scoop is a scoop, wherever it publishes. Hit me up, L’Amica!”
What did the title change from Editor in Chief to Global Editorial Director mean to you? Do you feel any frustration around having that title over the classic EIC title? - Natalia
“It means that Vanity Fair is a global magazine, with successful editions and brilliant editors in Italy, France, and Spain. And I’d like to see VF have a larger presence in London soon.
As for the title, I’m the editor of Vanity Fair. I can’t say it really gets me down.”
How do you inherit the VF Oscars Party and keep it relevant, cool, and fresh for today? It seems that was always an important part of the VF lore, and a party that centered it in the conversation. Graydon seemed like one of the best party hosts of all time - how are you thinking about this party now that you’re in charge? - Brooks
“Graydon is one of the best party hosts, and I learned a lot from him. I wrote in my most recent editor’s letter about being an assistant at the Oscar Party when I worked for him at VF fifteen years ago. A lot of credit also goes to Sara Marks, our longtime, highly esteemed director of special events who worked for the Rolling Stones for a decade and is a genius about details. She can be ruthless, but she addresses everyone as “Sweets” in a British accent, which usually softens the blow.
This Sunday, we will have a smaller guest list than in recent years and are cultivating a sense of privacy so that people can let their hair down. So while our red carpet is bigger than ever, the only reporting and photography coming from inside the party will be Vanity Fair’s. We are inviting a mix of legends (including Graydon) and young people who feel very right now, coming from not only Hollywood, but also tech, politics, fashion, and journalism, with a dash of Europeans. The idea is that these are all people who don’t usually meet each other, but will want to. In that way, the party should feel like the magazine itself.”