As the editor across Simply You Style and Simply You Living magazines, not to mention the manager of special projects at Bauer Media, Naomi Larkin has her plate full. BDNZ caught up with Larkin to discuss how she feels about her very first Style issue, which hit stands yesterday, and her highlights with the brand so far.
How is the new job treating you?
I love it. Simply You is a strong brand with a long history and I’m proud to be the caretaker. I have a great team and we’re working together to make it even stronger.
What has been your biggest challenge in the role so far?
Time! I am also Manager, Special Projects Bauer Media New Zealand, so sometimes it can be tricky finding the time for everything I want to achieve in a day.
What has been a highlight for you since starting with Simply You in October?
Definitely this new issue of Simply You Style. This is the first issue wholly owned by us as a team and I think it lives up to its heritage as New Zealand’s leading style guide.
What does a typical day look like for you now?
Meetings, emails, meetings, planning. We’re also focusing on growing Simply You’s social media and digital offerings, which is always exciting.
With new members to your team in beauty & editorial, has this been challenging?
I appointed a new Beauty Editor, Elise Wilson and an Editorial Editor/Writer Nathalie Owen. Both come with a lot of talent and passion for the brand. Combined with existing team members, Fashion Editor Louise Hilsz and Art Director Anna Savelieva, it makes for a great team. The transition has been seamless.
The new Autumn/Winter issue is your first ‘Style/Fashion’ issue. How have you stamped your mark on it?
From the cover to the back page I think you see a refreshed Simply You. The design – the overall look and feel - is modern, easy to navigate and the content remains anchored in great fashion and beauty. There are some solid feature articles written specifically for New Zealand women and there is a broader variety of labels to shop for, many of which are available around the country. I don’t want this to be an Auckland-centric magazine, it’s nationwide, and I think we’re on our way to achieving this. I never believed I had to come in and change everything. Everyone before me who sat in this seat has done an amazing job in keeping the brand’s DNA intact and I fully acknowledge that.
What can we look forward to this year for Simply You?
More of the same – inspiring and useful fashion and beauty advice and shopping tips – along with a much stronger digital and social media presence (think video, Facebook and Instagram) and, look out for some exciting events. Bauer Media knows and owns fashion and Simply You’s event calendar for 2016 will also demonstrate this position.
