Main content

Alexandra Shulman

Alexandra Shulman, editor of British Vogue, is interviewed by Kirsty Young.

Kirsty Young's castaway this week is the editor of British Vogue, Alexandra Shulman.

In spite of being in charge of one of our leading 'style bibles' for more than 20 years, her reputation is that of someone rather down to earth. She thinks designers cut clothes too small, refuses to let superstars have photo and copy approval and when she was first appointed editor, she'd never even been on a fashion shoot. During her tenure Vogue's circulation has increased.

Her first job as editor was with the men's magazine GQ and she's had spells at Tatler, the Sunday Telegraph and writing a weekly column for the Daily Mail.

She says, "Vogue is not my personal taste, really. I think of it more as a kind of newspaper, reporting on what's out there."

Producer: Cathy Drysdale.

Available now

45 minutes

Last on

Fri 21 Jun 2013 09:00

Music Played

  • David Bowie

    Drive In Saturday

    • David Bowie Aladdin Sane.
    • EMI.
  • Manu Chao

    Bongo Bong

    • Manu Chao: Clandestino.
    • Palm Pictures.
  • Barbera Kay

    Chips With Everything

    • Barbara Kay – Chips With Everything / A Lot About Love.
    • PYE.
  • Castaway's Favourite

    • Joan Baez

      Sad-Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands

      • Joan Baez Any Day Now.
      • VANGUARD.
  • Leonard Cohen

    Chelsea Hotel #2

    • Leonard Cohen Greatest Hits.
    • COLUMBIA.
  • R.E.M.

    Leaving New York

    • REM Around The Sun.
    • WARNER.
  • Patti Smith

    We Three

    • Patti Smith: Easter.
    • ARISTA.
  • Lucinda Williams

    Side Of The Road

    • Passionate Kisses.
    • Rough Trade.
  • Book Choice

    • Penguin Book Of Love Poetry - Jon Stallworthy

  • Luxury Choice

    • An endless supply of Miss Dior Eau de Toilette

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Kirsty Young
Interviewed Guest Alexandra Shulman
Producer Cathy Drysdale

Broadcasts

  • Sun 16 Jun 2013 11:15
  • Fri 21 Jun 2013 09:00

Featured in...

The Desert Island Discs podcast

The Desert Island Discs podcast

Subscribe or download individual episodes.

Listen to over 2,000 programmes

Click above to browse castaways, from 1942 to today.

Articles

Read the surprising things we've learned about some stand-out castaways.

Podcast