The Editor’s Eye
Sarah Murray, Editor in Chief & Publisher at Fashion Quarterly Magazine
Sarah Murray has spent her career moving between the pages and the people that shape New Zealand fashion. From early days picking up clothes and taping shoe soles on set, to becoming Editor in Chief and Publisher of Fashion Quarterly, the journey has been deliberate, driven, and deeply rooted in a love for what this industry creates.
We sat down with Sarah to talk about her path, her first encounter with NZFW, and what continues to inspire her.
How’d you get your start?
“While I was at uni, I did ad hoc work as the assistant to Marina Didovich, who was the stylist and fashion editor at Cleo at the time, and later FQ. I’d spend my days picking up and returning clothes, and taping the bottoms of shoes on set. It was one of those behind-the-scenes roles that taught me so much about how shoots really work.”
Was there a turning point or milestone early in your career that stands out to you?
“Starting as editor of Fashion Quarterly four years ago was a major milestone for me. It had been my dream to work at the magazine since I was at school - and while I’d previously had a stint as beauty editor, stepping into the editor role and overseeing the entire publication was something else entirely. Then, just over a year ago, acquiring FQ marked an even bigger turning point. It truly felt like every role I’d ever held in journalism had been leading to that moment.”
What was your first encounter with NZFW?
“When I was working at Sunday magazine as an editorial assistant, I was invited to the Kathryn Wilson show at New Zealand Fashion Week. I could barely see a thing from where I was sitting, but it was such a thrill to be there. Up until then, I’d only ever read about NZFW or heard stories - so to experience it firsthand, even from the sidelines, felt like a very big deal.”
What advice would you give to those aspiring to break into, or coming up in the industry today?
“I'd suggest starting by talking to people in the industry and figuring out which part of it excites you most. For me, it was always a mix of writing and the creative side of fashion shoots. Before I landed any paid work, I interned across both areas to really understand where I wanted to focus.”
What keeps you inspired now?
“Honestly, New Zealand fashion excites me so much. I still love to view new collections and ranges. And more than that, the entire fashion ecosystem here - our writers, photographers, stylists - there’s just so much talent. I love seeing what they’re creating, whether it’s for us or their own independent projects.”
Fashion Quarterly is a fashion, beauty, & lifestyle destination. Discover more at fq.co.nz.