Ever been crushed by a job? Kim France has—and she knows how to rise again. After shaping pop culture with high-profile roles, a demanding gig nearly broke her. But she didn’t back down. Instead, she adapted, proving it’s not the strongest but the most resilient who thrive.
With print media fading, Kim France shifted gears, moving from teen street style to the realities of women over 40. Now, she owns podcasting and Substack, which are her new stages. She’s redefining conversations around fashion, aging, and identity by co-hosting Everything Is Fine with Jen Romolini and writing her hit Girls of a Certain Age.
In this candid chat, Kim reflects on her personal style, the evolution of fashion media, and her role as a writer and community builder. From leading Sassy and Lucky to tackling new challenges, she’s found a fresh perspective on aging authentically, in both life and style.
Sandra Bernhard once said, “The older you get, the dumber cool looks.” Kim agrees—but she’s showing that cool can evolve. With sharp humor and unfiltered wisdom, she and Romolini prove that life is better when you call the shots. Kim’s mantra? Go after what you truly want, not what you think you should.
Let’s meet her.
How old are you?
I’m 60.
Where do you live?
I live in Brooklyn.
Are you married?
I am.
Any children?
None, but I have stepchildren.
How does Kim France define “cool” at 60?
I care about looking cool more than I’d like to admit. But at 60, it’s different. Sandra Bernhard once said, “The older you get, the dumber cool looks.” I try to remember that. Sometimes I talk to my 21-year-old stepson and feel like I’m uncool, and that’s okay.
You’ve had such a dynamic career in the fashion and editorial world. Share your journey and how it led you to where you are today.
I majored in creative writing in college. I knew I wanted to work in publishing, so I moved to Seattle after college and interned at an alternative weekly. Then, I came back to New York to work at Seven Days, a short-lived publication edited by Adam Moss. Then Sassy happened.
What year did Sassy start?
Sassy launched in ’87, and I came to work there at the end of ’89. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to go to a teen magazine, but I thought Sassy was so cool that I didn’t care. At first, I thought, What have I done? It was a girly world, but I liked it. It felt like a cult in a good way. People ask if we knew how impactful Sassy would be. The answer is yes and no. We knew we were onto something different, but I never imagined people would still discuss it in 2024.
What was Sassy bringing to the newsstand that was so different?
Inclusiveness. Though I wouldn’t say Sassy was truly inclusive by today’s standards, it was a magazine for people who didn’t see themselves reflected in Seventeen or Cosmo. Our readers were slightly edgy, self-selecting, and knew precisely where Sassy stood in the teen magazine world.
How do you think fashion media has changed since then?
In every conceivable way, the changes are mostly good—fashion media is more inclusive, with many voices represented. What annoys me is that influencers have replaced editors. I miss the days when editors were respected arbiters of taste, and I loved magazines. I’m angry at the internet for killing them.
You’ve seen so many shifts in your career, and there’s ageism everywhere. Do you feel like doing your own thing now is a way of reclaiming your identity?Absolutely. After Lucky, which nearly killed me, I knew I needed a different path. I was exhausted and demoralized after being fired in 2010, but I realized I didn’t want to be a manager or be managed anymore. I didn’t care about continuing at a high level like other former editors-in-chief might. Thanks to some financial independence from Lucky, I could afford to make that choice.
How did you get through it all?
I was upset when I was first fired, but it didn’t take long hours for me to realize it was truly for the best. Ten years is a long time to hold on to a job like that, and it really was time to let go. I was burnt out and tired of playing the role required of me. So, navigating through that time was more of a pleasure than you might think. I was delighted by the freedom of having Kim France to myself again.
Could print make a comeback?
Print is seeing a renaissance with small-circulation niche publications, but I don’t know how you make a business out of that. Some beautiful ones are out there, but they are not the same as before.
How has your style evolved as you’ve gotten older?
As an editor-in-chief with a clothing allowance, I bought a lot of YSL, Prada, and Gucci because I felt I should. Over time, I stopped paying attention to trends. Designers like Martin Margiela, Dries Van Noten, and Maria Cornejo—who don’t care about trends—became more appealing to me. As I’ve gotten older, especially going through menopause, my body has changed, and I’ve had to adjust my style accordingly. I have a tight uniform: chinos or jeans and button-down shirts daily.
What do you feel good wearing now?
I spend on outerwear and bags because they get more mileage. I recently bought a jacket from Rika Studios in Amsterdam. It was expensive, but it was worth it. Otherwise, it’s about comfort—chinos, button-down shirts, and shirt dresses in the summer. Dressing for my changing body has been tricky, but I’ve learned to make adjustments.
You’ve always had a relatable approach to fashion and life. How has that carried over to your work on Substack?
I write three shopping posts a week and two more personal ones. I was supposed to write a memoir but decided to run much of it on Substack. Recently, I wrote an essay about aging out of clogs and dealing with body changes. I also bring that perspective into the shopping posts, which people appreciate.
How have your career and life challenges, especially mental health, influenced you?
They’ve made me more deliberate and nicer. I understand what’s important to me now. After Lucky, I knew I didn’t want to do anything like that again. It was too much pressure and too much responsibility. I had a nervous breakdown while working at Lucky and had to take care of it. It was a challenging time and took a while to recover, but I got through it by focusing on what mattered.
What trends or shifts in the industry are you noticing?
There’s a trend toward women speaking more openly about aging and what life is like as we get older. A friend recently told me that she remembered that her mom would sit in the basement in her slip on hot summer days because it was the coolest part of the house, but she never understood why she did that because it was not discussed. Also, women are being seen as sexual beings for longer, and that’s a good thing. I just wrote a piece for Elle about how there’s no longer an age limit on the red carpet. Women can be hot and old at the same time.
How do you stay informed and inspired by culture today?
I spend much time on Substack and looking at what people wear on the street. A lot of my inspiration comes from readers and listeners. We have a very active Facebook page for the podcast, and I get a sense of what’s going on with women my age from that.
You’ve built such a strong community. How do you foster that, and why is it important?
I think it’s just writing how I write and hoping people relate to it. With the podcast, Jen and I don’t hold back. We’re very open, and that’s why people feel like they’re part of the conversation. We go there again and again.
Would you have been this open when you were younger?
No, definitely not. When I was younger, I couldn’t have done this. Certainly not when I was at Lucky. Back then, I was more concerned about what people thought. Now, I care less about that.
How do you feel about Gen Z?
They’re passionate and have boundaries in a way that we weren’t brought up to have. They’re very self-aware. I like Gen Z; they’re alright.
How do you differentiate yourself from them?
I don’t feel rebellious anymore; I am too old and tired. But I admire their energy.
How is aging being redefined?
Older women stay in the workforce longer and are seen as relevant. But some things haven’t changed—ageism still exists. Finding a way to reclaim your identity as you age is crucial. That’s why I left Lucky and chose to work independently. I don’t want to be managed or manage anyone anymore.
What’s on your playlist?
I love Wilco, Yo La Tengo, and Brazilian bossa nova. I also listen to a lot of classic rock because of my husband. Music is a big part of my life.
Are you reading or watching anything great?
I just read The Friday Afternoon Club: A Family Memoir by the actor Griffin Dunne. His Hollywood childhood is fascinating to read about. I’ve been watching the third season of Industry, a brilliant show about horrible people.
What about your beauty routine?
I use sunscreen and like products from Jones Road. I don’t wear foundation anymore; I prefer my Kosas Dream Beam sunscreen, the product that got me consistent about using sunscreen. It’s lightly tinted and doubles as my foundation. I also love Sisley Paris Phyto Lip Twist Balm—a lip balm that goes on amazingly matte. I buy it whenever I’m in Europe because it’s cheaper there. My best mascara is Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. This is not only the best mascara I’ve tried in a long time—it lengthens like crazy, with zero clumps—but the cheapest, too. I recently discovered it and am a convert.
What are your desert island clothing items?
I have a strict packing rule: Everything has to be in the same color palette to be worn together. My list would include a couple of button-down shirts from Cali Dreaming and Everlane, Nili Lotan chinos, platform Birkenstocks, and a Chan Luu silk and cashmere scarf.
What are three nonnegotiables for Kim France?
My dog, Mister; the people I love; and psychopharmaceuticals. I went through a severe depression at Lucky, and it was a source of shame for me. But I’ve decided to talk about it because it can help others.
What do you see your life being like at 80?
I just want to be here at 80. I hope I’ll be living somewhere with a beautiful view and good company.
What projects are you working on now and in the future?
I love the podcast and plan to continue it for a long time. Substack has given writers like me their careers back, and I’m excited to see what new writing I’ll do next.
What advice do you have for people who feel the need for change but are unsure where to turn when it comes to careers?
Always try to connect with what you truly want to do rather than what you think you should do.
Fantastic. Tell Jen that I love her, too. I’m so glad we got to talk.
It was very enjoyable. Thank you so much.
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