Can you tell us a bit about your background and education? How did you get into fashion journalism and styling?

I’ve always loved clothes. Dressing up was my absolute favourite thing as a kid and I used to root around in my mum’s wardrobe trying things on. During my teenage years, I started getting into magazines. I realised there was such a thing as a fashion editor – someone whose job it was to choose the clothes for shoots – so I ended up going to the London College of Fashion to pursue this career. Part of the course involved work experience, where I was learning far more on the job than in the classroom, so I didn’t return to college. That decision meant I got to immerse myself in the industry much earlier than my peers.

From Glamour to Stylist and beyond, you’ve built an impressive portfolio. How has your experience across these titles shaped your perspective on fashion media today?

I feel really privileged to have been at those magazines during such formative times. I actually worked at Glamour twice in my career and the first stint was around 2001, during the era of films like How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and magazines were booming. When I returned to Glamour 16 years later, it had become the first title in the UK to go fully digital. It was a bold move and a really smart one. 

People often talk about the “death” of magazines but that usually comes from a place of misunderstanding. Yes, the media landscape has changed, with social media completely altering how we consume content but that just means the format has evolved too. Fashion and print magazines will always be intrinsically linked as we absorb information in print differently compared to digital content. Because of this, we’re seeing a boom in niche, independent titles with smaller laser-focused audiences. 

What inspired the creation of My3Words?

The three-word styling method is something stylists have been using for decades. It recommends that people choose three words that define your personal style to help guide what you wear.

The idea for My3Words came about at a networking event. I was chatting about the method, and someone suggested it would make a brilliant website. That little spark stuck with me. Most shopping websites let you filter by colour and price etc but there’s rarely an option to search by aesthetic. That’s where My3Words comes in. It’s for people who are short on time or dealing with decision fatigue, who want a sensible way of shopping while still revelling in their personal style. I did consider using AI or building an algorithm to choose pieces for people but, in the end, I felt there was far more value in having a seasoned fashion editor (me) curating the selections.

What are your My3Words? 

My three words are ’60s, denim and tomboy, and they’ve stayed the same for a good 10 to 15 years. I try to choose words that transcend trends and really reflect who I am, but it is very natural for your words to evolve over time. Your style shifts as your life does.

Your new book Human Design Unlocked comes out on 19 June. What inspired you to write a book?

It all came together in quite a serendipitous way. I’d already started exploring Human Design and was deep into my own learning journey when my former publisher, knowing I love anything a bit esoteric, suggested me for a project on the subject. At first, I was put off by how complicated it seemed. But the more I learned, the more it resonated. That process really shaped the tone of the book – it’s not written from the perspective of someone who has all the answers but rather from someone who’s been in the shoes of a curious beginner.

For anyone unfamiliar, how would you describe Human Design in a nutshell?

Human Design is a New Age philosophy that believes everyone can live their best life if they discover and follow their Human Design. By identifying our individual energies, strengths and weaknesses, Human Design offers a toolkit for adulting presented through the perfect mix of the metaphysical and scientific.

Some people might be sceptical. How do you reconcile the “woo-woo” with the science?

I totally get the scepticism. The man who founded Human Design had the whole concept come to him while in a trance in Ibiza, which does sound wild. But then you learn about things like neutrinos: tiny particles of matter that pass through our bodies by the billions each day – suddenly the idea of cosmic influences doesn’t seem quite so far-fetched. 

What’s the one thing you hope readers take away from this book?

I hope readers come away with a little more self-awareness. I think we all need to take the time to think about how we sit in the wider world and this book is designed to help you understand yourself. After all, who wouldn’t want to understand how to have better relationships, how to thrive at work or how to figure out where in the world you’re meant to be? I wanted to create the kind of guide I wish I’d had at the start: something digestible, approachable and practical; I want people to fold down the corners and scribble in the margins. 

What’s one piece of career advice you wish you’d received earlier on?

We often put so much weight on achieving certain goals without really understanding what they come with. It’s important to remember there’s no time limit. The side-step can be just as valuable as the leap upwards. I was impatient when I was younger and while things worked out, the process was harder than it needed to be. It’s OK to take your time and grow into things.

If you could style anyone from history, who would it be and why?

I would’ve loved to have been around in the ’70s as part of that “blue jean baby, LA lady, seamstress for the band” moment. I would’ve loved to help shape the look of someone like Led Zeppelin or Prince. Imagine styling Prince! That would have been the best job in the world.

What’s next for Alexandra Fullerton?

Later this year, I’ve got three coffee table books coming out. They’re an Ultimate Guide series – unofficial deep dives into Chanel, Hermès and Dior handbags. They explore everything from how many stitches go into crafting a specific model to record auction prices. When I got commissioned, I thought, ‘Oh my god, this is my dream, I get to write about handbags!’

Human Design Unlocked (£12.99, Pavilion Books) is available to purchase on 19 June 2025; alexandrafullerton.com; my3words.co