Photo: Jamie McCarthy/Getty for Fashion Scholarship Fund
Karlie Klossis definitely a boss.
From commanding catwalks for over a decade to starting her own coding camp,Kode with Klossy, in 2015, the multi-hyphenate has accumulated some valuable advice, some of which she’d pass down to her younger self.
The mantra she wished she’d known when she first started out: “Don’t sweat the small stuff.”
“We all can be our own worst enemies. I can speak from my own experience as a perfectionist and an ambitious young woman,” Kloss told PEOPLE at the 86th annualFashion Scholarship FundGala in New York City on Monday.
The 30-year-old model, entrepreneur and mom — who hosted the organization’s FSF Live ceremony — says there are “so many moments I can look back [on] and wish I would’ve just been more present in the moment,” because her goal to perfection often hindered her from living in the now.
And, although Kloss has taken center stage in more ways than one, she admits that “imposter syndrome is something I can really relate to.”
She recalls there were moments in her career during which she underestimated her own power, especially when she was younger.
Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Keeping her learned lessons in mind, Kloss encourages young creatives to stand in their potential.
“Don’t get in your own way. Get out of your head and make connections with your peers and mentors in the industry to learn from,” she shared of her advice to the next generation.
Matteo Prandoni/BFA.com
Kloss also doesn’t back down from championing other women, including FSF’s 2023 honorees: Good American and SKIMS businesswomanEmma GredeandVoguepowerhouseAnna Wintour.
She confirms she’ll also be supporting Wintour on fashion’s biggest stage in the coming weeks at this year’sMet Gala, which Wintour has co-chaired since 1995.
“I certainly will be there. It’s the most important night in fashion so I wouldn’t miss it for the world. I can’t tell you anymore than that, but I’ll be there,” teases Kloss, who attended her first Met Gala in 2009.
This year’s red-carpet fête, held annual on the first Monday in May at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, will honor the late fashion designerKarl Lagerfeldwith the"Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty" theme.
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Jamie McCarthy/Getty for Fashion Scholarship Fun
Kloss is certainly an industry titan, from the world of style to the arena of entrepreneurship. When it comes to the status, she believes its weight lies in someone’s journey rather than their destination.
“It’s easy to point at the big accomplishments somebody has, peak moments of their career or life. But, it’s every single day waking up and having the drive, focus, and work ethic to do what you love and to strive to be the best you can be,” she shares.
source: people.com
