Nancy Morski and I share a love for Nicholas Kirkwood shoes and OBJECT for Danier clutches. Naturally, I thought the Toronto-based publicist would be the perfect interview subject. I had an inkling that behind the pitch emails and guest lists was some really fantastic blog fodder. Little did I know how right I was until Nancy started spilling about touring with bands as a teenager and working with Kelly Cutrone (yes, that Kelly Cutrone!) at People’s Revolution. Meet Nancy Morski, PR extraordinaire / shoe addict / Star Wars devotee.
The Backseat Stylers: What’s your earliest fashion-related memory?
Nancy Morski: Stealing my mom’s shoes, wearing them at the playground, and getting them really messy. I used to love shoes, and the babysitter had no idea I wasn’t allowed to take my mom’s really nice, high-heeled shoes. She was so upset. That’s when my shoe obsession started.
How did you get into public relations?
[In 2010], Greta Constantine had a PR internship opportunity; I went in for an interview and got it. A few months after that, I moved to New York for a year. First it was to write for Zink Magazine, then I was interning at Alexander Wang doing marketing and commerce, [and] then People’s Revolution happened. That’s when I realized I wanted to be in PR. I love the rush of it.
What’s the best part of your job?
I love growing with a client, having the ability to get creative with them, [and] seeing an idea the client and I have come up with succeed.
What important lessons did you learn while working at People’s Revolution with Kelly Cutrone?
Everyone is busy, [so] you have to be a little ruthless, you have to be a little cutthroat, but you also have to be smart about what you’re doing. You can’t be shy.
What has been the highlight of your PR career to date?
My first fashion week. I was thrown into it and I had to learn it all right away. I literally had to take on the job of a senior publicist [at People’s Revolution] within two weeks, during fashion week. That was a highlight because I knew that if I could do that, in New York, I can really overcome anything, anywhere.
If you were throwing a fashionable dance party, who would your three guests-of-honour be?
[Fashion icon] Iris Apfel. [She's] so eccentric, so fashion-forward. I’d have [street style icon and former men’s fashion director at Bergdorf Goodman and Neiman Marcus] Nick Wooster there. I like [model] Freja Beha Erichsen; she’s very androgynous and I love that.
What’s one item in your closet you can’t live without?
I still to this day wear this [old] Wilfred boyfriend blazer with oversized pockets. [It] goes with anything [and is] amazing for fashion week because it’s got the big pockets [that] fit everything. That is my go-to for life. I’m going to cry when that thing disintegrates.
Where are your favourite places to shop?
It is important to me to support Toronto boutiques. It’s the small businesses that make our city unique and give local designers/brands an opportunity to get their collections out there. Some of the boutiques I like to support in Toronto are Philistine Vintage, Narwhal Boutique, A2Zane, Bicyclette, Tabula Rasa, The Future of Frances Watson, Fawn and Love of Mine.
The Bay is a big one for me; 3rd floor [of The Bay on Queen Street in Toronto] is my life. All the brands they’ve started to carry, [like Opening Ceremony, Elizabeth and James, etc.], are amazing. I also do a lot of random online shopping: The Outnet, Net-a-porter and OAK NYC.
I couldn’t help but notice your tattoos. How many do you have and which is your favourite?
As of a few days ago I have 14 tattoos! Even though I don’t see them ever, [the] R2-D2 and C-3PO behind my ears [are my favourites]. I really like Star Wars.
Speaking of Star Wars, what are your guiltiest pleasures?
Definitely Star Wars and comic books. And avocados; I literally eat an avocado a day, or more.
Do you sing in the shower?
Oh no, I would terrify myself if I sang in the shower.
What’s on your bucket list?
Getting a book or short story published. And I want to drink Arizona iced tea in Arizona.
xx, S
