With a whole slew of stylish stints on her resume (including time spent costuming Carrie Bradshaw and co.), we knew the stylist/designer/bon vivant would have all kinds of useful info and insight on Fashion Week.

Real Beauty: What's your all-time best fashion week memory?

Patricia Field: I'd have to say when I used to do fashion shows. Our shows were so sought after because of their energy and spirit—those runway shows were the best.

RB: And the all-time worst?

PF: I don't really remember any! There wasn't anything that horrible...

RB: Any fashion week essential must-haves?

PF: Comfortable shoes, fashionable—but comfy—clothes, and a little sugar in your handbag!

RB: What are your can't-live-without beauty products? Any essentials?

PF: Tweezers and a mirror have been my long-term, can't-live-without items. Recently I discovered a product I love from a Greek company called Apivita—it's a natural company that makes products from bees wax. I really love their Queen Bee. It's a face cream made of royal jelly and feels so good. Not cold, not clammy, but natural. Royal jelly is the exclusive diet of the Queen Bee and she lives 40 times longer, is 6 times bigger and is the reproductive center of the whole bee civilization. If it’s good enough for her, it’s good enough for me!

RB: Sounds luxe! Do you have any special beauty tricks?

PF: I bathe daily in vegetable oil, coconut oil, Moroccan oil...any kind of oil. Oil is essential for me because it's great for everything, internally and externally. Dry isn't good! Oil preserves you so I can't get enough of it.

RB: Beauty mantra?

PF: Use vegetable oils!

RB: As you were building your career, did you have a mentor you turned to?

PF: Probably my mother—she was the example that I followed. She was an independent business person, she enjoyed what she did and did it well. I felt like I grew my business in a positive and healthy way and that turned out pretty well, so if I can be a positive influence to others it’s all good. I’m excited to be at the stage in my career where I can mentor and help others with design aspirations. I just worked with women in the U by Kotex design contest—they were given the opportunity to take a stand against the bland look of feminine care and inspire the category’s future.

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