Meet the leaders: Lauren Sams

Lauren Sams is fashion editor at The Australian Financial Review and the deputy editor of the AFR Magazine. Here she shares why she eschews new year’s resolutions in favour of ten year plans.

Did you make a new year’s resolution and if so what was it?
I did not. Instead, my husband and I sat down to write Ten Year Plans. You write out a description of where you want to be in ten years – as in, every detail. I promise it’s not as pretentious as it sounds (it is a bit pretentious). 

If you could re-read one book what would it be?
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. My favourite book of all time. 

Podcasts or video streaming? And do you have any recommendations?
I listen to a heap of podcasts. I love Shameless, Hamish and Andy, Smartless, and occasionally dip into Maintenance Phase and Awards Chatter. Fashion People can be fun, too. 

I am a big TV person. This year I loved The Office – the Australian version (yes, I was skeptical, but it was really good!). Searching for Italy, with Stanley Tucci. Fisk. Nobody Wants This. Colin From Accounts. Hacks. One Day.

I am basically allergic to anything scary or grim – the idea of watching a Nordic noir after we’ve put the kids to bed is just unbearable.

What is your favourite hotel and why?
I love hotels. I love the Como Treasury in Perth – the interiors are so luxurious and sumptuous. You really feel as if you are an honoured guest. In Sydney, the Capella is beautiful – the spa is such a considered space, the rooms are beautiful and the artwork is very cool (but not like, intimidatingly so). 

What is your Instagram feed most likely to be full of?
Sourdough bread and dumbbells. And fashion, of course.

What does a typical day look like?
Wake up at 5am. I make three black coffees (one for me right then, one for my husband and one to take in the car to the gym). I’m at the gym by about 5:25 and I’m there til 6:30. I lift weights four days a week and run on the others. 

At home, pack the lunches, make breakfast for the kids and self, walk them to school. Most days I am in the office so I get to catch the beautiful new Metro … Work is a mix of meetings, interviews, desk work (writing, researching) and events. 

I cook dinner most nights and pretty much say no to all evening engagements. It’s more important to see my kids and have dinner with them than to go to a work event. 

Do you have a favourite designer?
No! I have so many. Australian designers are fantastic – I own a lot of Rebecca Vallance, Lee Mathews, Camilla and Marc, Oroton and Friends with Frank. 

If I had an unlimited budget and could only choose one label ever to be dressed in, it would be Max Mara. 

What is the one thing you spend money on that could be considered an indulgence?
Bread. 

Following on from that, what brand is your current obsession?
Of bread?! I love AP Bakery and Goodwood. I have a feeling that’s not what you meant, though. I love everything that Oroton does, and I think July is having a real moment – their products are so well-made, at such great price points. 

What do you hope people will remember about you?
That I helped where I could. 

Who are three women you’d like to be in the room with when making a big decision?
Is this a fantasy league? If so, Tina Brown, [former German Chancellor] Angela Merkel (can you imagine?) and maybe Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. She might be too decisive for my tastes, though. I’d probably dissolve.