Picture a fashion-savvy storyteller who traded red carpet jitters for digital media stardom—meet Amy Odell! This New York-based journalist and author has redefined fashion journalism with her sharp wit and digital prowess. From doubling Cosmopolitan.com’s traffic to penning the New York Times bestseller Anna: The Biography, Odell offers an authentic peek into the glamorous, chaotic world of high fashion.
With a knack for blending humor and insight, she’s not just a writer but a trailblazer who’s earned spots on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and Crain’s 40 Under 40 lists. Ready to dive into her story? Let’s go!
The Making of Amy Odell
Born on August 8, 1985, in South Shields, England, Amy Odell moved to the U.S. and carved her path in New York’s bustling media scene. Armed with a journalism and literature degree from New York University, she kicked off her career in 2007 as a freelance party reporter for New York Magazine. Interviewing celebrities on the red carpet was daunting, but her determination shone through, landing her a role as the founding blogger of The Cut, the magazine’s iconic fashion blog.
Odell’s early days were a crash course in fashion’s quirks. From navigating street style photographers to mastering the art of the perfect quip, she learned to thrive in an industry where standing out is everything. Her hustle set the stage for a meteoric rise.
Amy Odell’s Unforgettable Stories
Odell’s first book, Tales From the Back Row: An Outsider’s View From Inside the Fashion Industry (2015), is a hilarious essay collection that chronicles her journey from novice reporter to Cosmopolitan.com editor. With self-deprecating humor, she dishes on awkward encounters with Anna Wintour, tipsy lunches with Chelsea Handler, and the absurdities of Fashion Week. Critics, including the New York Times, praised its witty, relatable take on an often-unapproachable industry.
In 2022, Odell released Anna: The Biography, a definitive look at Vogue’s legendary editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour. Based on over 250 interviews, the book unveils Wintour’s steely ambition and cultural impact, earning a spot on the New York Times bestseller list. Odell’s writing style—sharp, conversational, and packed with insider details—makes complex figures accessible and human.
She also authors the influential newsletter Back Row, reaching 50,000 subscribers with her takes on fashion, power, and culture. Whether she’s dissecting trends or profiling icons, Odell’s voice is fresh, feminist, and unapologetically real, resonating with readers who crave authenticity.
Why Amy Odell Matters
Amy Odell’s impact on digital fashion journalism is undeniable. As Cosmopolitan.com’s editor from 2013 to 2018, she tripled traffic to 36 million monthly visitors, transforming the site into a powerhouse for millennial women. Her bold pivot to feminist, political, and LGBTQ+ content proved legacy brands could evolve without losing their spark. Recognized as the “hottest magazine in digital” by Adweek in 2014, her Cosmo era set a new standard for online media.
Through her books and newsletter, Odell demystifies fashion’s inner workings, inviting readers to laugh at its absurdities while respecting its influence. Her ability to bridge high fashion with everyday relatability has made her a trusted voice in a world often shrouded in exclusivity.
About Amy Odell
- Birth Date: August 8, 1985
- Key Works: Tales From the Back Row (2015), Anna: The Biography (2022), Back Row newsletter
- Awards: Forbes 30 Under 30 (2015), Crain’s 40 Under 40 (2014), National Magazine Award (2017)
- Fun Fact: She’s a classically trained pianist and a Beyoncé superfan!
Snag Tales From the Back Row or Anna: The Biography and dive into Amy Odell’s witty, insider take on fashion’s wild world!