21 Questions with… the Designers of Cushnie et Ochs

As the new reigning queens of bodycon, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs have heard it all. “Your dress got me laid” is a common confession. So is “I got a boyfriend because of you” or “My fiance proposed when I wore your dress.” So, what’s the secret to their success? Bold lines, flawless execution and a rock-solid friendship, for starters. That winning formula has won Cushnie et Ochs industry accolades, like the 2009 Ecco Domani Award and a high-profile client list that ranges from Rihanna to First Lady Michelle Obama. Today, we’re proud to announce the design duo as our September guest editors. All month long you can expect style tips, celebrity intel, backstage access at New York Fashion Week and more. Naturally, we’re introducing them with our 21 question salute.

1. When I get dressed in the morning, I think about… the day’s events and if we don’t have anything, how comfortable I need to be because my puppy Jack comes with me to work. If I have to wear sneakers to take him around, I will. (Michelle)
2. If you looked at my phone you’d see… Instagram open. I do the account for the office, myself and Jack. (Michelle)
3. My biggest fashion pet peeve is… ripped pantyhose! I know some people think they’re cool, but I can’t stand them. (Carly)
4. We’re dying to splurge on… Pamela Love jewelry. (Michelle) A really, really nice vacation. I’d go anywhere! I need some R&R. (Carly)
5. The last thing I googled was… the directions to Romeo & Juliette Hair Removal. (Michelle)
6. When it comes to picking models for our show… we tend to look for girls that are very womanly looking. They’re strong, beautiful and sexy. (Carly)
7. If I weren’t in fashion, I’d be… a chef because I come from a family of chefs and I’m the only one that doesn’t cook. (Michelle) I thought you wanted to be a private detective? (Carly) Realistically, I’d be in Law & Order. (Michelle) I’d be in interior design. (Carly)
8. My favorite quote is… “It takes a lot of money to look this cheap.” Dolly Parton said it. (Michelle)
9. You’d never catch us wearing… a Hermes belt. (Both)
10. If we had one extra hour in the day we’d… probably waste it. (Both)
11. The last great book we both read was… Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan. It was hysterical. (Both)
12. My favorite brunch spot is… Santina. It’s delicious! (Carly)
13. Our fall fashion must-haves are… maybe a pair of gloves. We lose those things like umbrellas. And those really cheap nails poke right through, so we look like cats. (Michelle)
14. Our secret talent is… running in heels. (Carly) Being a frustrated comedian. (Michelle)
15. The one thing we can’t live without is… my blue apron. (Michelle) My NutriBullet. (Carly)
16. Our current Netflix addictions are… House of Cards. (Carly) Wet Hot American Summer. (Michelle)
17. The best gift I ever received was… my engagement ring. I’m not giving that back! (Michelle)
18. My beauty essentials are… my AmorePacific moisturizer and Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. (Carly) I can’t live without those hydrating Neutrogena face wipes for night. And I love bareMinerals loose powder for day. (Michelle)
19. On a Saturday night we’re… eating and drinking with friends! (Carly) Home improvements — and drinking. (Michelle)
20. Our greatest achievement is… Cushnie et Ochs. (Both)
21. One thing you’d be surprised to know about us is… that we have a life outside of fashion. I think people get a little bit surprised when that’s not all we talk about. (Michelle)