Meet Anna Deutsch
“Anna Deutsch is a writer with a huge appetite. After studying journalism at Boston University, she started working at fashion magazine and spent her twenties living in Sydney, Australia. She moved back in 2012 and spent a few years in the East Village before moving to a sunny railroad apartment in Greenpoint this past summer. As Senior Fashion Editor for Barneys New York’s editorial site The Window, Anna creates content ranging from studio visits to location shoots to Paris Fashion Week coverage.”
Top, Reformation ; Jeans, RE/DONE ; Necklace, Vintage ; Sheets, Brooklinen
Top, Everlane ; Jeans, Madewell ; Shoes, NewbarK ; Bag, Celine
Shirt, Etsy
on her morning routine
I am not a morning person, so it always takes me a few snooze buttons to get going. Once I’m up, my routine is quick and unfussy: jump in the shower, throw together an outfit based on the forecast, and hopefully leave enough time to enjoy breakfast at home. When time permits, I read the news and have scrambled eggs with avocado or yogurt and granola—otherwise, I’ll get a bagel or croissant on the go. I always get a skim latte from the takeaway window at Five Leaves—those baristas are such sweethearts.
on her interests growing up
My grandmother (and namesake) was a food writer, my mother is a writer and author, and my older brother is a writer too. For me, it all comes down to storytelling, which I’ve always enjoyed in one form or another—whether it was stage acting as a child or photography in high school, which I was quite serious about. During college, I honed in on writing by studying both magazine journalism and creative writing. I worked at fashion magazines for years and really learned to approach stories in a 360-degree way considering how format, images, and words can come together to form a narrative.
on covering events
A few weeks ago I went to New Orleans to shoot Cleo Wade in Maria Cornejo’s Resort ’17 collection. It happened to be Halloween, and we had an amazing day that ended with my boss and me crashing a Day of the Dead themed wedding with Cleo and her friends and family. It was pretty magical. I love covering Paris Fashion Week each season. Last March, I did a series of portraits called Americans in Paris that was so much fun to put together because it basically involved meeting up with all these different personalities and shooting off the cuff portraits of them around the city.
“Henri Cartier-Bresson’s “The Decisive Moment” is an important book in my collection. His candid, 35mm photography taught me the importance of paying attention, being discreet, and communicating truth—which all applies to writing too. Now with smartphones, everyone is constantly documenting moments, but he really paved the way for seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary and capturing it. Also, Matisse is one of my favorite artists too, so naturally I love this collectible edition!”
on the launch of her career
My career started in New York at W and InStyle before moving to Sydney, Australia in 2008, where I continued on the fashion magazine path. When I moved back to New York in 2012, I was at a crossroads, as I was sort of starting over having been away for so many years. I decided I wanted to cross over to digital and veer away from magazines, and it was one of the best decisions I could have made. I’ve been Senior Fashion Editor Barneys’ content site The Window for two years now, and it’s a great fit. The company really supports digital, and that’s reflected in the growth of The Window. What I love most about my job is that it’s never the same thing twice. We’re always pushing ourselves to find new ways to tell stories by working with different fashion designers, talent, and creatives in a variety of contexts, from studio visits to location shoots to Paris Fashion Week coverage.
My cameras are Fujifilm Instax Mini 70 Instant Camera and Holga 120N Plastic Camera.
on her shopping habits
I’m minimal and classic but with personality. When I was younger, I experimented more and went through phases, and it was exhausting and expensive! I dress with much more ease and confidence now that I know myself and what works, which is liberating. Because of my job, I admittedly shop a lot at Barneys, especially for hero pieces of the season like a nice shoe or bag—and even for those I gravitate toward classic rather than trendy. I get most of my basics like cashmere sweaters, silk button-downs, and tees from Everlane, sexy pieces like summer dresses and bodysuits from Reformation, and Madewell and Zara for miscellaneous extras.
“Always remove your makeup before bed; moisturize your body and face daily; always wear sunscreen—especially on your face! And drink water all the time.”
Anna's favorite beauty products
on her makeup routine
I always wear the same makeup: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, a bit of blush or bronzer, black Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara, and sometimes I add subtle cat eyes with Stila Stay All Day Waterproof Liquid Eye Liner for bit of drama. I have a few Chanel Rouge Coco lipsticks that I rotate—I like the shades Emilienne, Etienne, and Coco Mademoiselle. I also recommend Maison Margiela Replica Jazz Club Fragrance and Le Labo Women's Thé Noir 29 Perfume.
on her skincare routine
For as long as I can remember I’ve washed my face with gentle cleanser (Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser or Purpose usually) every morning and evening and applied facial moisturizer—SPF for day, like Clé de Peau Beauté Women's Protective Fortifying Cream, and something more replenishing for night. I do Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream on my body after my shower every day too. As I’ve gotten…older…I’ve invested in more products for my face. This winter, I’ve been obsessed with this divine Malin + Goetz Replenishing Face Serum that I apply before my moisturizer, and I’ve been doing masks once or twice a week: Aesop Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque for cleansing and brightening or Glossier Moon Mask for moisture.
I also recommend Malin + Goetz Eucalyptus Deodorant, Glossier Balm Dotcom, and L'Oreal Paris Skin Expertise Eye Makeup Remover. For hair, I recommend R+Co Women's Death Valley Dry Shampoo, OUAI Soft Mousse, and Oribe Women's Dry Texturizing Spray.
top, zara ; jeans, levi's ; shoes, prada ; bag, celine
anna's favorite books
The Complete Book of the Flower Fairies by Cicily Mary Barker, Marilyn by Gloria Steinem, Henri Cartier Bresson by Cartier Bresson, Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein, Tintin and the World of Herge by Benoit Peeters, New York by Bernard Herrmann
anna's favorite movies
Goodfellas, Romeo + Juliet, A Bout de Souffle, Fast Times at Ridgemont High
anna's favorite places in nyc
Cherry Point: It’s the best new restaurant in the area—such a great spot for wine and charcuterie with the friendliest service.
Selamat Pagi: I crave this place all the time, especially for brunch.
Greenpoint Meat & Cheese: The people here are so friendly, and their offering is so delicious.
Dobbin St Coop: This store is awesome and always getting new stuff. They sell a variety of plants already potted for so much less than you’d pay elsewhere.
Adaptations: I’ve been nesting since I move to Greenpoint. I love visiting this store for home inspiration—even just following their Instagram is inspiring.
Achilles Heel: Such a good place to hide away in the winter with a stiff drink.
Walter Foods: It’s the most comforting place to waste an evening eating and drinking…and drinking…and drinking.
Fuego 718: I’ve long been obsessed with browsing this random store. It’s such a great place to get gifts for anyone in your life, even kids.
Atelier 108: J Colby Smith previously from New York Adorned opened a private place in Williamsburg. I’ve been a longtime client and visit him whenever he’s in town, whether it’s to rearrange my piercings, get a new one, or just chat. He’s the best.
- Photography by Sidney bensimon