Day Five of Favorite Fashion Editors: Marji Kunz
Another fashion editor who I am interested in learning more about is Marji Kunz of Detroit – she worked for both newspapers in the city. The Detroit Free Press includes her in an article about the newspaper’s history: “Marji Kunz — fashion writer who often surprised readers and made the fashion makeover popular — once attended a formal affair in an elegant nightgown to prove a point.”
She is described this way by the API’s Carol Ann Riordan: “Marji Kunz, a fashion writer for The Detroit Free Press, inspired me when I was growing up. She didn’t cover her beat like every other fashion writer: getting swept away by clothing that only Size “0” models could wear or turning fashion designers into cult figures.
Marji’s value to readers was covering fashion from a consumer’s point of view – real women, real men, who wanted to look their best without spending a small fortune. For her, fashion spoke volumes about our society, how we perceive ourselves and what we value.”
Wayne State University gives out a scholarship in her name for students majoring in fashion.
I just ordered copies of information about Marji that can be found in the Penney-Missouri Awards at the State Historical Society of Missouri.
One Comment
Sandy Schreier
Marji Kunz was a good friend and so was Tavi Stone who was more important than her at the paper and, although she knew very little about fashion, she replaced MRji when she died.