Amy M. Spindler, New York Times Style Editor, Dies at 40

AP ^ | Feb. 28, 2004

[nuconvert]

Amy M. Spindler, New York Times Style Editor, Dies at 40

The Associated Press

Feb 28, 2004

NEW YORK (AP) - Amy M. Spindler, the style editor for The New York Times Magazine who became known for her pointed criticism of the fashion industry, has died. She was 40. Spindler died Friday from a brain tumor at her home in Manhattan, according to husband, Roberto Benabib.

Not afraid to tell the truth, Spindler built a reputation as a tough reporter. Unlike other fashion writers prone to flattery and sympathetic reviews, she demanded more from designers in columns that could be witty and tart.

Designers responded favorably. Tom Ford, the creative director of Gucci, told the Times, "She explained to us how we really feel about fashion."

In addition to her pointed criticism of clothing lines, Spindler exposed unflattering industry trends.

In 1997, after fashion photographer Davide Sorrenti died from a drug overdose, Spindler upbraided magazine editors for promoting "heroin chic" on their pages.

"What Mr. Sorrenti's death has revealed is that fashion photography is indeed a mirror of the tight-knit world that produces the photographs. And as long as drugs are unchecked in the industry, that image will be difficult to change," Spindler wrote.

Born in Michigan City, Ind., Spindler graduated from Indiana University with a degree in journalism. She then moved to New York, working in entry-level jobs at several Conde Nast magazines. She later moved to Paris and became associate fashion editor of W Europe.

Spindler joined The New York Times as a columnist in 1993, and was named fashion critic a year later.

In 1998, Spindler became fashion editor of The Times Magazine, a position she relinquished in November.

[jocon307]

This is very sad. We knew a gal who died real young of a brain tumor, she wasn't close to 40 even. I hate it when this happens.

[Tacis]

New York Times, huh? Not afriad of telling the truth? Gee, I hope she did not die of anything serious.

[Cicero]

Sad. I remember the controversy over "heroine chic." If she was responsible for raising the issue, she deserves major praise. Although, regretably, the industry only eliminated that sullen, drugged-out look from its models for about six months, and then it came right back in.

[an amused spectator]

Media News ping

[Criminal Number 18F]

Not afraid to tell the truth, Spindler built a reputation as a tough reporter.

For crying out loud, she was the fashion reporter, fearlessly reporting the fall hemlines. I mean, it's a tragedy when someone dies so young, and de mortuis nil nisi bonum and all that, but geez... what purpose is served by making her sound like she was a national correspondent...?

d.o.l.

Criminal Number 18F

[Hildy]

If your industry is the fashion industry, which is a multi-billion dollar industry, then what she wrote was important to you. Why must you diminish that?

[nuconvert]

"In 1997, after fashion photographer Davide Sorrenti died from a drug overdose, Spindler upbraided magazine editors for promoting "heroin chic" on their pages."

She certainly gets kudos for going up against the industry in that instance.

[NYCVirago]

She sounded like she was a breath of fresh air in the insular fashion world. Very sad that she died so young.

[Napoleon Solo]

Dying is serious enough.

[adam_az]

Not afraid to tell the truth, Spindler built a reputation as a tough reporter.

How sad that the NY Slimes lost their single sole truth telling reporter.

[jonascord]

If people die in the fashion industry, the industry didn't kill them. Mining, military, oil, construction, flying, shipping, these industries kill people by the very nature of the business. Blowing a fuse in an argument between puce and lavender somehow lacks the drama. Shallow people have to pretend that the water is deep.

[em2vn]

Is this just the night to be a cold hearted %&%$? She did her job well and she died far too young. Simply because her field was fashion doesn't diminish her contribution one bit.
Believe me if I could have spent thirty years in the fashion business instead of freezing or burning up in construction, I would have jumped at the chance.

[Hildy]

Your comment had absolutely no relevance to the subject we were talking about here.

[Hildy]

Your comment had absolutely no relevance to the subject we were talking about here.

[GOPJ]

She'll be missed.

In 1997, after fashion photographer Davide Sorrenti died from a drug overdose, Spindler upbraided magazine editors for promoting "heroin chic" on their pages.

"What Mr. Sorrenti's death has revealed is that fashion photography is indeed a mirror of the tight-knit world that produces the photographs. And as long as drugs are unchecked in the industry, that image will be difficult to change," Spindler wrote.

[jonascord]

She's dead, just like a lot of other people, today.

A lot of People died today. Cops died, firemen died, soldiers died, and someone who scribbled about silly costumes, bought from squealing little pansies, by stupid rich leftists, died. This one died young. A lot of people haven't made it to 3 score and ten. Some didn't even make it to birth. And everyone is supposed to care about some scrivener chasing after nonsense body coverings?

Fashion, as an industry has to rank right down there with making porno movies as a benefit for social progress.

Without apology, I offer post #6: "For crying out loud, she was the fashion reporter, fearlessly reporting the fall hemlines. I mean, it's a tragedy when someone dies so young, and de mortuis nil nisi bonum and all that, but geez... what purpose is served by making her sound like she was a national correspondent...?"