Happy & Healthy
this is how you become rich and successful
These 6 desk upgraders are your way to big money
I’ve come along some pretty amazing desks in my time. My friend Estelle Cruijff and I were in the office of the Dutch prime minister. Estelle said: “I must say I love what you’ve done to the place!” and I asked if I could leave my bag there seeing as we were leaving to go to a different hall within the building. Our comments didn’t really make us sound all too intelligent, seeing as the place is guarded like the White House.
Right, about the desks. Evelyn Lauder once showed me her mother-in-law Estée’s desk. Estée passed away years before, but her office hadn’t been touched since. And have you ever seen Diane von Furstenberg’s office? It screams of success. We can discuss this like we do the chicken and egg debate (successful people have glamorous offices), but I’m sure people would take you even more seriously if you give your desk an upgrade.
1. Pictures, pictures, pictures
And I’m not talking about family photos or framed pictures of your kid whose face is covered in food. Nobody wants to see that. You should put pictures up of moments that you’re proud of. A picture of you giving a lecture for a room full of people, a special encounter with special people (Estée’s office was full of pictures with her and the Clintons and DvF showcased a lot of Mick Jagger and other rock stars). Make it known that you’re a somebody. They’re also a perfect conversation starter.
2. The paperweight
Another fancy and refined item that’s owned by orderly people; a paperweight. Estée had one in the shape of a big bee which she got from Rudy Giuliani, mayor of New York at the time. Because she was the queen bee of New York. Now that’s a good story. For those of you who don’t know what a paperweight is: a heavy ‘thing’ that you can put on top of invites or notes so they don’t fly away.
3. A glass desk
A lot of successful people have glass desks. Maybe it looks orderly, or maybe because it’s transparent and that reflects their work ethic, or just maybe because you’ll be able to see their fabulous Louboutins through the desk, who knows? A wooden desk is also a good option. Just make sure it’s different than the other desks in the office building so people see that it was brought in especially for you. And that it shows your unique character. So no Ikea for you.
”An everyday Bic-pen is obviously out of the question”
4. The pen
An everyday Bic-pen is obviously out of the question. Successful people write with a Montblanc pen. At least. Another fancy-looking item to add to that would be a nice pencil box. I once visited my friend Fiona Hering who was stayin in the Highline Hotel in New York and there was a majorly cute pencil box on the desk in her room with 30 pencils in it. And these pencils had the hotel logo on them. How cool is that, a customized pencil?
5. A letter opener
Preferably one that was gifted to you by a special person. With an inscription, because you got it at a special moment in your career. And you’ll be reminded of that every time. Even if it’s a tedious reminder.
6. The chair
Your best option would be one from Eames because they’re very hip and happening now. Any chair will do as long as it’s different from the rest, it makes you look good and it represents your unique character. DvF has a couch shaped like her iconic mouth.
Another tip is to make your office space more personal; I was amazed of the class within the DvF office, namely because everyone had a little Pellegrino water bottle on their desk. It doesn’t cost much, but it gave a certain air to the whole office. And there were wicker baskets with apples in them everywhere, which Diane brought in from the orchard on her estate just outside New York. Maybe they’re bought around the corner of the office, but it’s all about storytelling. And you know what else helps matters along? Having an office in New York’s Meatpacking District. I should have a heart-to-heart with my editor about this ASAP.
