A Storied Closet with Lydia Fenet

I can't think of a better person to kick off this new series with than Lydia Fenet, the world’s leading charity auctioneer, who has single-handedly raised over one billion dollars for more than 800 organizations and broken down countless barriers for women in the auction industry. In this series, we want to pull the thread of how our closets and the things we wear are an important expression of our identity. What stories do our most significant pieces tell about us?

We first met Lydia last year in New York when Lydia invited Katie to be a guest on her podcast, Claim Your Confidence. Since then, their two paths have crossed multiple times— most recently at the Southern C conference— as so often is the case with two charismatic leaders. Lydia is an undeniable force whose bold passion for life is truly infectious. Last month when we were in New York shooting for FEED, she so graciously gave us a peek into her closet and told us the awe-inspiring stories behind so many of them.

To start, can you tell us in your own words who you are and what you do?

LF: Like so many women, I have so many interests and passions it can be hard to answer that question! I’m an auctioneer, author, and podcast host, but all of those things are really about inspiring people around me to live with confidence and reach their full potential. My favorite job is being a mom to my three kids: Beatrice, Henry, and Eloise.

I’m also founder of the Lydia Fenet Agency, which trains and supports best-in-class talent with the mission of celebrating and promoting diversity within the auctioneering industry. This August the Agency celebrated its 1-year anniversary with a monumental to-date raise of $100M+!

I think sometimes in life, only in hindsight can we see the thread that ties together seemingly disparate experiences into a cohesive life, woven together over many decades. Does that feel true for you?

LF: Absolutely. I look back at chapters in my life and see so many highs and lows that led me to where I am today. There were definitely times that were hard, but I can now see how I was challenged to grow. There were also times that were so full of joy and blessing. But every step has been important, and it’s when you look back at how far you’ve come that you see the real value.

Most people reading this will already know that you have great personal style. What is the other, less obvious, more psychological side of getting dressed and personal style for you?

LF: A large part of my job requires dressing for the occasion, and with time I’ve learned the art of balancing those elements with my own style and identity. For an auction I always wear a dress, but never full length because its makes me feel stiff and formal onstage. I’ve never met a brightly colored dress that is fitted at the top with a full skirt that I didn’t like. I hardly ever wear pants, mostly because I am nearly six feet tall and growing up they never made jeans in the right length for me — I’ve never gotten into them! Oh, and never silk… believe it or not, auctioneering can be quite the workout! 

How does your “off duty” style differ?

I love being dressed up so my off duty style is still dressier than most of my friends. If it’s warm outside I am always in a dress with oversized jewelry. It’s the fastest and most efficient way to look put together.

Tell us the stories about some of your favorite pieces in your closet:
The gold dress that you wore to the Robin Hood Gala:

Lela Rose has been a go-to auction staple for me for a decade. Her dresses are beautifully made, fit me perfectly, and are timeless. I went to her sample sale five days before I went on stage for the biggest charity fundraiser in the world, Robin Hood’s Annual Benefit. I saw this dress on a rack and knew it would fit perfectly before I even put it on. It was meant for stage. The Robin Hood auction stage is challenging because it is a round stage in the middle of 3,000 people so the dress has to look good from all sides. I had so many texts after the event from friends who said the dress sparkled all night when the stage lights hit it. It was the perfect look.

The yellow La Vie dress:

I got this dress right before I went to Mallorca two summers ago with my family. On our first there, day we went to a beach club and I had probably ten women come over to ask me where I got it. It is so over the top you just have to go with it and really own the look!

The gold paillette dress that was gifted to you by Stacy Bendet:

On Halloween 2021, my husband, three kids, and I were in horrendous car accident. We were all injured and spent time in the hospital. I broke seven ribs and had two surgeries including a spinal fusion to repair my fractured spine. After two weeks, I returned home barely able to sit up for more than twenty minutes at a time. A few days after I got home, a messenger dropped off a bag from Alice & Olivia. Inside the bag was this gold sequin mini dress with a note from the founder Stacey Bendet that said: “You’ll be dancing again before you know it”. I was in such bad shape at that point it was hard to imagine, but two years later I wore the dress to my friend’s epic 40th birthday and danced until 3am. Every time I look at that dress in my closet it reminds me of the unbelievable power of the human spirit, and the power of clothes to make us feel whole again.

What advice would you offer someone who feels stuck when picking out clothes or less confident in their own personal style?

LF: First and foremost, wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident. I’m most confident when I feel most true to myself. For me, that means a bright, bold color that makes me feel energized. From there, you slowly learn what styles work best for you and your lifestyle. If you aren’t particularly fashionable, call a friend who can take you shopping. I have been my best friend’s stylist for years. She is a financial advisor and has no idea what to wear, ever. We shop twice a year and pick out easy things for her to throw on with no thought!

What is one item that you have to have in your bag at all times?

LF: A gavel, always! And a good lipstick. I’ve found there’s no point in putting it on until right before I walk into an event — Jones Road has the best lipstick around.