Megha Kapoor
Head of Editorial - Vogue India
This week I wanted to feature a new friend of mine, Megha Kapoor, Head of Editorial, Vogue India and founder of INPRINT Magazine. I remember sitting with her on a couch of a mutual friend of ours a few weeks back and I felt so captivated by her words. Megha looks you directly in the eye when you’re speaking to her. Megha listens. She’s attentive, and I feel like the art of actually giving a crap about what someone else is saying to you is all too often undermined. It’s important to feel heard. I feel like we can all learn a thing or two from Megha.
At what age did you decide to leave law school and pursue a career in publishing?
I was 23 when I graduated from Melbourne University with an LLB / BA (Hons). I wouldn’t say I pursued a career in publishing - it certainly wasn’t as deliberate or planned as that implies. I knew in my gut I needed to do something I would be really passionate about. I was young, open and unafraid to follow my instincts. I ended up at Vogue India shortly thereafter.
Why did you leave law school?
I’m very proud to say I graduated and with a double degree. It was a tough slog at one of the most prestigious and competitive law schools in this part of the world. I learnt so much that perhaps wasn’t so obvious to me then but has become invaluable in my professional life now. If you can - I would highly encourage anyone that is privileged enough to be able to learn to be a critical thinker to do so.
What was your experience like working for Conde Nast?
It was formative, intense and rewarding on many levels both personal and professional. A baptism by fire if you will!
Why did you create INPRINT Magazine?
A desire to make the images I wanted to make and create my own culture. I was at a crossroads and honestly I was ready to move away from the industry after working for OYSTER Magazine for a couple of years - but I realised I loved the core substance of what I do, it’s part of who I am. INPRINT started out as an extension of me and looking back I wanted to tell more diverse stories and explore the intersectionality of fashion more without being beholden to someone else's agenda.
Will you continue to publish print magazines, or do you want to move to a fully digital model in the future?
For now print is definitely really integral and will continue to be. We aim to create an object to be treasured. It’s not disposable and neither is the content. I feel like we are still in the infancy of our digital journey which I am really excited to keep building on and exploring.
What has been the best career advice you’ve ever received?
It’s not so much advice as it is a learning that I’ve been lucky enough to have reinforced along the way; run your own race - focus yourself on your purpose and goals rather than the noise (there’s a lot of noise) and most of all remember there is room for everyone.
Who has been the most influential person in your life?
I guess it changes as you move through different stages of life. Right now - my Dad. He’s my sounding board, my support and the person I can always turn to for both a balanced and compassionate point of view. I’m very lucky to have that.
What does being comfortable in your skin look like to you?
For me it’s an ongoing journey - kind of a process of shedding of skins in letting go of the largely self-imposed preconceived ideas of what I should be at a certain point in time. I’m still learning to let go, regulate, and accept discomfort and most importantly understand that it’s not a finite thing - it can change day to day and year to year. My skin feels more comfortable now at 35 than it ever has.
What have you struggled with over the last year?
I think certainly as a collective global community we’ve all had to struggle with so much change and uncertainty - the long term effects of which I think we are yet to fully realise. On a personal level, I want be honest and open about the fact that I live with mental illness (depressive anxiety disorder) and have chosen to try and manage this without medication - it’s tough and some days are extremely hard but hopefully the more open we can be about mental health the less alone people will feel.
What are your coping mechanisms?
Therapy, not succumbing to my tendency to go inwards and reaching out and connecting with my friends and family always helps. Exercise - I love walking as a kind of a moving meditation. Wine, food and a good show.
Top five things currently sitting in your shopping cart?
There's a real lockdown / winter / nesting theme here lol:
I want some emerald green tapered candles for my candle stick holders from Fourth St Home - drama for dinner for one.
I definitely need some track pants - leggings are on high rotation and need an alt walking outfit. Liking the look of these Base Range ones from MyChameleon.
Browsing some yummy red grape juice on DRNKS
The whole of the Harris Farms online store it would seem.
Debating which style is the most vital from this very important collaboration between Jill Sander and Birkenstock - leaning towards the Berlin in black.
Skincare products currently in your vanity?
My skin is not great right now - going through some bad hormonal acne on my chin that I’m dealing with. After an amazing facial with Claire at FENN in Sydney I’ve introduced some clean products into the mix too and seeing how I go.
Emma Lewisham Skin reset serum (morning and night)
Augustinus Bader moisturiser and cleanser.
San Ceuticals mask once a week.
Trying not to wear makeup during lockdown - but if I need a bit of coverage my go to this exquisite Sublimage by CHANEL one which doubles as skincare.
Also trying to chug a glass of water with the Beauty Chefs new Deep Collagen powder first thing in the morning too.
What’s next for Megha?
Right now I’m thinking about getting through the next week in lockdown in Sydney. One day at a time.
Images — Supplied by Megha Kapoor
Words — Interview by Liam Sharma
