In Which Kate Lanphear Talks About Her Next Move After Elle

Last night, denim brand Cult of Individuality hosted “EXHIBIT: 1,” which featured collaged homages to fashion editors and personalities, like Nylon's Dani Stahl, Interview's Miguel Enamorado, and Marie Claire's Zanna Roberts Rassi. Strangely, because this project started prior to the announcement, the editor portraits included a picture of Kate Lanphear — street-style phenom, awesome lady-about-town, and, until this Friday, the style director of Elle magazine.

When rumor emerged that Kate Lanphear was departing her position for unknown waters, the news felt like it was coming out of the blue. Not only is she one of the more recognizable media personas, but she has come to exemplify downtown style, with her blunt bob, sky-high shoes, and penchant for black and studs — her edgy influence at Elle changed the publication. "For me," she explained, "Commercial has never been a dirty word. (Elle) kept me out of my comfort zone. Which is why, as a stylist, I always stay away from skulls and spikes!"

With the editorial bent of the exhibition, we felt emboldened to ask Lanphear some serious questions about what was next for her. Though she was tight-lipped about names and dates, she let us know a couple of things: Yes, she is indeed going somewhere. Her move will be "surprising," because she likes to do the unexpected. She doesn't have a start date yet, but the offer has been accepted. As for her last day at Elle, which is tomorrow, leaving is certainly "bittersweet."

Maybe it's because Lanphear always felt like a punk-rock pioneer inside of a larger corporation, but her next move is endlessly intriguing. So, let's take a few guesses: Some have suggested that Kate might go to West Coast e-commerce hit Nasty Gal (whose edgy editorials might be a fun place for the leather-clad stylist), while the just-announced Net-A-Porter publication would tap into Kate's experience with luxury. Just because swapping publications seems to be activity du jour, some R29ers guess Vogue. Or, given the hype surrounding the launch and the high-profile talent, maybe Carine has tapped her for CR Fashion Book?

Either way, wherever Kate goes, we will certainly follow.