A New Yorker with roots in El Salvador, Valerie Macaulay is the co-founder of La Ligne, the stripes-obsessed ready-to-wear brand that has risen to cult status. Valerie takes a moment to share the wardrobe staples every woman needs, the cause most near and dear to her heart, and her less is more beauty philosophy.
What is your hometown, and where do you live today?
I grew up in New York and I still live here.
Please tell us a bit about your work and the mission of La Ligne
La Ligne is a stripes and lines obsessed collection that strives to make clothes that are elevated and comfortable enough that a women never has to change through the course of the day. We want to be your uniform.
What are three pieces from La Ligne that every girl needs?
The Marin Sweater, Toujours Sweater and the Fine Line Turtleneck.
La Ligne has been committed to giving back and building awareness this year more than ever. What is a cause or organization close to your hearts that we should learn more about?
We have deepened our relationship with The Lower Eastside Girls Club, an organization providing middle and high school students access to educational programs ensuring the best possible future for their graduates and training the next generation of entrepreneurs.
In a few words, how do you define your approach to beauty?
Less is more.
Your mother is from El Salvador – how did her Latin side shape your beauty philosophy?
My mothers has always had incredible poise whether or not she is wearing lipstick and I think that aspect of being comfortable in your own skin and wearing your confidence is the ultimate beauty takeaway and what I want to pass down to my daughter.
"...I think that aspect of being comfortable in your own skin and wearing your confidence is the ultimate beauty takeaway and what I want to pass down to my daughter."
Any inherited beauty practices you picked up from her, your family, or your roots along the way?
Always be ready to be out the door in fifteen minutes. Nobody wants to be remembered for their vanity.
As the Bookings Editor at Vogue, you were at the heart of the world of models, makeup artists, and photographers. What beauty lessons did you pick up that stayed with you?
Hydration and face masks are now a part of my routine, as is the perfect concealer from Clé de Peau.
What are the highlights of your skincare routine? The products or steps that are non-negotiables?
After a summer of unavoidable sun exposure I use CE Ferulic and Retinol from SkinCeuticals and Dr. Barbara Sturm's Hyaluronic Serum always. And I always use sunscreen, even indoors.
You have the best hair – what is your secret to keeping it so healthy and perennially beachy?
I have a fabulous colorist at Frederic Fekkai and I like to use a sea salt spray like Captain Blankenship's Mermaid Spray for that playa vibe.
Tell us about your favorite beauty destination - spa, store, practitioner?
Face Gym recently opened a location near me and between the facial massage and gua sha sculpting, aging gracefully has never been more relaxing.
You’ve been an avid surfer – how did you get into it? When you can’t get to the beach, what is your second favorite way to stay active?
I originally got into surfing in El Salvador but did not fully embrace it until going to Montauk regularly in 2007, after which I would solely take surf trips and organize entire vacations around surf spots. It is a time-consuming sport so I have not been since having my children. During quarantine I stayed fit with Isaac Boots and Torch's which is still my go-to.
Favorite self-care or mindfulness ritual?
Exercising and reading.
Favorite escape in El Salvador
Lago de Coatepeque
