Updated April 1, 2026: When AGEIST first spoke with Rory Jevis in 2023, she was a fashion/beauty industry veteran holding an editorial position in the fashion/beauty industry. W, Harper’s Bazaar, Mirabella and Perch, then current executive director of MAC Cosmetics. She was also a talented and passionate painter, living in her New York home and studio with her faithful companion, poodle Elsa.
We spoke to Rory, now 68, about a big change in her life.
The last time we spoke to him was in October 2023. How has your daily life changed since then?
Well, I’m a full-time artist now, so I spend my days creating in the studio. And my poodle, Elsa, recently passed away. Therefore, life is very different without her. We were inseparable for 14 precious years. But I’ll wake up early and leave. It helps if you stay busy.
I am so sorry to hear of Elsa’s death. What advice would you give to someone grieving the death of a pet?
I just hold her in my heart and mind because I know life is forever. I’m grateful for every moment we shared, but I miss her so much. It helps to work in a studio because I can lose myself when I’m creating. It’s very meditative.
What did you like most about Elsa?Her complete unconditional support and love, and sense of humor. We matched every day. I loved finding the perfect ribbon to match what I was wearing. We entertained ourselves and others. I miss holding her. I miss her kisses. I miss everything about her. My world changed forever.
What is your fitness routine?
I wake up early and do some physical exercise, doing 30 to 45 minutes of light exercise. My lower back hurts so I’m trying to stay strong and healthy. Therefore, exercising every morning is non-negotiable. I also swim in the building’s pool several days a week. I also practice there.
What is your Sunday ritual?
Sunday night is quiet. I try to find some calm time to start my week, whether it’s listening to a book or taking a bath.
Even after October 2023, the fashion and media industries will continue to undergo significant changes. What has surprised you most about how things have evolved in these areas?
It has become less emotional and very corporate, which is what beauty and fashion really is and tells its story. Honestly, it’s soulless. In a way, I feel like your magazine and certain other spaces embrace something unique, a character. But a lot of things have become very homogenized.
Original story from October 2023 continues below…
Just own it. If ever there was a perfect mantra for Rory Jevis, this might be it. Just own who you are. Let us respect that we have become fully human. She is a long-time beauty professional and currently serves as Executive Director and Creative at MAC Cosmetics, where she has worked for 14 years. She is also a veteran fashion magazine editor. W, Bazaar, Mirabella and taxi. If that wasn’t enough, she’s also a great painter, which is what brought her to our attention.
Her portraits are explorations of character and truth, brought to life by an uncompromising vision. The current tyranny of social media is nowhere to be found in timeless perfection. These are images of life experiences, reminding us of a time when youthful perfection was not a requirement. There is a strength to her work, a welcome intensity of personality that she brings to the canvas. Therein lies a fascinating juxtaposition of her worlds. On the one hand, there is longevity at the highest levels of the fashion and beauty industry, and on the other hand, there is longevity at the highest levels of the fashion and beauty industry. On the other hand, those who insist on revealing a world centered on the enduring power of humanity. The contradiction between unattainable and ultimately inhuman standards and something far more permanent and human in a realm that has long been known as fickle and temporary. This can be considered a sign of the wisdom of someone who has two very different worldviews at the same time and is good at both.
It should also be noted that Rory is not an invisible shadow in the public eye. Her personal style is as uncompromising as her work. Picture Diana Vreeland in 2023. Images of her out and about remind us that dressing well doesn’t mean being a slave to the fashion of the moment. Personal style is more than just a trend; it can be a powerful expression of one’s worldview.
how old are you?
66.
You are a longtime New Yorker. How do you feel about living in New York at your age?
I was born here. I love New York and even though New York has changed over the years, I will always be here. Now that I’m older, I also love talking to and listening to older people I met when I was younger, so I hope I can be like that for the younger generation…
You hold a senior position at MAC Cosmetics. Beauty and age are difficult topics for the industry. What do you think about that?
I agree; the world generally adores filtered, painted, and blurred faces. I love looking good, but I also love a face that shows life and age. I feel like we’re trying to inspire in the workplace that we’re not invisible and we have the money and loyalty to buy our products. Not because of the unboxing moment or the post, but because it makes me feel good and when I do, I’ll buy it again.
“I love looking good, but I also love faces that show life and age.”
What advice would you give to women our age when it comes to makeup?
My makeup advice… I value my character so I don’t like to cover up or cover up with makeup. Sometimes I’ll just put on moisturizer and a bit of lipstick, but other days I’ll be a little more dramatic and just put on eyeliner. I think I follow the rule of beauty, which is to have fun in your own way and not set any rules.
What is it like working with a young team? What are they learning from you and what are you learning from them?
I love working with young teams and hearing about what inspires them, but I also love being an inspiration to them. Fun story: I taught myself how to use AI at work. I do visual concept presentations and I have to say I’m pretty skilled at it. So now all the 20-, 30-year-olds come to this old lady to learn how to do it.
For some women, age equates to invisibility. What do you think about that? Do you have any advice?
It’s a two-way street. In a way, I like to peek into the invisible, but on the other hand, in certain situations I want to feel seen, heard, and not ignored.
“I’ve worked for some amazing magazines, created worlds and stories, and made dreams come true.”
Having worked for some of the great magazines of the time, what do you think is the role of magazines today?
Oh, that’s a sad situation. I always loved the luxury of getting a stack of magazines and devouring them, dreaming, loving the images, spending time reading the articles. Store for decades. Photography is a big part of my life and in some ways it’s what made me who I am…I miss real magazines. I’ve worked for some amazing magazines, created worlds and stories, and made dreams come true. It was the most magical time.
Please tell me how you became a painter.
I started doing art when I was a kid and basically never stopped. I do something every day – paint, sculpt, take photos, or draw on my iPad. You have to do something creative every day. It is my existence.
What is your creative process?
it depends. Lately, I’ve been studying on my iPad and playing around with what I want to draw on my iPad before I start drawing in earnest. But that really changes. Some may be very verbal, while others may require more time and detail.
How do you schedule your time between your daily work and your art activities?
Well, I have to be in the office three days a week, so I try to go to the studio as much as possible on the other days. But I also do art at home, so like I said, I’m always doing some kind of art. It keeps me somewhat sane.
“I need to do something creative every day. That’s who I am.”
Do you have a particular environment where you go to paint?
I’ve been running a studio on and off for decades. Sometimes I don’t do that and only work from home. It’s a one-bedroom apartment in New York, so it’s a bit of a hassle. So I recently rented a studio again and made it my own place to work.
How do you decide on the subject? What kind of relationship do you have with them?
I do both commissions and my own imagination. The subjects I love are mainly figurative objects and portraits. I love faces, emotions. I love people who have a soulful look and have a story on their face.
Please tell us about your poodle. It seems like the two of you are inseparable.
Elsa. She is my soul and my life. We met 12 years ago. She was a rescue, but she really saved me. She is almost 13 years old. we will never be apart. She’s smart, kind, and funny. And obviously very beautiful. We match every day. I have a matching ribbon in her hair to match what I’m wearing. It’s just something we do to entertain ourselves and others.
We are all at an age where we might be caring for our families. If you don’t mind, how are you coping emotionally and with your schedule?
I’m always worried. My mother is 90 years old and I have a brother with mental and physical challenges, so I always feel like I have to be responsible. In order to be there for them, I need to work and maintain my health and fitness. I talk and email with my mom all day, and we read together at night. She’s in her apartment and I’m in mine, but this is our book club. I also see her as often as possible. She lives in Queens, so it’s not that far away.
Looking at your images gives me a Diana Vreeland vibe. Who do you think is your favorite style icon?
I have always loved women like Georgia O’Keeffe, Jane Goodall, Katharine Hepburn, Audrey Hepburn, and of course Princess Diana. A real woman, real, strong, indomitable, unforgettable.
What inspires you?
Humanity.
What kind of music do you listen to?
I live in a 1920s building. I always listen to music from the 20’s or 30’s. I love to imagine myself living in an apartment.
What is your beauty/skincare routine?
I’m pretty basic and use shea butter and lipstick.
Do you have any exercise or fitness activities that you enjoy?
I majored in physics when I was younger and was very athletic. In the past, people used to ride horses and run. But unfortunately I don’t do either anymore because I have serious problems with my spine. I still dream about horseback riding every day. I love horses. However, I do daily somatic or Feldenkrais exercises and also do some mat Pilates at home. I try to walk and swim as much as I can.
what are you eating? Do you want to cook?
I eat the same thing almost every day. I don’t cook. I live alone and keep my meals simple: salad, hummus, and fish.
What are the three non-negotiables in your life?
My family, Elsa, and art always come first.
Connect with Rory:
Website
Instagram
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