There are very few fairytales that we would recommend to such a savvy group of teens, but then again there are few that mention Tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, and Balthazar on the first page! The Super Adventures of Sophie and the City is a fashion fairy tale for ALL ages. Seriously, who wouldn’t want to spend an afternoon at the Met Ball, going to Fashion Week, and traveling to Egypt, all with a fashion fairy godfather?
Sophie's story is based on the real-life adventures of sophisticated insider and author Kelly Florio Kasouf, which made it extra special since we got a kick peeking into her life with her magnificent Dad. We especially love her live interview on the Super Adventures of Sophie? iPad? App. Kelly and Sophie are ultra chic fashionistas who are also so down to earth that each of them is the kind of BFF every gal needs! So look for her on Twitter @SophieandNYC and read on for some great stories about Kelly's inspiration and top teenage moments!
Daddies and daughters have a special bond... can you share some special memories? I was my dad's mascot! He was a giant teddy bear and could make any moment in life feel like a party and you were center of attention. Fathers and daughters have an instant unconditional love for each other. My dad was my best friend growing up and we always had adventures together from playing in a doll house in the backyard to pretending I was his boss when visiting the office. I remember the first time I saw the Nutcracker with my family. I sat on my dad's lap the majority of the performance because I was too excited to sit alone. It was the whole idea of going in to the city, picking out a pretty dress, wearing a special coat and being a part of a whole night surrounded by a show that took place where the Sugar Plum Fairies danced and pranced. I remember how special I felt when I was all dressed up and my dad said I was "his date." The second time I will never forget the way my dad looked at me like that was my wedding day. He cried when he saw me in my wedding gown for the first time. It was waterworks after that (and four days of partying with 200 of our closest friends!)
Sophie sneaks to the office with her Dad. Was that a fantasy of yours, or a reality? I went to visit my dad all the time at his office. As soon as anyone from our family would step into the office, everyone knew everything what was going on in our lives. From boyfriends to concerts to field trips! The big joke in our family was:? Dad do you talk about business ever or just us! It got embarrassing at times but he couldn't help himself. I remember seeing the Vogue closet for the first time and couldn't imagine a more perfect job. Then I found out what Grace Coddington (Vogue's Creative Director) did and I was hooked.
What part of your Dad's job as the former President and CEO of Condé Nast seemed most glamorous to you? He met the most talented people in every industry and worked with them too. It was the best of the best at Condé Nast. He ran the company like it was a movie studio and all of his employees were the super stars, even down to the mailroom clerks. He made everyone feel like they were a part of something bigger. He would tell stories of cooking with world renowned chefs, Paris Fashion Week, dinners with pals Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren, escorting Princess Diana to an event, the list went on. Hearing his stories of Oscar parties and Met galas was so incredible to hear about but at the end of the day, he wanted to know how my art project was coming along. I didn't truly understand how absolutely glamourous my dad's job was until I was much older, and in the industry.
What was your most memorable exotic trip you took as a child? We went to Italy because my dad was receiving an award from the Italian Government. We made the trip for the award into a vacation. Started off in Rome with tours of the Vatican then ventured down to Positano where we stayed at Le Sirenuse and took private helicopter rides courtesy of the Della Valle family over Pompeii and boat rides on JFK's personal yacht to Capri everyday. It. was. pure. heaven.
Can you tell us about Isaac Mizrahi: is he a friend of yours, what did he think of being the fashion fairy godfather? I met Isaac when I was 15. It was Take Your Daughters to Work day and Anna Wintour took me out to lunch with Isaac. We were sitting at Da Silvano and I remember Isaac asking me about turning 16. As a joke I asked, "Would you help me design a dress?" And he said YES! It was the most amazing experience that I still hold close to my heart. He taught me everything from inspiration, to muslin forms to fabric selection. I loved going to his studio for the fittings. It was amazing to see the form emerge. When thinking back about my childhood, he just seemed like the perfect fashion fairy godfather. Plus he looked amazing in Swarovski-encrusted wings. 
<---Check out this page from Kelly's scrapbook with a younger Isaac Mizrahi and a stunning Sweet 16 dress by him!
Did you have a fabulous sweet 16 party ... can you tell us about it? My sweet 16 was not over the top like you see on TV by any means. It was at the Crescent Club in Bayville, NY and we had great food, a great DJ and awesome friends. Oh yea and a killer dress! :)
You mention McQueen, Chanel, Rodarte, Diane von Furstenberg, Vera Wang and others in the book? How did you choose them among so many fabulous designers? These designers epitomize the art that it is to be a designer. Chanel was a revolutionary and McQueen was a true artist. Rodarte (the Mulleavy sisters) I met when working at Vogue for a CFDA fashion show and their work struck a cord with me. When I saw Black Swan and their amazing tutus, I thought what girl wouldn't want to twirl all day in that confection of beauty! Diane is the American Dream and Vera Wang produces fantasy. They are all amazing and talented and awesome in their own right.
We are pretty sure you know all hot spots in NYC, what places would you recommend for a teenage Sophie? The Standard Hotel for ice skating on their little rink then hot cocoa rink side. I love Chelsea Market to pick up some pastries or hit up Fat Witch bakery for a brownie and a stroll on the Highline. For the best shopping deals, I love the young designers market which just moved to the Meatpacking District. ? You can get everything from photography to jewelry with the best prices. No need to hit up Canal Street for fake designer bags. Support and enjoy emerging talent here!
Do you recall a favorite party dress as a teen... the one that made you feel like a princess? I loved my prom dress senior year. It was navy blue Vera Wang. It was boat neck, sleeveless and cut low in the back. Very Audrey Hepburn. It was my Sabrina moment! The gown was long and in the back it opened with ivory satin. I felt like a tulip. That sounds really lame but I felt really pretty that night and I loved that I set myself apart from the rest of the girls by covering up a bit. Like Coco Chanel said, “the most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.”
Best teen fashion or beauty tip? If I could go back in time and talk to Kelly at 16 I would say, "WASH YOUR FACE BEFORE YOU GO TO BED!" Nothing says gross like blackened eyes the morning after a fun night out!
Do you still go to the Four Seasons for cotton candy and ice cream? Every birthday!
Thanks so much, Kelly, and we can't wait to see what future adventures Sophie takes! Think art deco glamour!