From Consultant to Cult Blog: The Holier Than Now Story with Ann Colville Somma
Ann
Colville
Somma
Holier Than Now · Rhinestones: a five-under-$5 round up · Early Antakly Projects archive
A branding and product development consultant by day, and by night the curator of a visual universe built around rhinestones, Garance Doré, and the conviction that a clear creative voice is what separates the classics from the noise. We sat down with Ann Colville Somma, the creative force behind Holier Than Now.
"One of my first 'investment purchases' was $68 — a vintage rhinestone collar that is still one of my most precious items."
How and why did you start Holier Than Now?
I took a hiatus from my professional work when my son was born, but I was keen to keep my head in the game. I started the blog on Blogger as a way to capture my thoughts on trends. About a year later, I decided to step it up. I wanted to create a visually stimulating place that not only captured inspiration but also curated affordable, vintage, and one-of-a-kind pieces to bring looks to life.
Who are your greatest inspirations or influences?
My biggest influence is girls and women aged 12 to 35. Everything I do is about the way people think as a group — I love observing platforms like We Heart It and Twitter, other blogs, and just people on the street. I'm inspired by emerging patterns and that cultural moment when everyone gets on the same page about something.
On a more personal level, Garance Doré has a professional lifestyle I deeply admire, and Kelly Cutrone taught me a lot about the industry.
What are your favourite designers and brands?
On a pure design level, I love Prada and Lanvin for their masterful mixture of classic elegance and high art. From a brand strategy perspective, I have immense respect for Marc Jacobs, although his clothes don't always suit me personally.
As for young designers, the collections from Rachel Comey and Mara Hoffman always tell a compelling and cohesive story. And in real life? I buy a lot of Theory, Urban Outfitters, and Love 21.
"In real life? I buy a lot of Theory, Urban Outfitters, and Love 21."
What are the biggest challenges of what you do?
Professionally, as a consultant, I am always challenged by clients who ask for the moon and stars on very aggressive deadlines — but honestly, that's also why I love what I do. It keeps me sharp.
As a blogger, my biggest challenge is my own impossibly high standards. I obsess over tiny details that no one would ever notice, like perfectly replicating the font on a vintage Kodak negative I'm using in a collage.
What tips would you give to anyone thinking about starting their own blog?
Try to think about how your blog is or can be different from everything else out there, and then stick to that vision.
How do you think blogs manage to stay popular with so much competition?
I think a clear, unique creative voice is absolutely essential, even if that voice is expressed visually rather than through writing. I also believe the explosion of blogs over the past few years hasn't really hurt the pioneers. Sites like Fashion Toast and Knightcat will always be popular — they've become the classic, trusted names. The Coca-Cola of blogs.
"Just a huge thank you for your kind words about the blog — and thanks to everyone who reads it. You guys are the reason I stay up super late at night staring at my computer!"
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