- There's a "new" Elizabeth Holmes in town, at least according to The New York Times.
- She's ditched her signature turtlenecks and wants you to call her Liz.
"Image is Everything" is arguably tennis GOAT Andre Agassi's most popular commercial.
And at least one controversial business figure would certainly agree.
In March 2015, Glamour magazine asked Elizabeth Holmes about her style and ran a story about her called "Meet the $9 Billion Woman: Career Advice From Theranos Founder Elizabeth Holmes." Like many of the headlines about Holmes, it did not age well: The once-lauded CEO has since been found guilty of four fraud-related charges and sentenced to 11 years in prison.
But on the topic of her favorite wardrobe item, Holmes was clear — and consistent.
"My mom had me in black turtlenecks when I was, like, eight. I probably have 150 of these" she told Glamour, adding: "It's my uniform. It makes it easy, because every day you put on the same thing and don't have to think about it — one less thing in your life. All my focus is on the work. I take it so seriously; I'm sure that translates into how I dress," she added.
The Issey Miyake outfit, throaty voice, and red lipstick all became integral parts of the cult of Holmes' persona. Posters of Hulu's "The Dropout" feature Amanda Seyfried as Elizabeth Holmes, clad, of course, in the signature turtleneck look.
But now, the facade of the brilliant businesswoman who revolutionized healthcare has been torn down. Holmes has slithered out of the "character" she says she was playing. And I, for one, am plagued with worry about the future of her beloved fashion accessory.
I fret about the image I'd be projecting into the world should I don a turtleneck and strut down Singapore's Central Business District. Apart from the absurdity of wearing one in 90°F weather, I'd be mortified if someone thought I was either a CEO in the making or worse, a Holmes wannabe.
But my fears seem unfounded.
In a recent podcast with actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus, 76-year-old fashion icon Diane von Furstenberg boldly proclaimed that "everybody needs a black turtleneck" when asked about must-have wardrobe staples.
Von Furstenberg was so enamored with the ensemble that she even rated it higher than a white blouse. Color me shocked.
Deep down, I don't think Homes killed the black turtleneck — not really. But I'm not reaching for one anytime soon, and let's not forget one thing: Steve Jobs did it first.