Audrey Smaltz with Alina Mitchell

Audrey Lavinia Smaltz was born and raised in Harlem and began her career as a model and salesperson at Bloomingdale’s before moving to Lane Bryant Clothing and Ebony Fashion Fair as a commentator and fashion editor. In 1977, Smaltz established Ground Crew, a backstage management group staffing fashion shows for Vera Wang, Giorgio Armani, Betsey Johnson, Oscar de la Renta, Bill Blass, Alice Roi, Michael Kors, Luca Luca, Nanette Lepore, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, and Ralph Rucci. Smaltz has also worked with corporations like Nike, Vogue, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and J. Crew. She lives in Delaware.

Alina Mitchell is a literary agent, author, instructional designer, and adjunct professor. Her genuine love and passion for empowering young people through extraordinary opportunities has led her to serve in many positions including former Associate Director of Academic Innovation & Technology, K-12 Principal, and STEM/STEAM Program Director. She holds a BA in English/ Professional Writing and a Minor in Business Management and a MA in Secondary Education/English. Her debut book, The Color of Beauty: The Life and Work of New York Fashion Icon Ophelia DeVore is a tribute to her aunt, a pioneer for minorities in the fashion industry. Her upcoming book, a memoir co-authored with the legendary fashionista and business-woman Audrey Smaltz entitled Every Inch A Lady: My Amazing Journey from Dear Harlem to Haute Couture and Beyond, will be coming to bookstores near you in Summer 2026. Some of her hobbies include writing, playing tennis, scuba diving, virtual reality, and volunteering.