Stephanie Winston Wolkoff


Stephanie Winston Wolkoff is an American fashion and entertainment executive and former senior advisor to First Lady of the United States, Melania Trump. Prior to her role in politics, she produced various notable events in New York City, including the Met Gala, and later worked as the founding fashion director for Lincoln Center and facilitated the expansion of its Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Early life

Wolkoff was born to parents Barbara and Barry Batinkoff and raised in the Catskills. Wolkoff is the sister of actor Randall Batinkoff. After her parents’ divorce, she was adopted by her mother's second husband, Bruce Winston, the son of jeweler Harry Winston. She attended Fordham University where she played NCAA Division I basketball as a power forward before transferring to Loyola University in New Orleans where she graduated with a degree in Communications.

Career

Her first job was as a receptionist for Sotheby's, and she later worked as an assistant to New York concert promoter, Ron Delsener. In 1996, Wolkoff started working for Vogue as a public relations manager, where helped organize events such as the VH1 Fashion Awards and the Met Gala. After briefly resigning in 2010, she was re-hired by Anna Wintour, who installed Wolkoff as fashion director for New York Fashion Week.

Role in the Trump administration

In December 2016, Wolkoff created an event planning firm, WIS Media Partners, which was instrumental in organizing the Inauguration of Donald Trump in January 2017. Wolkoff's firm was paid $26 million for their services.
In early 2017, Wolkoff was named a senior advisor to first lady Melania Trump. Melania Trump cut ties with Stephanie Winston Wolkoff on February 26, 2018.

Personal life

Wolkoff met her husband, David Wolkoff, in 1996. They have three children.