Interview with Constance White Following is an interview with Constance White, Style Director at eBay, and a supporter of the American Legacy Foundation. Q. How did you become involved with Legacy? Liz Kaplow of Kaplow Communications in New York City turned me on to the work the American Legacy Foundation is doing. What resonated with me in particular was the outreach to young women to urge them to quit smoking or better yet—never start. Q. Do you have any personal connection to the issue of smoking and tobacco-related illness? Both my Dad and Mum smoked. My Dad died of bone cancer and though we had no official word on it, I have no doubt it was due to his smoking. I and my siblings struggled with asthma and I believe it was brought on or aggravated by my parents smoking. Thankfully, my mother quit many years ago. Q. Do you feel that the fashion and beauty industries glamorize smoking? We do glamorize smoking. Models—the epitome of glamour and good looks—are seen lighting up, and that has a big influence. Editorial spreads that show smoking glorify it to the extent that we are saying "this looks cool" or "this looks beautiful." We're not showing the yellow teeth, the bad breath, or the cancer you can all get as a result of smoking. Q. You've been assisting Legacy in identifying new opportunities for fundraising. In your experience, how can Legacy use the power and influence of the fashion and beauty industries to support the organization? The biggest way that the fashion and beauty industries can make an impact is through editorials and advertising. It's not preachy to show a beautiful spread where there's a message about not smoking but also—just as powerful—a message about how ugly or uncool smoking can be. In addition, there's an opportunity to reach baby-boomer women—who are spending record amounts on looking their best after ages 35 or 45—with the message that both smoking and secondhand smoke can drastically age you. Q. Did you ever smoke? If so, when did you quit and what motivated you to do so? I never smoked cigarettes (for reasons I won't get into here!). But I did try one—maybe, two. Q. What advice would you give to people in the fashion and beauty industries as well as media who are feeling pressured into smoking? Social pressure to smoke is real and hard to resist. The best advice I would give is to try something else. A lot of models knit. Some people chew gum. Some read palms. It's the urge to do something with your hands. And remember most smokers don't want to be smoking, so the pressure you're feeling may be coming more from within than due to any external influences.