Stellene Volandes is the editor in chief of Town & Country, the oldest continuously published magazine in America. In 2016 she became the second female editor in chief in its 177 year history. Under her leadership, the magazine has continued its tradition of excellence in print and online and has become a leader in coverage of lifestyle, craftsmanship, the arts, travel, and philanthropy. The brand’s unofficial motto is “Live Well, Give Well”. This year, The T&C Philanthropy Summit will celebrate its ten year anniversary. Volandes has been integral to its evolution and success. In 2020 she also became the editorial director of Elle Decor. Before Town & Country she was the style director at Departures magazine. She began her editorial career at Vogue.

 

Born in Brooklyn, New York to John Peter Volandes, of Arna, Laconia, Greece and Marcella Rozakis Volandes of Park Slope, Volandes is a lifelong member of The Cathedral or SS Constantine and Helen Brooklyn and a graduate of its A. Fantis Parochial School. She went on to high school at Poly Prep, then to Vassar College where she majored in English, and then to Columbia University where she received a Master of Arts in English and Comparative Literature.

 

Volandes is the author of two books on jewelry history (Rizzoli) and is recognized globally as an expert on the subject, headlining a series of jewelry lectures at the renowned The 92nd Street Y. She has been awarded the Leadership 100 Prize and The City of Hope Spirit Award and is frequently cited for her vocal support of New York City and the arts. She has been a longtime patron of The Public Theater.

 

“Hard work and humility” are the two greatest gifts her parents and her Greek heritage have awarded her. Humility, because no job is too small, and hard work, because no job is too big either. Like our ancestors who voyaged to a new world, often with nothing but a dream, she believes we must be fearless, or rather, it’s OK to be afraid, but go for it anyway. She is a devoted daughter, sister and sister in law, cousin and friend, and most importantly, aunt to Cayla and Paige. She is “New York or Nowhere” but loves Chicago and visits often.