Made My Way

From Fashion to Fine Art: Tracey Lomrantz Lester on Leading Macklowe Gallery and Building a Career Across Business, Creativity, and Culture


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This week on Made My Way, we’re beyond excited to welcome Tracey Lomrantz Lester, a trailblazing leader in both the business and art worlds. Currently serving as the Chief Operating Officer of Macklowe Gallery, Tracey oversees operations at the world’s premier destination for museum-quality Twentieth Century Decorative Arts. Macklowe Gallery has a long-standing reputation for curating and supplying unparalleled decorative works of art to enhance significant public, private, and corporate collections. Institutions of the highest caliber, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Denver Museum, and the Australian National Gallery, have all benefited from Macklowe Gallery’s extraordinary offerings.
Tracey’s dynamic leadership ensures the gallery continues to set the standard in the art world, connecting collectors and enthusiasts with pieces that tell timeless stories. With a commitment to excellence and an eye for extraordinary artistry, she plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the historical significance of decorative arts and their relevance in today’s cultural narrative.
But Tracey’s professional journey doesn’t stop there—her expertise extends well beyond the art world. Before joining Macklowe Gallery, Tracey cultivated a thriving career in fashion and media, leaving her mark on some of the most influential brands and publications in the industry. She held key roles at Gilt and Intermix, where her insights drove innovation in luxury retail. Her editorial prowess was honed through positions at Style.com, Elle, and Glamour magazine, where she showcased her talent for storytelling and her deep understanding of fashion’s intersection with culture.
In this episode, we delve into Tracey’s multifaceted career journey, exploring how she transitioned from the fast-paced world of fashion to the refined elegance of decorative arts. Discover her strategies for navigating the challenges of being a leader in male-dominated industries, her insights on the business of art and its impact on culture, and how she combines her passion for style, creativity, and business into a singular vision of success.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative professional, or someone seeking inspiration to pursue a career that bridges art, fashion, and business, this conversation offers invaluable insights. Learn how Tracey’s diverse experiences have shaped her unique approach to leadership and how she’s redefining what it means to be a modern-day COO in a rapidly evolving world.
Tune in to hear Tracey’s advice on building resilience, staying adaptable in competitive industries, and finding purpose in a career that spans multiple disciplines. From cultivating a collector’s mindset to fostering innovation in business, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways for anyone looking to break boundaries and make their way in the art, fashion, and entrepreneurial worlds.
Ready to be inspired? Don’t miss this episode of Made My Way—your go-to podcast for conversations with leaders and innovators shaping the future of business, art, fashion, and more.
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Made My WayBy Metta Society