Question Time: Trish Halpin, editor of 'In Style' magazine

Work: editor of 'In Style' since 2006 after seven years in charge of 'Red'. Editor of the Year in 2003 and 2005

Life: lives in south-west London with photographer husband Neil Cooper and twins Esmé and Kit

Balance: the odd swim and yoga class; patron of the children's charity Rainbow Trust

In Style unveiled a new look last week. Why?

We carried out extensive research with our readers this summer. The new issue gives them more fashion features, advice and another shopping section to showcase even more product – in particular, shoes.

Which other style magazines do you admire?

Vogue – both US and UK – and W have fantastic fashion shoots. The Times's Luxx is also one to watch.

Who throws the best fashion week parties?

Sadly, with the twins I don't make it to many parties, but I did enjoy a very chic dinner hosted by Angela Missoni in her Milan apartment.

What was your first break?

Landing a job at a small contract publishing company called TMP. Then in 1994 Marie O'Riordan, now editor of Marie Claire, recruited me as production editor on more!. And so began three years of "Position of the fortnight" and "Phwoartastic hunks"!

Any jobs you would rather forget about?

A short-lived stint on LA News – that's Local Authority not Hollywood.

Who would you most like to work with?

I'd love to be a fly on the wall to see how other editors do it – in particular Carine Roitfeld at French Vogue and Graydon Carter at Vanity Fair.

What aspect of editing a magazine do you most enjoy?

The actual editing bit, because as an editor you have to be very involved with marketing, advertising and PR-ing your brand.

What is the most difficult part to pull off ?

Every cover, every month. It takes a huge amount of time, energy and schmooze to secure each celebrity. And until they turn up and agree to wear the clothes you can never relax.

What is your dream job?

I'm doing it. But I quite fancy being a script editor on Coronation Street.

Your desert island media?

Radio 4 – I could while away whole days listening to Today, Woman's Hour, Front Row, The News Quiz, Just a Minute and The Archers. For a fashion fix, instyle.co.uk and the Saturday Guardian.