There are a growing number of fabulous, independently successful women in New
There are a growing number of fabulous, independently successful women in New York such as fashion designer Georgina Chapman and stocks specialist Suzanne Ircha, play a “supporting role” to their Masters of the Universe spouses.
How could a trophy wife tribute be complete without an Asian woman? Meet Julie Lin.
Julie Lin, 34, and married to an investment banker, calls herself a “Trophy Wife 2.0.” She is glad to stay in the wings while her power-broker husband takes center stage. In January 2012, she quit her top marketing job to become a writer and homemaker. It was a move that raised eyebrows among friends — especially since she and her husband (who asked to remain anonymous in The Post for professional reasons) have decided to not have children.
“It was soon after our wedding, and we were having dinner with friends who asked me what I was going to do with my time,” recalls Lin. “I said: ‘I’m going to be a trophy wife,’ and everyone thought it was hilarious.
“I took a step back and thought: ‘What’s so wrong with that?’ My husband says it’s associated with a lot of negative connotations — the Anna Nicole Smith thing — but I don’t think so when I think of modern trophy wives like Linda E. Johnson [dating cosmetics heir Leonard Lauder] and Tamiko Bolton [who married billionaire financier George Soros in the Hamptons last Saturday].”
“They’ve shattered the myth of the bimbo with the designer handbag, because they are educated, worldly and ambitious. They’re role models,” continues Lin.
When she’s not researching and writing her blog, which has the tongue-in-cheek title of LifeOfATrophyWife.com, Lin keeps up with current affairs and what’s happening in the stock markets, so she can hold her own with her husband’s co-workers and bosses.
“I find the finance industry really boring, but I always keep on top of things,” she says.
“It’s something which he loves, so I have to maintain an interest.
“We spent a long weekend this summer in the Hamptons at the home of one of the senior partners. I couldn’t be this wallflower sitting cowering in the corner. I have to be able to socialize and work with my husband in furthering his career by being charming and personable.”
According to Lin, who has two master’s degrees, one of the most important requirements of a trophy wife is being happy with your own company. “I am definitely alone a lot of the time because my husband works such long hours,” she says. “Even on weekends and vacations, he is working. But I know he is doing it for me, too, and we’re getting towards a mutual goal.”
Another consideration is looking the part. “I’m Asian, and actually a size 8, so the haters [on Lin’s blog] will say things like: ‘Who do you think you are? You’re too fat to be a trophy wife! You’re not blond and skinny,’ but I love my body and work incredibly hard to keep in shape,” says Lin. “It’s all about looking after yourself and putting yourself together properly and supporting your husband.
“Before we went to the Hamptons, I went on a shopping spree and tried on all my outfits in front of my husband. I was like: ‘Is it too booby?’ or ‘Is it not booby enough?’ He was very honest with his feedback, and I’m the same way when he asks my advice.”
Sorry but that has to get BOOOORRRRINNNG after about 6 months!
Read more about some other ‘non-Asian’ trophy wives at nypost.com