Whitney Marston Pierce is the author of Pretend to Be Fancy: A Field Guide to Style and Sophistication (Chronicle Books, 2026), a witty and insightful exploration of how to live tastefully—on any budget. Blending etiquette, design, relationships, hosting, and a dash of self-deprecating humor, the book reimagines “fancy” as an act of resilience and self-respect rather than wealth or perfection, offering readers a modern guide to cultivating beauty, confidence, and grace in everyday life.
Before becoming an author, Whitney built an international career in music as DJ Whitney Fierce, performing with New Order and as a former member of Hercules & Love Affair. Her eclectic sets have graced global stages and high-fashion events for brands like Dior and Vogue, known for their ability to fuse sophistication, emotion, and dance-floor catharsis.
As the founder and lead designer of Marston Studio in Tribeca, New York, Whitney specializes in crafting eclectic luxury interiors that harmonize classic, contemporary, and artisanal elements. With over twenty years of experience, her keen eye for spatial design, mood, and aesthetic storytelling has made her a sought-after name in the industry.
Whitney’s creative journey began early—she studied at the Orange County School of the Arts (OCSA) before earning a degree in Art History from UCLA. A true polymath, her work and collaborations span fashion, media, and hospitality, encompassing roles as a model, magazine editor, fashion entrepreneur, C suite alum, consultant, and cultural curator.
She splits her time between Tribeca and The Catskills continuing to expand her artistic reach while redefining the intersection of design, culture, and storytelling.