We love getting the low down from the people who are working directly within the Fashion Industry. Emma recently spoke with Louise Jones who was previously working as a Senior Buyer on Homewares for Urban Outfitters and is now a Creative Retail Consultant.
What would you say are the attributes that someone needs, to make it in the fashion industry?
Passion, enthusiasm, energy, ambition- you really have to love fashion, understand it and be prepared to work really hard but there are many rewards including travel and the opportunity to work with some amazing creative people and companies.
How did you get started in the fashion industry? Any advice for beginners?
I was lucky to get a job as a Product Developer at a luxury textiles company after I left university and I then went on to become Design/Brand Manager with that company and the rest as they say is history. My advice would be to get as much work experience as possible, target the companies you really want to work for and attend as many shows/events as you can and network – the more people who know of you in the industry the better. Be prepared to take a temp or intern role in order to get your career started.
What item of clothing or accessory would you save in a fire?
I have a very worn, used and much loved Marc Jacobs Work wear tote bag that has been on many Buying trips, travels and adventures with me, it is just the perfect carry all go wherever bag and certainly doesn’t deserve to burn alive! Also, my equally beloved Red Vintage 80′s Ankle Boots bought many years ago in NYC’S Lower East Side. I like to think Debbie Harry wore them before me.
How did you make the transition from buying into creative consultancy?
I have always been a very creative person and really started out in design and developing product and then from there into Buying but always as a very Creative Buyer and very Design led, Fashion Forward and Trend focused but also with an emphasis on moving the Brand forward. I’ve also worked with some of the best Designers and Retailers so feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with some amazing, talented creative people. Thus, it was a natural move for me that when I started to consult it would be very much at a Creative/Concept/Ideas level and working with Designers/Retailers etc on Creative Direction and Brand/Market strategy.
Where is your favourite place in London for inspiration?
Wow it’s so hard to choose a favourite in London. In my opinion, its still the best city in the world for creativity and inspiration and has such a rich vein of culture. But if I have to choose it’s my beloved East London, Hackney and Shoreditch, where the old and the new collide in an interesting mix of Art, Design, Music, Fashion, Architecture, Food and People. On any day you can just wander through the streets and see such variety and creativity from vintage stores, contemporary design to Indian fabrics and feel totally inspired and your mind full of ideas.
Describe the outfit you have on today and the inspiration behind it….
I’m wearing a cherry red vintage sundress that has an amazing bold maxi graphic bamboo print in white all over. It just oozes happiness and sunshine and is inspired by and evokes many happy memories of my absolute favourite place, Brazil. Tropical Rio de Janeiro via one fabulous dress!
Tags: Advice, Buying, Career, Fashion, Jobs, jobs-fashion, London, Work
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