Lecture on Fashion and Personal Journey

Aug 10, 2024

Fashion and Personal Journey

Introduction and Personal Traits

  • Described as a taste maker: High influence in fashion, noted for hard work and vibrant lifestyle.
  • Beginnings: Started talking at 6 months old, very social and outgoing.
  • High School: Active in student activities, poor grades but highly social and involved in various clubs.

Family Background and Creativity

  • Father: A mix of football player, dentist, and artist; encouraged creativity.
  • Siblings: Significant age gap; father stricter with older siblings, more lenient with the speaker.
  • Encouragement: Leaned into creative pursuits due to less pressure on grades.

Early Fashion Interest

  • Childhood: Early interest in fashion, influenced by TV shows like 'Sex and the City'.
  • Teen Years: Fashion-forward group of friends; frequently visited shopping districts in Los Angeles.
  • First Job: Worked folding clothes starting in eighth grade.

Career Development

  • Parsons School: Studied media and communications before switching to fashion marketing.
  • Move to New York: Realized potential in fashion, coined blog 'Fighting the War Against Blowing It'.
  • Working at Reformation: Started in PR, moved into design, highly successful designs, and deep understanding of the customer.

Career Experience

  • People’s Revolution: Initial experiences in PR, intense work environment but highly rewarding.
  • Working with Kelly Cutrone: Learned critical problem-solving, fast pivoting, and the importance of grit.
  • Reformation: Contributed significantly to brand growth, initiated the #RefBabe and Instagram strategy.

Branching Out

  • Leaving Reformation: Left due to financial non-advocacy, returned later with better terms.
  • Starting LPA: Influenced by a relationship decision; offered a role by Zara and Revolve, chose the latter.
  • Creative Control at Revolve: Revolve’s first in-house brand, LPA; struggled initially with imposter syndrome.

Personal Life and Challenges

  • Relationship with Husband: Husband messaged on Instagram, grew a bond over time, praised for emotional intelligence and respect for women.
  • Family Tragedy: Dealt with multiple family losses, supportive relationship with her husband during tough times.
  • Balancing Creativity and Business: Both spouses highly creative, managing business without extensive marketing strategies.

Current Ventures and Philosophy

  • Home Life and Business: Strong focus on family, husband’s store reflects personal style and collaborative effort.
  • Future Plans: Expanding their brand in a sustainable way, avoiding over-commercialization.
  • Gratitude and Success: Deep gratitude for their journey, focused on creating heritage brands rather than commercial success.

Societal Commentary

  • Dealing with Negativity: Experiences negativity online, emphasizes continuing to share love and joy despite detractors.
  • Social Media Impact: Observations on societal behaviors on social media and their impact on personal lives.
  • Political and Social Views: Stresses the importance of healthy debate and critical thinking, concerned with current societal rigidness.

Conclusion

  • Reflective Thoughts: Analyzing the balance between ambition and personal happiness, valuing the slower, more meaningful growth of their ventures.

Main Takeaways

  • Find joy in desiring things that suit your personal taste and style.
  • Work hard, play hard; find a balance that suits you, and don't shy away from effort and perseverance.
  • Cohesive and mutual support in personal relationships can bolster both personal and professional growth.
  • Handling negativity with grace and focusing on positive vibrations can attract good outcomes.
  • The importance of creativity and authenticity in building a lasting and meaningful brand.