Written by The Strategy
These past few days have been a whirlwind of New York adventures in the midst of Fashion Week. Separate from the big name shows and obvious street style mayhem, the world of buyers and showrooms is equally if not more busy. Luckily for us, we got to see a whole day from the view of the incomparable Jill Heller.
“Each season, I work directly with top brands to present our customers a well curated selection of beautiful pieces from American and European designer collections; all carefully edited and presented at my studio.”
What is a typical morning during NYFW look like for you?
I often prepare my daily itinerary the night before, so I can start each day with a simple cup of chai tea. I then head directly to my first appointment. Meetings are scheduled from 10AM to 5PM, allocating at least one you for each collection. Others take a bit longer, especially European brands that open the collection in New York and close fairly quickly thereafter.
“There is a beauty in tapping into each designers point of view, each season gives me a fresh perspective; the fashion world permits me to live in an endless stream of creativity and beauty that never ceases to amaze me.”
Do you have a go-to outfit for when you are in a rush to get to showroom appointments?
My personal sense of style is clean, fresh and easy-going. I love to experiment with layering pieces and unique color pallets. I’m rarely seen without a scarf! A camisole, a white shirt and black blazer, paired with denim and black low-heeled booties, are the perfect answer to fashion week in a hurry.
What snacks do you carry in your bag?
A baggie of mixed nuts and dried fruit, and water.
What is your favourite place for a quick bite in NYC?
Since I’m typically on the go, I like to make a quick stop at Le Pain Quotidian for a healthy salad, and a cup of coffee.
Do you have any favourite designers that never fail to impress?
Each season brings a new excitement to us; A new palette of styles, colors and materials that have taken shape into timeless pieces of quality. Because we collaborate closely with fashion designers whose work is at the forefront of contemporary luxury and sustainability, we continually offer the latest in designs and innovations from American and European collections. A few of my favourites are Maiyet, M.Patmos, Vanessa Bruno, Voz and Smythe.
How do you de-stress at the end of a hectic day?
I am a certified pilates instructor and am currently teaching private pilates sessions by private appointment. When I sit down on my mat and begin the pilates breathing exercises, I immediately tap into a place of relaxation and a feeling of joy that expresses itself through movement, music and breathing. My energies unwind and relax, and I feel both calm and centered.
“Fashion buyers plan an enormously important role in the success of a retail company. They are responsible for interpreting the trends of seasonal fashion by constantly being in contact with the market. The selection of styles is done in conformance with planned assortment requirements, unit and size breakdown requirements, quality and finish. Fashion buyers must understand the market and contribute to the overall buying strategy in financial, styling and distribution terms. Fashion buyers must be imaginative, creative, perceptive, and objective people. They need to be self-assured, persuasive and prepared to take risks. They also have to negotiate and make sound decisions. They must have sound judgement and be good planners and organizers.”
Do you have any advice for a fashion-newbie trying to attend NYFW?
Fashion week can be exhilarating, but it can also be exhausting. Trade shows open and buyers have just 4 days to get to all of them. It is important to maintain your balance with adequate rest at the end of each day, so you can begin a new day with a fresh perspective.
For a newbie fashion buyer: Do not place orders at the showroom or trade shows. Take great notes and photographs, bring them back to your office to carefully plan your assortments. Writing orders at trade shows can contribute to mistakes and poor planning. Take some time away from the chaos of the city and plan your assortment when you are back at your office desk or at home.
Creating the work you love takes time, passion and determination! Enjoy the journey!
