Fashion’s Best Kept Secret: It’s All About the People
When I first started dreaming about fashion, I imagined myself as a version of Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada. She was chic, powerful, and effortlessly commanding—someone who walked into a room and made everyone sit up a little straighter. Back then, I thought success meant being untouchable, the one everyone looked up to with awe (and maybe a little fear).
But as I found my footing in the industry, I realised something surprising: the real power isn’t in intimidation; it’s in connection. Fashion is a small world—a tiny, tight-knit community where your reputation precedes you. The relationships you build aren’t just important—they’re everything.
I learned this lesson early on, and not in some dramatic, movie-worthy way. It was a simple moment. I was working with a supplier on a collection, and things weren’t going smoothly. I was frustrated and feeling the pressure of deadlines, but instead of letting the stress take over, I decided to have a proper conversation. I sat down, shared my vision, listened to their challenges, and together, we found a solution. It wasn’t groundbreaking, but it was a turning point for me.
From that day, I realised the people you work with aren’t just cogs in the machine. They’re collaborators. They’re part of the creative process, and treating them with respect, curiosity, and kindness makes all the difference. Suppliers, colleagues, mentors—they’re the ones who help you turn a rough sketch into something real and extraordinary.
Over the years, those relationships have become the highlight of my career. Some of my old bosses are now friends and some of my colleagues are people I know I’ll keep in my life forever. I’ve seen how much smoother things run when you create an environment where people feel valued. And let me tell you, when you build a reputation as someone who’s kind and reliable, people will go out of their way to support you.
Fashion isn’t just about the clothes—it’s about the people behind them. It’s about collaboration. Whether it’s brainstorming a new collection, pitching an idea, or problem-solving in the eleventh hour, success always comes down to teamwork. And let’s be honest—working together is a lot easier (and more fun) when there’s mutual respect in the room.
That doesn’t mean everything is sunshine and rainbows. The industry can be tough, competitive, and sometimes overwhelming. But I’ve learned that being kind doesn’t mean being a pushover. It means being someone people can trust. Someone who brings value, listens, and makes others feel heard.
Now, I look at the connections I’ve built with so much gratitude. They’ve shaped me, challenged me, and inspired me in ways I didn’t expect. And while I once aspired to be like Miranda Priestly, I’ve found a different role model along the way.
These days, I want to be more like Diane von Fürstenberg—a woman who’s not just a designer but a leader, a visionary, and someone who empowers the people around her. I want to create an environment where my team feels inspired, supported, and comfortable enough to shine. Because at the end of the day, fashion is about more than just the product—it’s about the people who make it all happen.
