‘This also comes in black.’
‘We can make the finishing clean if the raw edges are too much.’
‘This is very easy to wear.’
‘This is a staple.’
‘We will be putting a lining underneath so that it isn’t so sheer.’
‘Oh don’t look at that. That’s just a showpiece.’
All these tidbits are things that I’ve remembered from a week’s worth of buying appointments. It all drills into me, the fact that buyers have to be conscientious about what sells. Duh! i.e. Black, easy to wear, clean-edged pieces. What we see on the catwalks is toned down for buyers and as I reach out for someting that is a bit on the daring side, I have to keep on checking myself. I suppose my personal view is that if I was going to splurge on a special designer piece by a British designer with distinctive trademarks/style, why buy the black, cleaned-up and sanitised items? I’m not sure whether to put my views to the side or take the risks that are instinctive to me… (this is afterall Brittique’s money, not mine)… we shall see as I study the line sheets, images and price lists….
I would double check with your boss, but I think they hired you because you dress “quirky” and will pick unusual pieces. Maybe a little of both, some black, but lots of color too. Since starting to read your blog, I have become much more daring with color, pumpkin, dusky purple and dark teal look splendid together thank you! Your taste is why they hired you, go for it Susie!
Good luck….. Im sure you will do a excellent job!!!
Sophia x
I think Sara puts it perfectly…a little of both!
You’re going to get a lot of comments in the next few hours, Susie and they’ll all say much the same thing and they’ll all be true. The fact that Brittique chose you, a woman with risky idiosyncratic style, can only mean that they want clothes that speak to who you are and exemplify your fashion philosophy. I just went to look over Brittique’s stock once more and the high volume of looks from Peter Jensen and especially Basso & Brooke and Cooperative Designs show that they’re well into colour, movement and risk. Listen to your instincts because they’re good and sound and what got you where you are now. I really can’t wait to see what you choose!
Becky.
You have a really natural affinity for interesting design with bold colour. I’m sure Brittique understood this when they hired you. I’d go with my instinct, if I were you. K
Interesting – I hadn’t known the buyers would actually tone down the items that way to sell it. I’d have thought they’d play up how unique the pieces are as opposed to pointing out how easy it is to wear the items…
It’s actually understandable…but is it possible for the buyer to request that certain specific details remain the same between the runway and the store? I’ve always wondered…
And I agree with everyone who says that Brittique would probably expect you to play on the quirky rather than the safe- it’s a good fit for them..