What is the best part of being the Editor of Drapers?
Drapers is a fantastic brand that supports and informs the fashion industry. As Drapers turns 130 next year, I am so proud to be the editor leading an extremely talented and passionate team producing content and events for an innovative and creative industry.
Fashion is such a great industry to be part of and in my role as editor I get to meet some of the most creative and inspiring business leaders in the UK.
Part of your role is organising all Drapers events, what’s your biggest tip for running these kind of big-scale fashion extravaganzas?
Get a fantastic team behind you! Drapers has a strong team of conference and events producers that are exceptional at organising events and manage everything from initial invites to scheduling and final production.
Drapers Forum events (Drapers Fashion Forum/Drapers Digital Forum/Drapers Operations Forum) have attracted key industry leaders to speak and share their knowledge and experience. Content wise, as with anything we do in the magazine or online, our events should look at the topics that matter most to the industry and give them the information that allows the audience to stay ahead of the trends and prepare for the future.
In terms of our awards events, it’s so important to celebrate excellence in the industry (especially when in challenging times) and these events allow those in the fashion industry to network and celebrate success.
In your opinion, has the rise of online shopping had a positive or negative impact on the fashion industry?
Digital has brought a range of new shopping opportunities and fashion retailers and brands can use this channel to reach an entirely new audience. It does come with its own unique challenges and it’s important for businesses to hire the right expertise to manage these channels.
Fashion retailers such as Asos, Net a Porter, Boohoo and Missguided are proving how successful the online channel can be for fashion and consumers are now more than happy to buy online.
Looking forward, fashion retailers are now investigating how they can maximise the potential of mobile as a shopping channel as well as personalising experiences for their customers to keep a competitive edge.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to launch their own fashion label or boutique?
This industry is tough and it requires a mix of hard work, passion and a little luck to make a success of it. I would advise anyone starting out to network as much as possible – the industry is very supportive and those that have achieved success are more often than not happy to pass on what they have learnt along the way.
What is your favourite way to relax once an issue is completed?
Usually by taking the team for a drink in a local Shoreditch pub!
What has been your proudest career moment so far?
There have been so many fantastic moments in my 11 years at Drapers. From introducing new events such as the Drapers Digital Awards and The Drapers Operations Forum to launching Drapers first ever website (and relaunching another 3 times since!).
I’ve also had the pleasure to meet and interview some truly inspiring people in the fashion industry from legends to innovative leaders to those attending Drapers Next Generation event who are in their first and second jobs but already so passionate about what they do and the industry they work in.
What can subscribers expect from future issues? Why subscribe?
Drapers is the heart of fashion business. It helps businesses future proof in an industry currently in transition experiencing disruption & change.
It is the unifying voice of multiples, independents & brands who want to grow and evolve in a changing market.
As well as breaking the latest industry news, Drapers aims to look in depth at the issues that matter most to the industry. This currently includes changing business models, product innovation and future trends as well as innovation in technology and the future shopper. And of course, international markets and driving expansion & success globally.
By subscribing to Drapers, industry insiders can get a unique insight into the industry, learn from best practice and be inspired by the latest industry innovation. It’s a no brainer for anyone working in fashion.
If you have dreams of working in the fashion industry at any level, subscribe to Drapers.