Agenda-setting intelligence, analysis and advice for the global fashion community.
LONDON, United Kingdom — While most of our American friends were prepping for the Thanksgiving holiday, we had an action-packed week here in London, the highlight of which was an in-depth, live conversation with American fashion designer and entrepreneur Tory Burch held on Tuesday evening at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design.
I first met Tory over tea a few years ago and the more I listened to her, the more I became interested in her personal and professional story. Behind her glossy public image at the apex of New York society, I was impressed not only with the approach she had taken to starting her highly successful business (retail, e-commerce and multiple product categories from day one), but also with how she had managed the challenges she faced, including a very public spat with her former husband Chris Burch, who was also a major shareholder in the Tory Burch business. With confidence, grace and honesty, she told me all about it.
Sometimes, when I have these private one-on-one conversations, I realise that so many people could learn from the stories of people like Tory, which was why I was so happy to sit down with her in front of an audience of hundreds of young women and men, many of whom are dreaming of building their own fashion businesses — or already doing it.
If you don't have the time to watch the full 60 minute video, have a look at some of the highlights in the three minute extract above. It may very well spark your interest and inspire you to watch more.
ADVERTISEMENT
In case you missed them, here are some of our top articles from the week gone by:
Science Fiction is Swiftly Becoming Fact
Exponential technologies, from artificial intelligence to digital manufacturing to synthetic biology, are set to "digitise, dematerialise, demonetise and democratise" entire industries, disrupting old business models and giving rise to new breakthroughs, say experts from the Silicon Valley-based Singularity University.
Op-Ed | Fashion Should Take Plus-Sizes Seriously
Ignoring the plus-size fashion market is not only socially backward, it's a missed business opportunity, argues Michael Kaplan.
Reasserting the Role of the Fashion Press
Some fashion PRs are trying to control media coverage more bluntly than ever, says BoF's editor-in-chief Imran Amed.
The Burgeoning Business of Fashion Education
A career in fashion is a more visible and viable option than ever before. As a result, interest in fashion education is booming and a range of institutions, from design colleges to business schools, are seizing the opportunity.
Can Kate Spade Become a $4 Billion Business?
The once sleepy handbag brand Kate Spade New York has grown from $126 million to $750 million in net sales in just five years. Now, the company has set the ambitious long-term goal of becoming a $4 billion brand.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Imran Amed
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
