On December 6, the LIM Fashion Education Foundation presented its final “People in The Know” event of 2022, hosting Kate Spade’s Chief Merchandising Officer Michele Parsons.
Parsons, who previously held leadership roles at brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Club Monaco, and Coach, discussed her experiences with getting out of her comfort zone and shared advice on the best ways to get started in the fashion industry.
She noted that it is always important to come into a company without preconceived notions of how it will run, saying, “No matter how much you learn when you are in a business, you should never approach a new business like the one you were in before.”
Parsons also gave insight into what she looks for when interviewing job candidates.
“I like it when they point out opportunities” she said. “Whether that is a critique of how a website is formatted or an issue they might have with a certain dress assortment, if someone comes in with suggestions for change, it shows that they are passionate about what they want to do. Knowing about what is going on in the industry is equally important – being up to date on industry news, the company’s competition, and exciting new brands and people.”
It is also important to demonstrate clarity about where you would want to start in the company, as a candidate who knows what field or position they want to get into is more likely to be chosen over one who doesn’t know or says they are open.
Parsons closed by talking about the importance of working in a team and cultivating opportunities for mentorship, noting, “It's basically about the relationships with the people you work with.”
