My “Assisting Opinion”

Robert Rizzolo is an inclusive, transparent, customer-centric merchandising executive with 20+ years of experience in omnichannel retail. His background is in luxury buying, brand and assortment building, financial and merchandise planning, and product development. He has a proven track record of creating strategies that drive revenue growth at some of the world's largest retailers and most prominent fashion houses.  He currently serves as the Chief Merchandising Officer (CMO) for Marc Jacobs, an LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton company. Before joining LVMH, he was the Divisional Vice President of Global Merchandising and Merchandise Planning at Michael Kors for their largest divisions, women's accessories and footwear. He has also held various executive and leadership roles at Gucci, Burberry, Calvin Klein, and Gap, Inc. Most importantly, he is a builder of high-performing teams with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) specializing in Management from Cornell University's SC Johnson College of Business.

In this brief episode, I touch upon some of the abundant mindset mantras and sayings that have guided me on my path to being a fashion industry leader.

Maddy Simpson is a fashion industry creative and an expert visual storyteller. From womenswear and concept design to editorial styling, Maddy brings a unique perspective and sophistication to her work having been at leading American fashion brands including Ralph Lauren and Michael Kors. As a self-described “fine arts school dropout”, she is now re-visiting those roots by going back to what it means to be an “artist” in her terms and utilizing a closet that consists of mostly unwearable vintage treasures. In her spare time, she loves hand-sewing, embroidering (free-style!) and 80’s music. She has lived most her life in NYC and is currently enjoying balancing her time between her creative endeavors and life with her partner, Woody. 

In this short episode, I am very open about one of the pivotal learning lessons I had while at my second job at Forth & Towne (Gap, Inc) and how self-awareness is so important in all areas of one’s life especially in their professional world.

Natalie Budreski has over 15+ years experience in the Fashion Industry beginning with a Business Degree followed by a Fashion Merchandising Degree at FIT. She then pursued several internships to explore different areas of the industry only to fall in love with sales. Growing up in retail, it felt natural and she quickly became passionate, rising to the top as the Vice President of Sales for a leading contemporary brand.

A short and sweet episode in which I dole out my opinions about that first assistant position in the industry.

Amy Rauen is a sustainable fashion and circular design consultant defining the future of fashion. She has spent the last 20 years in the fashion industry building brands for Donna Karan, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Lord & Taylor.  In her last role with the department store group, HBC Hudson’s bay, she was responsible for building $25 million worth of new private label brands.   Using her background in textile innovation, product development, and global supply chains she helps brands solve complex overseas sourcing challenges.  Having expertise in sustainability and circularity she guides fashion and home goods brands looking to effectively increase their responsible business practices, without increasing headcount.  Amy understands the challenges fashion and home goods brands have in navigating their sustainability journey.  The transition into becoming a transparent and purpose-driven brand often seems daunting but with her vast experience and systems thinking methodology she unlocks the process while increasing a brands value.

This brief episode touches upon my first job at Ann Taylor Loft that I started in 2001, and I also bring up a concept that I heard from Oprah about being aware of the energy brought into a space.

Jackie is a creative, influencer, professor, and self-proclaimed “knit nerd”. She has designed knitwear and managed design teams for Ralph Lauren, Ann Taylor and Isaac Mizrahi, among others. Her passion for photography and food lead to the creation of Superman Cooks, Inc., a company she founded with her partner Keith. Together they create digital content for national food and beverage brands including lifestyle photography, original recipes, wine pairings, and inspired cocktails. Jackie is also an adjunct professor at Kent State University, where she teaches Fashion Design courses and mentors students entering the fashion industry.

This episode is not only about my internships but also a deeper look at confidence and going after those dream opportunities.