Fashion We Like began as an exciting initiative that put in the spotlight and celebrated people and ideas that push the fashion industry forward. Today, it has become the ultimate platform where one can find inspiration from stylish people and pick up helpful, how-to-make-it-in-fashion tips directly from fashion insiders and experts. Founder Haris Stavridis whose work has attracted enthusiastic supporters worldwide – Ken Downing, senior vice president and fashion director of Neiman Marcus, being one of them – talks to us about his journey in the world of fashion and media, and shares some insights and useful advice on the industry.
You have worked – and still do – on multiple projects and wear multiple hats. How would you introduce yourself to people?
As a storyteller. I feel it is a simple and effective way to describe my work in general. You tell stories when you write or when you help companies connect with their audience – even when you organize an event. In the end, everything boils down to finding the right way to spread your message to the world, and that usually happens when you have a great story to tell.
Which is the most memorable thing someone you have interviewed has ever said?
I am truly grateful for all the people who were open and kind enough to let me to pick their brains. This translates to more than 400 interviews on Fashion We Like, plus all the other interviews I did for the magazines I have worked with throughout the years. Selecting just one person’s quote is really hard and does not feel right.
Which is the biggest lesson about the fashion industry you have learnt so far?
That it takes a lot of talent, effort, and business sense in order to produce something desirable every few months! We often take creativity for granted in this industry, however, I feel it is rather unfair for all the people working backstage.
Is there a collaboration/project you have worked on that has been most special to you?
All projects are special to me, because they are unique in the experiences they have given me. Running a small men’s magazine on just a tiny budget was definitely something I remember fondly and I would be happy to do again.
In what ways do you think the fashion world has evolved since you launched your website?
Everything spreads faster: trends, news, controversial outfits or catwalk slips. It is much easier to enter the industry, but not necessarily to succeed in it. Technology is democratizing fashion in an unprecedented way, and things like 3D printing are slowly allowing everyone to try their hand at design.
Which, in your opinion, is the best city to pursue a career in fashion?
It depends on the type of career you would like to pursue. Do you want to become a model or a visual merchandiser? Are you looking to create your own fashion start-up or design clothes? You cannot really escape the major cities (London, Paris, Milan, New York), but some make it easier than others depending on your goals. I guess London is a very international and open-minded place to start your journey.
What do you think the future holds for fashion blogging?
Everybody can become a publisher almost instantly now; this trend is here to stay. More voices also means more noise. Attracting someone’s attention will become an even bigger challenge for everyone involved, including fashion bloggers. From one hand, we will see a constant flow of new talent (such as writers and photographers), and on the other hand an emergence of tools and services (by humans and/or algorithms) which will curate or filter, ensuring that the stream of information reaching you personally is as relevant as possible to you. Successful fashion bloggers are already becoming their own brands (Chiara Ferragni with all her activities including her shoe collection is one example) and they will challenge established media (and not only) companies even more.
If you could offer one piece of advice to someone starting a business or a blog today, what would that be?
Do something every day that will bring you closer to your goal. It does not matter how small that step might seem to you that particular day, it is important to keep going and going.
What are your future plans and your ultimate goal for your website?
I am hoping that at some point Fashion We Like will act as a platform that will inform and connect all industry insiders.
www.fashionwelike.com
Images courtesy of Haris Stavridis
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