EDO JAO

Anonymous asked: I know you've said before you never give interviews, what is your relationship with media, press, editors?

I think people have this idea of fashion being this personality-driven, dramatic, whimsical industry. The truth is that there is a business model in place: deals have to happen, capital has to be invested, cash flows have to be balanced, financial forecasts have to be made, scalability has to be considered for every endeavor.

While the media, press, and editors have their place in perpetuating a brand message, it is vastly different from my role. I don’t court attention from the media, press, editors because my goal isn’t to become a ‘personality’. Part of the reason I started tweeting was so that my friends could catch up on where I was, the other reason is that I felt there was a lack of information out there about the more serious side of the industry, that at the end of the day there are desk jobs, number crunchers, and corporate decisions at play that make this industry as legitimate as the next.

Due to my position I am privy to sensitive information so there are contracts I sign which severely limit my exposure, as well as other moving pieces behind the scenes. Therefore, I do need to establish that boundary and distance with the press. In general, I’ve found that media/press/editors have been respectful, and the ones I’ve met at events have been very friendly. There are others who will solely interact with me hoping for scoops (which I never provide), and at the very end of the spectrum, there are disrespectful individuals. These are the editors/reporters who send harassing or passive-aggressive messages trying to find out more than I care to give as though I owed them, etc. Before social media, people like me were the ‘suits’ that these same editors/press people couldn’t be less interested in talking to. They also don’t understand people like me are not interested in being subjected to their ‘sensationalized’ reporting which makes everything a fashion version of TMZ. I can understand where they’re coming from in terms of curiosity, but I don’t respect the way they handle themselves and so I ignore them or ask that they not be invited to events I am attending.

That’s my relationship with media, press, editors in a fat nutshell.

Anonymous asked: Hi! I am a student at Parsons, I am currently interviewing with a few designers for a spot on their team in women's ready-to-wear. I get so nervous before interviews that I will be judged, any tips? What should I wear?

Hello Parsons student, first the bad news: you will be judged no matter what. The point of an interview is to assess how qualified you are and whether or not you are a fit. Now the good news - you are in control of how you’re perceived: practice potential interview questions, review and know your portfolio, research the brand & designer, do your homework.

When you are well-prepared, the nervousness should subside. If not, something that worked for me when I was a college junior going through on-campus interviews was listening to ‘motivating’ music on my walk to the career center (my song of choice back then: Eminem- Lose Yourself). It really helps to channel your energy.

As far as what you should wear, I would research the company’s culture and decide what would be appropriate. You’ll probably look like a tool if you wear a Ralph Lauren suit to a Rick Owens interview and vice versa. In general though, just wear something that communicates the message that you’re a capable, professional designer and try to care less about what you think you should wear to look ‘forward’- people who do that tend to look predictable at the end of the day. I can’t begin to tell you how many fashion boys I’ve encountered downtown on Starbucks runs who wear drop-crotch pants.

Anonymous asked: Hi! I'm trying to apply for supply chain internships at LVMH. Do you have any tips?

I’m not sure if you’re asking for tips on applying or on the interview process. As this wasn’t my area of expertise at LVMH, I’m probably not the best person to talk to about this program but I’ll try my best based on what I know about the group.

Technically, it is important you’re familiar with SAP implementation as most LVMH brands currently use that for product management, inventory optimization, and logistics.

Understanding the stages that products go through from launch to EOL: sales forecasting, & merchandise flow is important. A key challenge for supply chain/logistics at LVMH is standardization (they love doing things by brand and segment so how do you make systems speak to each other?).

If you’re an MBA-Candidate, it helps you tremendously if you come with experience in merchandising, or supply chain/logistics. The most successful people I’ve seen at this level have work experience ranging from merchandising & inventory planning at Gap to Travel, Transport, Logistics at McKinsey. You’ll be asked several case questions on structuring and sizing the market so be sure that you’re well prepared. Hope this helps, good luck!