FASHION

When A Man Needs A Woman


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These days it seems that behind every cool and ambitious young designer is an equally cool and ambitious young businesswoman. Karin Nelson talks to the new generation of power brokers.

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Stylist: Carolyn Tate Angel

Eugenia Gonzalez Ruiz-Olloqui, Vice President & PR Director of Michael Bastian & Assistant Designer, Women’s Wear, of Gant By Michael Bastian

Age: 29

Background: I was the public relations coordinator at Bergdorf Goodman; Michael was the men’s fashion director.

Typical day: I travel about four months out of the year, so I am constantly on the go.

Proudest accomplishment: We have been nominated for a CFDA award every year we’ve been in business and finally won it this year!

Designer’s quirk: His infamous eye roll.

Other favorite labels: Chanel, Juan Carlos Obando, Proenza Schouler, Haider Ackermann.

Current obsession: My discontinued Rumeur perfume by Lanvin. I have a back stock that will last me 10 years.

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Stylist: Carolyn Tate Angel

Wen Zhou, CEO & President of 3.1 Phillip Lim

Age: 37

Background: I went to the Fashion Institute of Technology to study fashion merchandising in the evenings and worked during the day for a high-end fabric agent. Before I knew it, I owned my own fabric business. Phillip was a client of mine.

Proudest accomplishment: That we are able to play a small, but impactful, role in the lives of hundreds of Chinese seamstresses by offering them clean, safe, and happy working conditions in our factories.

Designer’s quirk: He spends way too much!

Other favorite labels: Comme des Garçons, Dries Van Noten, Lanvin.

Current obsession: BDDW furniture designer Tyler Hays.

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Stylist: Carolyn Tate Angel

Caitlin DiStefano, Vice President of Communications for Prabal Gurung

Age: 29

Background: For almost five years I worked at Paul Wilmot Communications, where I met Prabal.

Typical day: I manage all media relations and work with Prabal and our director of operations on business development.

Proudest accomplishment: The fall 2010 collection was when we went from literally showing the collection in my apartment to becoming a more recognized operation.

Designer’s quirk: The random outbursts of song and dance in such a small office are always…fun.

Other favorite labels: The Row, Chanel, Céline, Monique Péan.

Current obsession: Perricone MD products.

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Stylist: Carolyn Tate Angel

Tammy Kane, CEO & Creative Adviser of Christopher Kane

Age: 33

Background: I have a degree in fashion design management and have worked in retail, as an art therapist, and in a design and textile studio.

Typical day: Production, accounts, shipping, and sales, then collaborating with Christopher on his collections. The most productive time is when everyone leaves—I usually work until 9 p.m.

Proudest accomplishment: To have increased sales and staff in the economic downturn.

Designer’s quirk: Christopher draws and draws—not the worst problem, but it does leave me with the job of editing.

Other favorite labels: Versus, Versace, Miu Miu, Comme des Garçons, Balenciaga, Givenchy, Jil Sander, Céline. Current obsession: Cash flow. I never stop thinking about how I can improve it.

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Stylist: Carolyn Tate Angel

Maria Borromeo, CEO & Business Partner of Thakoon

Age: 38

Background: I worked at Barneys, then with Narciso Rodriguez, Etro, and Alexander McQueen. In 2004 [retailer] Ikram Goldman introduced me to Thakoon.

Typical day: Sales, production, and finance. I then spend some quality time with my budgets.

Designer’s quirk: He is obsessed with his dog, Stevie. We go clothes shopping for her on business trips!

Other favorite labels: Junya Watanabe, Maison Martin Margiela, Lanvin, Alexander McQueen.

Current obsessions: My kids, the Scrabble app on my iPhone, the new Bon Iver album, my platform wedge Balenciaga motorcycle boots.