September 13, 2011 |
FROM THE VAULT (SUMMER 2011)
NAME: Tory Burch.
OCCUPATION/TITLE: CEO of Tory Burch LLC.
FIRST JOB IN FASHION?
“An assistant for the designer Zoran.”
WHAT’S NEW?
“For pre-fall I loved the idea of mixing prints and stripes in unexpected ways, like our Hildy or Polly dress with a striped T-shirt underneath. The color palette is neutral with shots of bright red and blue.”
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?
“I started thinking about our company in 2001. I felt there was a void in the market for beautifully designed clothes and accessories at a more accessible price. We started from scratch out of my kitchen – gathering fabric swatches, developing a business plan and planning our retail concept.”
FASHION IS…
“About creative expression, trying new things and the bottom line.”
WHAT INSPIRES YOU?
“Inspiration comes from everywhere. I like the way that fashion, music and art constantly influence each other.”
WAS THERE A PARTICULAR POINT WHEN YOU STARTED TO GET AMBITIOUS?
“I’ve always had an entrepreneurial spirit. I have been working since 10th grade, when I folded sweaters at Benetton…”
HAVE YOU ALWAYS BEEN ALL ABOUT FASHION?
“Not at all. I was a tomboy growing up and spent all of my time playing tennis, riding horses and hanging out with my three brothers.”
DALLAS OR DYNASTY? SUE ELLEN OR ALEXIS?
“Alexis from Dynasty. Between the shoulder pads and the attitude, she was fun to watch.”
WHAT DID YOU HAVE FOR DINNER LAST NIGHT?
“Fresh uni from Sushi of Gari. I’m an inventive sushi eater.”
IF YOU COULD BE A SUPERHERO, WHICH ONE WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
“Wonder Woman – I love her gold cuffs.”
WHAT IS GOOD DESIGN?
“It‘s a combination of creativity, thoughtfulness and craftsmanship.”
DO YOU REMEMBER YOUR FIRST DRESS?
“I grew up mostly in jeans until I became interested in fashion in high school. I had a great vintage Yves Saint Laurent prom dress that was pink with black tulle.”
by Natalie Dembinska
Photograph by Martien Mulder – www.martienmulder.com
