Trendsetters at Work: Marissa Webb

Get to know a little more about Banana Republic's former creative director

By Diana Nguyen Feb 08, 2016 1:00 PMTags
Marissa Webb: Trendsetters at WorkCourtesy Marissa Webb

You may not be familiar with Marissa Webb, but you definitely know her work.

Banana Republic's creative advisor is well on her way to becoming a household name. Her eponymous label, in fact, is as sophisticated as the work-appropriate brand but with edgier, more modern appeal. Think oversized oxford shirts with a sheer back or pin-stripe culottes paired with a delicate, lace shirt. At both times, pieces seem just as strong and structured as they do delicate and sexy.

With a new SoHo-based store under her belt and a fall 2016 collection ready to hit the NYFW runway, Marissa took some time out of her crazed schedule to share how she went to from babysitter to boss lady.

Courtesy Marissa Webb

What was your first job?
[My] first legal job was babysitting, but my first full-time job in the fashion industry was at Polo Ralph Lauren.

How did you get started in your career?
Just working really hard at school and internships, which led to full-time positions.

What is a typical day like for you?
Full of chaotic fun.

Courtesy Marissa Webb

Tell us about your office décor. When did you last give your office a makeover?
It's a bit like my home, but it's filled with all the materials and textures that go into the process of design.

What's the best part about your job?
The lovely people I'm surrounded by

What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
Starting my own company.

How did you manage the creative direction of a major brand as well as your own label?
In many ways it's the same and in many ways it's different. I like having the balance of the two different worlds.

Courtesy Marissa Webb

Who are some of your career heroes? 

Misty Copeland, Bobbi Brown, Pharrell and Johnny Depp.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Right or wrong, have an opinion.

How do you define a true trendsetter?
Someone who is true to themselves, not afraid to try new things, doesn't care what other people think and is comfortable in their own skin—rather than dressing to fit all the trends.

Courtesy Marissa Webb

What's one styling tip you can offer our readers?
You look most beautiful when you're comfortable.

Finish the sentences below:
Today for lunch I had… Fried dumplings, curry noodle soup, and a Slurpee.

The first website I log onto every day is… My company's.

Courtesy Marissa Webb

My usual Starbucks order is… I actually go to News Bar, which is around the corner from my home – I just like strong straight-up coffee.

If I wasn't doing this job, I would… become the crazy dog lady of the neighborhood.

My favorite place to visit is… the ocean – of course second to my nieces.

List five things that are on your desk right now… Jo's coffee cup, Murphy's pencil, Sasha's swatches, Caitlin's print-outs, Kimberley's buttons, Ollie's analytics…(something from all of the lovely ladies who work with me).

The book I'm reading right now is… I like to read autobiographies and biographies…or psycho thrillers but I also love great classics.

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