Jana WilliamsWhat doesn't Elyse Walker do? THAT is the question.
She's the fashion director of FWRD.com, a stylist, a buyer and the co-designer as well as co-founder of THEPERFEXT. Oh, and she's also a boutique owner with one more on the way (the new location will be in Newport Beach and it opens in August of this year). Needless to say, the woman is a fashion boss.
Where did this fashion boss get her start? What does a typical day look like for her? What's currently on her desk? All of these questions (and so many more) have been answered below. You're going to love this.
What was your first job?
My first job was working for my dad on the 77th floor of the Empire State building. I started filing invoices for him when I was 10 years old. He paid me minimum wage (I think it was $2.95 an hour). It was a great experience, and I used to dress up with a bow tie!
How did you get into the retail/designing space?
When I was in high school, my mom opened a shoe store in Scarsdale, NY (called Capretto Shoes), and I worked there starting from the time I was 14 years old. Then, I opened my own store on Madison and 82nd street in New York City and went to school at night.
What is a typical day like for you?
I start with emails at around 4 a.m. Then, I have NY-based conference calls, which start at around 6 a.m. LA conference calls start at 7 a.m. Then every morning I work out at Gold's Gym from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Starting at 9 a.m., I really focus on working with my team and making sure we are connecting with clients. After work at 5 p.m., I try to get a manicure or take a pilates class. If I am not home, I typically have dinner at Gjelina in Venice or at Café Delfini in Santa Monica. I am rarely up past 9 p.m. during the week as I have to start my day all over again!
Tell us about your office décor.
We are in the process of another makeover right now! I love renovating. I work in a creative space and I believe the space that you work in is so important. Try to get creative with your own space. I don't think people realize how much they vibe off of their environment and what's around them. It's hard for me to come up with creative ideas in a space that isn't up to my personal liking. All spaces need to feel happy and comfortable.
What's the best part about your job?
Honestly, there are so many great aspects of my job. The best part is that it keeps me on my toes. I am never bored. I see opportunity all around me! I try to always be hopeful and excited and to look forward to what's around the corner. I love to give my team opportunity to grow and flourish as well. To know I helped with their professional growth is a rewarding and humbling experience.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
One of them was partnering with FWRD and combining forces. I called total strangers and I wanted to work with them because they were young and hungry. They agreed with my strategy, and we started FWRD by Elyse Walker (FWRD.com) five years ago this March.
Who is your career hero?
Anna Wintour. When I was growing up, people didn't think a career in fashion was a real career. She helped change the public's perception of fashion. She took it seriously and treated it as a business. She changed the importance of what we do.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Don't be afraid to fail. You won't have any successes if you don't fail. I use a baseball analogy. You have to keep swinging, even if you miss a couple of times, if you want to be successful.
To you, what brands or clothing are worth splurging on?
Besides THEPERFEXT (my wholesale collection with Sable Banoun), I splurge on Givenchy, Balenciaga, and Saint Laurent.
What design or brand are you best known for and why do you think you do it so well?
Right now it is Saint Laurent. My whole team really connects with Hedi Slimane's design direction and it does so well in our store because young girls relate to his designs. People will save money to buy a Saint Laurent jacket as they recognize the wearability and relevance. My team understands that brand really well. The shoes and handbags are amazing as well.
Tell us about the story behind Elyse Walker.
People would be surprised to know that I am not a fashionista. I am a tom-boy. I am a mathematician because that is what I studied in school. I played soccer in high school. I love strategy and working on a team. Fashion is just one amazing aspect of my job. What makes me tick is the numbers—the budgeting and the ideas. I love coming up with new and creative concepts. Right now, I am busy working on the new Newport location. I would proudly wear a hard hat over a dress any day!
In your opinion what wardrobe pieces should every girl own?
A leather biker jacket, a shredded tee, Gianvito Rossi pumps and flare high-waisted denim that fits their body type.
Today for lunch I had…a steak salad at the Montage Hotel in Laguna Beach.
The first website I log onto every day is…FWRD.com.
My usual Starbucks order is…coffee light and sweet with cream and sugar.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would…be an interior designer.
My favorite place to visit is…Cabo San Lucas (where I also have my home Casa Yvonne) and Ibiza.
List five things that are on your desk right now…a Spinelli Kilcollin ring, a memo going out to a client in NY, red Swedish Fish (was a thank you gift from my staff after inviting them to Cabo San Lucas), a mouse pad with a picture of my very supportive husband and kids and my favorite (white) nail polish.
The book I'm reading right now is…I read to escape so I will usually pick up whatever thriller is on the best sellers list at the time. Oh…and I love Soduku and numbers games.