Melissa Hebeler / E!Joie is that brand you wear when you want to look effortlessly pulled together (so, always).
With a streamlined Cali-cool aesthetic it's not hard to justify buying that staple sweater or that sweet pair of pants. So how does the brand that you wear every day stay true to its simplistic-yet-chic approach to style? According to Rachel Wilder-Hill, the VP of design, it has to do with the company's strong sense of self.
To learn a bit more about Rachel and how she incorporates trips to the flea market into the brand's design philosophy, keep reading.
How did you get started in your career?
My first job was with a small company in Chicago called Fitigues. It was a great experience because it exposed me to all aspects of the business and still reminds me to think big picture. It was a very entrepreneurial environment which set the tone for the rest of my career.
What is a typical day like for you?
I don't have many typical days, which is one of the reasons that I love my job. When I get to the office, I usually check out some of my favorite street style blogs like La Cool & Chic or for the newest editorials on Awake Smile. I like to start with a bit of inspiration before we launch into a day of sketching and fittings.
Tell us about your office décor.
I like my office to be a clean white space that can be easily transformed with the things we collect to inspire us each season. I like to be surrounded by texture, color and things that are handcrafted from the amazing flea markets in LA or collected from cities around the world. I am constantly adding to the space, so there is a natural evolution each season.
What's the best part about your job?
The best part of my job is working with such a creative and talented team of people and also digging for treasures that serve as design inspiration. I am most in my element strolling through a flea market. My favorite is the Marché aux Puces de Paris/St.-Ouen in Paris. There is also a market I love in Delhi but I don't think it has a name, which is kind of what I love about it. It's so easy to get lost in its back streets discovering amazing textiles and embroideries.
What's the most daring career risk you've ever taken?
Taking some time off. I went traveling in India for a few months and it was the best decision I ever made. I came back totally inspired and had a really fresh perspective.
What is the best piece of advice you've ever received?
To stay true to myself and to trust my instincts. There can be a lot of noise in this business. Staying in your lane and being true to your brand always makes for the best product.
Today for lunch I had…a soy latte.
The first website I log onto every day is…vogue.com
My usual Starbucks order is…a soy latte.
If I wasn't doing this job, I would…be an archaeologist.
My favorite place to visit is…Tuscany.
List five things that are on your desk right now…a picture of my kids, sketch pad, a scented candle, a large coffee and vintage embroideries.
The book I'm reading right now is…The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins.