WE MEET THE WOMEN WHO MAKE IT HAPPEN AT BROWN THOMAS

SHELLY CORKERY, FASHION BUYING DIRECTOR

On her first fashion memory…

“My first fashion memory and glimpse of the fashion world was wandering around my mother’s boutiques in Cork which were named ‘JeanShells’ after my sister and I. I have such incredible memories of her travelling, going on buying trips and the excitement she took in selecting the brands to be sold in her boutiques. That really shaped my interest in fashion in my early years.”

On what made her pursue a career in fashion…

“I have always had an interest in fashion, and a part of me always knew I would have a career in the industry, as I adore the exciting, ever changing, fast-paced nature of it. When I lived in Paris in my late teens, I loved strolling the stylish streets of the city and seeing the connection Paris has with fashion, which is why it continues to have such a special place in my heart.”

On her career highlight to date…

“I have had so many incredible moments in my career, but what I am most proud of is discovering new brands and bringing them to the Irish market. From international luxury brands, as well as nurturing new talent and helping them launch their career in fashion retail. We started CREATE at Brown Thomas 12 years ago this year, pioneering and mentoring the most exciting, emerging and established Irish talent. It has been so rewarding being able to shine a spotlight on incredible Irish design and it remains something I am very passionate about to this day.”

On the women who have helped shape her career…

“I am very lucky to have worked with so many incredible women throughout my career. From my time at the Design Centre in Dublin, I worked with Michelle Kavanagh and Marie Donnelly who were such an inspiration to me at the beginning of my career with their amazing business etiquette and creative flair. Another amazing mentor was Nikki Creedon, who has such a great eye for fashion and taught me everything there is to know about selling. I am also very lucky to be surrounded by so many incredible women at Brown Thomas today and they all inspire me every day.”

On her personal style…

“I would describe my personal style as contemporary but always with a twist of excitement. I adore mixing things up with different silhouettes, unexpected prints, beautiful shoes and accessories. I love the movement of fashion and discovering how the current trends work for me and my style, whether it is an hourglass or oversized silhouette, the colour or print of the season or a minimalist or maximalist trend, I love taking elements of the trends from each season and making them my own. Black is very important in my wardrobe; however I do love injecting pops of colour into my everyday look.”

On her favourite brands…

“Some of my favourite brands are Prada, Dries van Noten, and Saint Laurent. I adore Prada for stretching the zones of confinement and for their beautiful tailoring. Dries has such a cool, eclectic feeling and there are always beautiful unexpected twists with his designs. Right now, I adore Saint Laurent for their very sexy and elevated approach to fashion, while always maintaining beautiful femininity.”

On how style empowers her at work…

“Dressing for my job is one of the best parts of the working day and you cannot underestimate the power and confidence a particular piece of clothing can give you. Dressing up is a real joy, and I am very grateful that my job allows me to do so.”

On the advice she would give to her younger self…

“My advice to my younger self would be to be resilient and never be afraid of a challenge. Communication is the name of the game and is absolutely vital and it is also so important to trust your instinct. Kindness is your superpower, the impact of an act of kindness will come back to you tenfold, it's all about treating others as you wish to be treated.”

On advice for the next generation of women in the fashion industry…

“My advice would be to always read the room and know your audience, different styles of communication are so important depending on the environment. Never forget that you can learn almost everything you need to know about a fashion and retail business from the shop floor. Finally, never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as great things happen when you allow yourself to develop and show enthusiasm and confidence in your work.”

BRITTANY BENNETT, WOMENSWEAR BUYING MANAGER

On her first fashion memory…

“Having my kindergarten first day of school photo taken. I must have been 5 years old. I strategically placed my 101 Dalmatians lunch box, my brand new backpack, and my gingham dress so the dress and accessories could be admired in the photo. My mom still laughs that we should have known then I was destined for the world of fashion (and too many clothes in my wardrobe!). What excited me most about going to school was the new school gear!”

On pursuing a career in fashion…

“I was studying economics and international business and felt my creative side had no place in traditional economics and finance-based roles. When I was 19, I went to study abroad in Milan, Italy and realised quickly that fashion was a huge business where creativity and luxury met a numerical business.”

On her career highlight to date...

“I just attended my first Prada fashion show last week, that has to rank high! Although another big career highlight would probably be being promoted during the start of the COVID pandemic, as we faced such a difficult time, I had the opportunity with Brown Thomas Arnotts to immerse myself in my new role and reinvent the rules.”

On the women who have helped shape her career…

“Countless! Our Fashion Buying Director Shelly Corkery of course, who I have had the pleasure of working closely with for the last 4 years. Also, Carmel Walsh, a fashion art director, who was an Irish friend and colleague living in Milan who introduced me to Shelly. From my past world in the US, Shira Suveyke, my boss at the Outnet, she was so energetic and also extremely brilliant! Alison Day was key too, she was my first boss and my first taste of “the buyer's life” at Neiman Marcus. I feel very lucky to have chosen an industry where there are so many strong and successful women!”

On personal style…

“It changes. However, more and more I like to dress with ease, with a slight bohemian spirit and when travelling, mostly in neutral colours so packing is easy! Lately my uniform is denim and a jacket, although I love a good trouser or cargo too.”

On how style empowers her at work…

“I love this question! What I wear any day definitely influences my mood and/or output. I find I am often in trousers or jeans, paired with a t-shirt and jacket. Nothing crazy, but a bit of effort sets the tone for the day. Occasionally I love putting on all black with my Bottega Veneta boots, and then I really feel in a “don’t mess with me” mood.”

On advice she would give her younger self…

“Your options in life can be limitless. Be brave, and care less about what others think.”