By Mia Lupo | Fashion and Lifestyles Co-Editor
Ever wondered what it’s like to land a job with one of the biggest names in fashion? Danielle Mosher knows a thing or two about how to get there.
Originally from Norwood, M.A., Mosher currently lives in Hoboken, N.J. and works at Ralph Lauren as an assistant buyer. Mosher earned her B.S. in Marketing from Salve Regina University in 2010, then earned her M.B.A. in Business Administration the following year.
In an email interview, Mosher gives her insight about how to work towards achieving post-graduation goals and what it takes to work in the fashion industry:
ML: In your own words, can you explain what a fashion buyer does?
DM: Buying is bit of Rubik’s cube… Success is dependent on many factors, most of which are out of my control. Economic volatility, over saturation in the marketplace and rapid changes in trend make buying tricky, but it’s these challenges that make my job interesting.
I’m very fortunate to be able to say I love what I do. I spend a great deal of my time assorting a line from gorgeous designs and shopping the market place frequently. However, a lot of thought and analysis goes into the merchandise we choose, after all product sales pay the bills and drive the success of the company. Buying is about knowing your customer, putting the right product in the best environment at a price consumers are willing pay.
ML: There’s a common misconception among the less fashion-savvy crowd that a job in fashion is limited to apparel design (à la Chanel) or working for a fashion publication (à la Devil Wears Prada). What inspired you to pursue a career as a buyer?
DM: The fashion industry has many opportunities. While some positions include product (apparel and accessories), many don’t. There are so many aspects that go into establishing, maintaining and developing a brand. Positions range from design, buying, and product development to real estate, financial planning and IT.
Throughout college I’d go to New York twice a year with my dad while he bought for his men’s clothing store in Boston. I fell in love with the process and knew I wanted this to be my career. Out of college I worked buying women’s but quickly made my way back to the men’s world.
ML: Describe what your typical work day is like.
DM: I can honestly say I don’t have a typical day. Buys are conducted quarterly, so many tasks are only done four times a year. My overall job month to month and quarter to quarter remains constant, but how goals are achieved fluctuates. Of course the majority of my time is spent planning a buy for the future, generally a year out, however, changes in sales and promotions need to happen now as we review our current business. Most days are spent communicating with my financial planning team, product development team and our store visual team. Buying is definitely a team sport!
ML: How did you transition from studying at Salve Regina to the “real world” after graduation?
DM: Anyone going from college to corporate America is going to experience a learning curve. Buying requires a lot of multi-tasking, prioritizing and time management! This was probably the biggest challenge, but with time will become second nature. In the meantime don’t be afraid to ask for help or how to manage your growing “to-do list.”
ML: There are schools, like the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York City or the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in California, that specialize in fashion education, as well as other colleges and universities who offer business degrees and/or concentrations in fashion buying, specifically.Why did you choose to go to Salve Regina University instead of studying business and fashion at another institution?
DM: I really didn’t want to limit myself to such a specific education. My job truly requires a degree in business and marketing. I’m constantly thinking about my customer and I deal with numbers all day. While my job requiring a sense of fashion it doesn’t necessarily require and degree in fashion.
ML: You’re currently working for Ralph Lauren, one of the most well-known and respected American fashion brands. What are the perks of working in the world of Ralph Lauren?
DM: Ralph has some great perks! [There is a] generous discount at Ralph Lauren and Club Monaco, amazing sample sales and lots of deals at restaurants and entertainment throughout New York City.
ML: I have to ask… Have you ever met Ralph Lauren himself?
DM: Haven’t officially met, but I’ve see him around. He’s very involved, you’ll see him all RL fundraisers and he’s very hands on when it comes to all areas of product.
ML: What advice would you give to students interested in fashion buying?
DM: Work, work, work! I know everyone is busy while in school, but working in a retail environment is the best experience you can get. Your primary job as a buyer is understanding the customer, their needs and satisfying them through the product you select. Interning is also great way to get your foot in the door, network and provide an understanding the corporate environment.
