Women of Influence
WOMEN OF INFLUENCE:
CLAIRE MILES
Head of the Shop at Bluebird
This year Lisou wants to celebrate the power of women. We would like to introduce a monthly feature that supports and brings together an outstanding group of notable women who are leveraging their influence and careers to initiate impact and create change.
Tell us more about your career?
I started in fashion at a young age with my first full time job working for Topshop. Starting on the shop floor gave me the best start to my career in retail. Seeing first-hand how stores operate and experiencing customer behaviour has been invaluable throughout the past 20 years. The next valuable part of my career was working for New Look. At the height of its success and growth I was working in marketing and then buying. A solid foundation and training ground for any buyer. I left New Look after 14 years and joined a small company, which didn’t work out. However, it gave me some great learnings that I will carry with me throughout my career.
Everyone has at least one bump in the road, nothing is that perfect. I took a decision to move into the digital world and work for ASOS for a year. This was the best decision as I immersed myself in global digital trading and the world of branded buying. As I matured I wanted to apply my skillset to product I loved and so became the Head of The Shop at Bluebird. I was able to apply all of my experience to a small luxury designer business which I am pleased to say grew consistently over the next four years.
"Everyone has at least one bump in the road, nothing is that perfect."
How did you get into fashion buying?
I was talent-spotted while working in marketing for New Look. I transitioned across into an assistant buyer role, which is unheard of these days so I was very lucky.
What does your typical working day look like?
It depends what day of the week it is and what part of the year it is. Mondays are trading days which are analytical and exciting if we have had a great week. I love to see what sold! Thursdays are planning days where we meet to discuss future events and collaborations. And then there are days at market in Paris or Milan where I will be visiting a number of brands and design houses to look at the next season’s collection.
Every day starts with a cup of English Breakfast tea
What is your office uniform?
I love dresses. I wear a dress three out of five days a week. Plain or printed depending on how I feel. I used to wear a lot of black but I am loving colour right now.
How would you describe your style?
Effortless dressing is my style. Classic fashion with trend injections. Polished and presentable, I like to think!
What is your best kept style secret / mantra?
Be adventurous with your style and try new things but if in doubt keep it stylish and simple.
What’s the best piece of style advice you’ve ever received?
Heels with trousers. Trainers with dresses.
What would you say to your 20 year old self?
Be brave, live in the moment and have more self-belief.
We love to see you wearing Lisou, why did you choose these pieces?
The colours are amazing and I love the flattering silhouettes. I love silk, it feels so beautiful when you are wearing a great silk dress.
Finally, what’s next?
Who knows? But I do know you must always embrace change.