Industry Insider: Andrew Wong
I first met Andrew Wong when we interned together at Kenneth Cole Productions in New York and sat side by side in the company’s designated intern area dubbed “intern row.” Andrew has held some amazing internships, has since graduated from college and now spends the workday surrounded by gorgeous handbags as Assistant Merchandising Manager at Coach. I caught up with Andrew to find out more about his job.
Tell us about your background and how you landed a job in the fashion industry
I went to undergrad business school at New York University. Being in the city and one of the fashion capitals of the world, I was lucky to get some solid internship experience. I have been at a wide range of companies in fashion retail (Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Marc Jacobs) and consumer products like HBO.com and Martha Stewart. It seems Coach appreciated my resume and I was able to get a position right after college.
Describe your position at Coach
I work in Merchandising for North American Retail. At Coach, merchants (along with a variety of partners) buy the right product assortment for our stores. This means using product instinct, understanding market needs, keeping up with trends, and listening to our customers to maximize a business. It’s a great combination of numbers and fashion!
What’s a typical workday like?
A typical day really depends on the time of year. If we are assorting a line, we are spending time looking at samples, determining color stories, and looking at past history to guide us in our decisions. If we are coming up to a new launch, we are putting together reports to help us measure how successful the product is and what we can learn. A lot of time is spent working with our cross functional partners. Whether it’s meeting with marketing on the right message for the season or communicating with store teams on product knowledge, Merchandising is at the center of all the action.
What do you like most about your job?
The best thing about Merchandising at Coach is that it challenges you to think creatively and analytically everyday. It has never been clearer to me that a successful retailer or design house (whether it be Ralph Lauren or Proenza Schouler) cannot succeed without great product and sound business sense.
What are your top three favourite Coach styles for Spring?
My personal favorite silhouette continues to be the Madison Lindsey Satchel in leather. This bag drapes beautifully due to the suppleness of the leather’s quality. Its capacity and front zipper pocket also make Lindsey a practical bag for everyday use.
The Kristin Hobo in leather is a very close contender with Lindsey. I am in love with the vintage-looking clasp that is on all of our Kristin handbags. The hobo also has a cross-body strap that makes wearing this bag no-fuss.
My third favorite is an oldie but a goodie: the Coach Classic Shoulder Purse. This bag is an emblem of Coach’s history with designer Bonnie Cashin and features our archival turn-lock. The Coach Classics Collection has gotten a lot of press due to our collaboration with Net-a-Porter and was a big message during Fashion’s Night Out in New York this past September.
And just for fun, I asked Andrew to share his stylish thoughts on the following:
Every girl’s fashion must haves?
Every girl needs to have a little crossbody bag with all of the bells and whistles for a night out. Buy one with sequins, quilting, studs, fringe, python — anything to make it special and over the top. A crossbody is easier to manage than carrying around a traditional clutch (and a lot more exciting too). And what happened to great fashion jewelry? I was at a cocktail party and saw a woman with an amazing statement ring. It just takes one fabulous piece to totally change the vibe of an outfit.
Spring trends you’re most looking forward to?
The girly girl is back for spring, and I am excited for the return of classic feminine detailing. Many collections across Paris, Milan, and New York explored lace treatments for texture, dimension, and weight. Whether the execution is more literal (Louis Vuitton) or more graphic (Prada), lace in all of its forms is in! Look for it in both your ready-to-wear and accessories.
Any last parting fashion advice for us girls?
At my office, women have moved on from the chunky brick wallet (time to clean out the receipts, ladies) to a sleek card case. These little guys can fit your credit cards, a few dollar bills, and your ID without weighing you or your handbag down.
The modern girl should also know when to de-accessorize. Leave behind the beaded blouse if you already have statement earrings and an arm full of bangles. It is sometimes a hard practice, but more does not always equal more.
Lastly, girls should leave home without the extra layers of makeup. No matter how chic or put together an outfit may be, an overly done face will always distract from what you are wearing.
