With continued global expansion (a Sydney store opening in October) it's my pleasure to introduce you to Melinda Kennedy. Melinda is TopShop's International Marketing Manager and is major player in this well oiled machine. We caught up so I could get the low down on her style and how she worked her way into her coveted position.
Q: How would you describe your personal style in 5 words?
A: Relaxed summer boyfriend chic (that's four words... 5 is hard!)
Q: How long have you been working for TopShop and what was your career path to your current role of International Marketing Manager?
A: I've been at TopShop for nearly 2 and a half years. I started off working in various different agencies to find my feet in marketing and to understand my strengths, and slowly developed towards fashion as my speciality. Working the agency circuit gave me great foundations for TopShop as I worked on such a variety of clients under a crazy amount of pressure.
Q: Was it always your intention/desire to work in fashion?
A: I always loved 'fashion' throughout my whole life, but I never thought it would become such a big part of my working life and now that it is, I can't imagine not working in the industry.
Q: Can you share some of your career highlights?
A: We recently opened in Las Vegas and I spent 7 weeks there working on the launch, it was one of the craziest experiences of my life and I will forever have a soft spot for Sin City because of it! The Meadham Kirchhoff in-store event in May was another career highlight - we had 30 Meadham Kirchhoff dancers take over the store in a flash mob to celebrate the Queens Jubilee and we managed to bring Oxford Street to a standstill - pretty cool and moment I'll never forget.
Q: Where does your passion for fashion come from?
A: I think in all honesty I just love to shop and play dress up - both my Grandma's loved fashion as well and I always looked up to them for style inspiration.
Q: Who are your all time favourite designers?
A: Alexander Wang, Erdem, Chanel, Balenciaga, Celine, Mary Katrantzou, Ashish... I could go on forever!
Q: What are 3 things you couldn't live without?
A: Starbucks, TopShop, denim shorts and my Prada bag (that's four I know - I'm not good with numbers apparently)
Q: Whose style do you admire?
A: The Olsen twins are ridiculous - who doesn't admire their unmistakable laid back style? I also love pretty much every Aussie model as they seem to have great off duty style.
Q: Anything you don't like about the industry or you could change?
A: I wish the industry wasn't so based on who you know, but I guess most industries are like that. I've tried to get by on hard work and a good attitude, and this is what I preach to anyone I manage. Nobody likes a diva and my Mother always told me that 'it all comes out in the wash' so hopefully hard work will always triumph!
Q: What is the best thing about your current role?
A: The travel and variety of projects I get to work on - TopShop is all over the globe and I get to be part of that expansion which is super exciting.
Q: Shoes or bags?
A: Bags - 100%
Q: Are you working on any exciting initiatives with TopShop at the moment that you can share with us?
A: We are opening in 14 Nordstrom stores around the US and as apart of this are planning a Miami opening event which is a huge deal for the brand. JW Anderson also launches this fashion week and from what I've seen of the collection so far, its going to sell out in seconds!
Q: If you could get off at a moments notice anywhere in the world, where would you go and who would you take?
A: That's a hard question as I'm pretty well travelled and therefore want to go everywhere... I'd probably go to Las Vegas with all my best friends for some sunshine and partying! That's pretty tacky I know.
**Today it was released that TopShop will be opening a Sydney store in October**
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