Felicity Brand, where do we even begin? Felicity is by far one of the most outstanding women we’ve ever been blessed with the opportunity to meet. When Felicity enters a room, you can feel her magnetic energy and positive power the moment she steps through the door, then comes her shining smile lighting up her face and ooze of cool, which is so effortless for her it is simply just apart of who she is; major. For us, we have had the pleasure of working with Felicity and seeing her in fashion action, which I have to say, she is one of the very best at what she does and more importantly the way she does it. Felicity has a very unique talent in her ability to step into each brand, their story, her unique eye to trends and knowing her focused customer and the global consumer so very well. Her role has her forecasting and planning the buys for the most iconic and globally renowned leading retailers. Her understanding, intelligence and industry knowledge is unparalleled and she adds her special Flick charm to all that she does. Not only this, but Felicity is a total style icon. Click here for constant inspo. She’s a blonde bombshell (total babe) emanating the meaning of chic. Felicity is responsible for guiding and paving the way for what you will be loving next, most importantly at present, what your footwear selection will look like each season. Before we met in person, we connected and bonded via the social media world and it was one of those relationships you instantly know you have a soul sister and dear friend for life. Felicity is such a beautiful person, she is connected with herself, harnesses her inner power, takes every step in life in her total truth and is so driven and dedicated in all that she does. Watch this space, this lady is going to make her mark in the world. We absolutely love Felicity and know you will too. FYI she is moving to Australia January 2019, can you imagine how thrilled we are?! Love this for us.
Get to Know the incredible Felicity Alice Brand.
How would you describe yourself in five words?
Passionate, Loyal, Driven, Energetic, Sensitive
Location right now?
London, sitting having a coffee in Hyde Park! This is always my favourite spot in the city to gain some headspace.
Profession?
Buyer – Shoes, Harvey Nichols but soon to be freelance Fashion Consultant as of January 2019 in Australia!
Tell us a little more about you, where do you reside and how you came to be ‘doing you’ as you are right now?
I am currently Buyer of Shoes for Harvey Nichols which means I am responsible for curating our offer of shoes for 6 stores across the UK and online. I’m lucky enough to cover a huge breadth of brands and product categories – I buy everything from Dior to Adidas makes for a truly exciting job where each day is different!
Previously to this role I did 3 years working for the Net-A-Porter group buying a variety of Womenswear RTW brand. It is such an inspirational and forward-thinking company, and although it could be high pressured and stressful at times I am so grateful for all that I learnt and the talented women I had the opportunity to work with.
Aside from studying for my degree in Business management my career in fashion overall has very much ‘bottom up’ – I started on the shop floor as a sales assistant and slowly climbed the ladder. I believe it’s made me more well-rounded as Buyer as really have a ‘hands on’ approach as I understand the significance of every stage of the buying process and respect the people that carry out even the most junior roles out as without them your vision as Buyer is not made possible.
What are you grateful for?
My amazing network of girlfriends – I’m an only child so my friends are like sisters to me
Life Motto/ Words to Live by?
“Less is more!”…I say this A LOT (as my team know!) but this motto is applicable to a range of situations. For example, if I am presenting a business strategy to a board of directors I do not believe in endless slides of information or scenarios. Instead, I will have a think about the overall message I am trying to convey and deliver it with a clear message and conviction.
Also applies to getting dressed in the morning -sometimes the extra addition of a piece of jewellery or another accessory just makes your outfit look over complicated and forced so I remind myself ‘less is more’ and take it off !
What is your intention at this moment in life?
For the remainder of this year I am looking at the next step in my career. I want to use all the valuable experience I have gained over the past 8 years in the industry in a different way via consulting. I’d really like to share my insights to help advise new and existing brands / designers to help reach their goals and fully realise their business potential.
Biggest Icon?
My grandma – she is 86 and still goes to work in her jewellery shop! We have been trying to get her to retire for years but she refuses?! She is 100% were my relentless work ethic stems from.
What inspires you each day?
Sounds crazy but I love getting dressed in the morning…I find it really sets the tone for the day e.g. if I dress sharp and ready for business I’ll think smarter, equally if I roll out of bed and into a big jumper I’ll feel lazy!
I love this quote from Miuccia Prada as really sums it up well “What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.”.
First thing you thought of when you woke up this morning?
If I had any milk for a cup of tea – very English of me!
Dream vacay?
Always dreamt of doing a Safari in Africa but not yet had the opportunity– one day I hope!
What makes your heart skip a beat?
Music that resonates with emotion I am feeling at the time – music can pull me out of the darkest mood or equally can reduce me to tears!
What is your spirit animal and why?
A Leopard, because they are eternally stylish….leopard print never goes out of fashion in my opinion. They are also super-fast – I love to run, especially sprint!
Star-sign?
Aries
Beauty ritual and products you swear by?
I am very low maintenance when it comes to beauty and don’t wear much make up so I swear by good moisturiser as that’s all I really wear in the day – Charlotte Tilbury ‘Magic day cream’ is my favourite as is really nourishing, without being greasy and contains 15 SPF so good for all over protection.
I swear by exercising 3 or 4 times a week if I can – it not only makes me feel physically good, but really acts as a form of meditation for me as is often the only time I truly zone out of my thoughts.
Something you would tell your younger self?
Don’t be so hard on yourself – I’ve put a lot of pressure on myself , particularly upon ‘achieving’ within my career and sometimes I need to be kinder to myself and appreciate what I have accomplished.
What fulfils you?
My work- I gain the best sense of satisfaction from seeing product I have sourced, or business strategy I have implemented succeed. Seeing people buy/ wear product I have curated especially for them (without them even knowing) just gives me the greatest thrill! I also enjoy discovering new brands and engaging with them not because they are a big brand name, but because I truly appreciate their product. It’s the best feeling to be able to give them the opportunity to be stocked and help give them the exposure the exposure they deserve.
What is your idea of balance?
I will be honest – I haven’t quite got this right yet and there’s moments when I think to myself ‘get a life’ but I guess that’s the downside of being passionate about what you do as it can take over!
I am taking steps to gain a better balance and make more time for my friends and family and also myself ! Just small things can help like actually leaving work on time and going to meet a friend instead of staying in the office until silly o’clock!
Do you collect anything?
Vogue magazines –I’ve had a subscription of them since I was 18. I think they are always a great reference point for trends, popular culture & general mood at that time. One day when I buy my own flat I can’t wait to display them on a feature wall.
Last search on google history?
http://www.delicieuse-musique.com – I’m really into house/disco/techno music so always looking for new tracks I can work out to !
Where do you want to be…
next year
I am making the move to Sydney in 2019 to experience working in another city outside of Europe. I’ve always been fascinated by the Australian culture and outlook and there’s some incredible talent coming out of the fashion industry here.
five years
Working for myself in some capacity via consultancy and perhaps starting my own brand / opening my own store.
ten years
Being a working mum I hope!
Advice for those reading?
‘Do what you love’ – the fashion industry can be tough and I don’t think I could have survived it if I wasn’t genuinely passionate about what I do. You spend most of your life working so you need to enjoy your work otherwise it can be soul destroying.
Favourite colour of the rainbow?
Yellow – warm, sunny and happy colour!
Can’t wait to be doing more of this with you in 2019!!
Thank you Flick! We couldn’t be more thrilled and honoured to chat with you. LT4U.
Follow Felicity’s journey here, she has some big things coming for 2019.