This month, as part of our ongoing series on personal uniform and workwear, we met Jenny. Jenny is part of the salesforce at Danish fashion giant Bestseller, based just down the road from us in Shoreditch. She works with womenswear brand Jacqueline de Yong, and we met her to chat about the clothing she wears and sells – what are the implications when your uniform is your product?
Hi Jenny! What are you wearing today?
Today I’m wearing black Acne jeans and a graphic print grandad collar shirt from the current Jacqueline de Yong collection.
What’s your earliest fashion memory?
My first proper purchase was a pair of fab bubble shoes from Miss Selfridge! I saved for weeks to buy them. The Spice Girls were obviously a big influence on my fashion choices back then and they have a lot to answer for now! Platform blue and white velcro shoes were a must have. I loved them.
You wear a lot of jewellery…
Yes, I studied jewellery design at university! My jewellery taste changes from day to day. My favourites are this Indian gold ring that I wear a lot – I bought it at a flea market in Brighton a few years ago. I also wear a lot of ethical jewellery by Made, like my African bronze bangles. I love the raw hand made details.
How did get into fashion sales?
I have worked in sales all my life in one form or another, whether it be retail or hospitality at university. I’ve always enjoyed the interaction with people and the high-octane business that selling is. After graduating I started as a seasonal sales representative for an agency, which gave me the experience to apply for my first full-time role at Bestseller. I’m still here seven years later!
Has working in fashion influenced what you wear?
Yes, definitely. More specifically, working for a Danish company has definitely influenced my whole life. The Danes have a great sense of style, particularly with fashion, and I love their culture too. I have two Danish mid-century armchairs at home, so the influence has been enormous.
Tell us about the latest Jacqueline de Yong collection?
The SS16 collection’s main focus is on texture, whether it be through print, fabric or colour. There are beautiful Moroccan-inspired prints produced in feminine 1970s shapes. There’s also gorgeous wide leg pants that look great with SS16 knotted tops. It’s a great range and a mixture of casual and formal styles for all occasions.
Do you always wear the collection when meeting clients? How does what you wear influence you work?
I always wear the current collection. It’s like a uniform and makes me feel ready to sell. I think it also makes it easier to sell when the customers can see first-hand how to style a new trend for the season ahead. This does mean I end up trying on most of the collection during an appointment… but this can also have its benefits as I can advise buyers on the fit of clothing and how the individual pieces work together.
Do you wear your ‘uniform’ outside of work?
I always wear black jeans. I’ve amassed a collection from across the board and my favourites are my Acne Ankle Grazers and my Jacqueline de Yong jeggings. They’re so comfortable and so easy to throw on. I choose graphic tops and abstract prints to change my look – I find it much easier that way!
All photographs by Matt Bramford for Field Grey.