A Stylish Guest Paula Reed
What made you want to work in fashion?
I grew up in Ireland, in the middle of nowhere, and the only options were the civil service or the bank. I could see myself having more options in fashion, so the choice was kind of a career device. I wanted to be a designer, but I knew I couldn’t draw. English was my strongest subject so I decided to get a job at a newspaper because I wanted to write reports on the fashion industry.
How did you break into the industry? I thought the best way to get to know people would be to work in PR, so I knocked on the door of Lynne Franks. She was the inspiration behind the Edina character in Absolutely Fabulous and massive in the 80s and 90s in London. I caught her at the right moment as she’d just taken on an Irish client, and knew nothing about the market there. Within a couple of weeks I was working on London Fashion Week, and it was fantastic!
What does your role at Harvey Nichols entail?
Identifying new talent, identifying commercial winners, and curating the mix on the floor every season so it looks exciting. And also to ensure we’re always introducing new brands and supporting businesses we really believe in.
What’s your favourite part of your job?
Engaging with designers. Hearing what
they’ve got to say inspires me. really
by Gemma Latham
Previously the style director of Grazia magazine, Paula Reed joined Harvey Nichols as fashion director a year ago. Her in-depth knowledge of the fashion industry made her the perfect choice to ensure Britain’s most luxurious department store remains at the forefront of current and fresh fashion trends. Paula lives in Notting Hill with her three teenage children and travels extensively to meet with designers, attend the global runway shows and stay clued-up on how the catwalk trends are being translated on the streets.
How much time per year do you spend working abroad? I don’t count it because I think I might scare myself! I would say it’s approaching about fifty percent of the time though. My kids never see me anymore!
What is your favourite country to visit? That’s hard because they all have something different! I love travelling, and being out seeing new things. There’s something about New York which is fabulous. I lived there for a year and I loved looking at how people wear clothes there, the way they put their looks together.
Are you a city girl then? Yes, well… I spend my holidays in North Yorkshire, so I’m not sure!
How do you relax? I’ve got a Jack Russell whom I adore. I walk him in the countryside and in Hyde Park. I also do Pilates.
Follow Paula on Twitter @HNpaula 9
Biggest ever fashion splurge? I spent my first month’s salary from The Sunday Times on an orange cashmere Alaïa suit. It sounds disgusting, but actually it was fabulous!
Your wardrobe must be bursting?!
No, I’m very good at editing and chucking out! But there are some things like my Alaïa, Valentino and Chanel pieces that I will never get rid of.
What’s your most treasured possession? Apart from my kids and dog… it would by my Hermès Kelly bag.
What are the three main items on your A/W wish list? A mannish suit from Dries Van Noten, a Paula Gerbase biker jacket and I’m trying to decide between the Yves Saint Laurent or the Woolrich parka.
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