FashionUnited publishes a series of interviews dedicated to the most
requested professions in the fashion industry. We decided to hear from
fashion and e-commerce companies to understand the most popular roles, how
much can be gained by those in these positions, what are the best training
paths and attitudes required to find a job and make a career in fashion and
luxury. Recently, we interviewed Stefano Lora, CEO and Creative Director of
Vicario Cinque, a women’s clothing brand entirely made in Italy. The label
was founded in 2014 by Stefano Lora Showroom, Agency and Distribution of
clothing with thirty-years of experience.

What do these professions deal with? What kind of skills and training
should they possess?

They should have an understanding of the trends of the moment. To
achieve this, we need semioticians and anthropologists, but also analysts
who can process the sellout data. A degree in engineering or mathematics is
indispensable, as is a master’s degree in communications. Classical studies
are recommended because they help to open the mind. Working in fashion
today is certainly more complex than it used to be: the market is evolving,
it is very fast and what was done three years ago is now already
obsolete.

Have you or are you encountering difficulties in finding suitable
applicants for these job positions?

In Vicenza we find it hard to find professional staff for the showroom.
The thing that is fundamental for me is to find people capable of working
in teams, professionals who actually feel part of a team. As for social
management we rely on external agencies, it is a way of working that
guarantees an external point of view and the ability of a professional
expert in the market and to be constantly updated.

What are the right characteristics and aptitudes to work in an
environment like yours?

Degree and master’s degree aside, I must say that it is very important
to have gone abroad and to have traveled. The more open the mind, the
easier it is to have a chance and find the desired job. As I have already
mentioned, the ability to compare and work in teams is essential, as is the
need to stay in-depth, read, study and keep up with daily updates.