Work Together #2
What it's really like working in fashion with Caterina Ferrari
Working in fashion is not all glamour and glitters as the profanes may think, so this format has been created to give people in the industry a space where to share what it’s really like to work in fashion to people outside of it.
I texted Cate on Instagram before moving to Copenhagen, and once I arrived, we met for a glass of wine, then another one… and then we just ended up living together.
It was love at first sight, she basically became my girlfriend, as everyone teased us. Cate is such a special person, she’s fun and genuine and even on her bad days, a joy to be around, as she always makes you laugh with her stories while she’s cooking her famous rice. She’s incredibly dedicated to her work, and you can see her passion in the way her eyes light up when she talks about her clients.
My time in Copenhagen was so special because of her, it wouldn’t have been the same without. And I miss her so much. (Cate, please come back to Milan — we’ll kick Frankie out so we can be roomies again <3)
What do you do and what was your path?
I’m a wholesale manager, looking after all the specialty stores (aka boutiques and concept stores) for Cecilie Bahnsen. I started as a social media manager, making content for fun for a few local brands, only to discover it wasn’t for me. Soon after, I worked backstage at Milan Fashion Week and absolutely loved it. Seeing the design team fitting the clothes and big models you see in Vogue right next to you felt surreal. Because of that (and meeting a stylist backstage), I started assisting her on shoots and campaigns.
To be honest, I felt I’d found my place, I was already imagining doing it full time one day. And then... COVID arrived.
Since I can’t stand still, I joined the Sample Lover team, helping with a bit of everything, which felt like a big deal, but looking back, I learned a lot.
After about a year (and a wardrobe full of “sapessi com’è strano sentirsi innamorati a Milano” t-shirts), I joined SUNNEI as a wholesale assistant.
Wholesale, for those who don’t know, is the commercial side of fashion, selling collections in advance to stores, where buyers come to the showroom and pick their favorite pieces.
After SUNNEI, I moved to GANNI in Copenhagen, the city where I still live. I initially managed South Korea and Australia franchising, then Central Europe (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).
Three years ago, I started my current adventure with Cecilie Bahnsen, where I still am today.
A long journey — clearly visible in my huge eye bags and wrinkles.
And she lived happily ever after. (Hopefully.)
How would you describe your style, and how has your work and environment influenced it?
Honestly, my style is me.
It’s always been such a crucial part of my personality. Not because I think I dress eccentrically, probably the opposite, but because I have a clear idea of what I like and what’s not for me.
Sometimes I wear a little heel, sometimes ballerinas, sometimes I go fully “how I’d love my crush to dress.” But whatever it is, I need to feel like myself. That’s always been the key ingredient.
I’m quite extroverted, love going out (Giulia calls my alter ego Caroline), and even though I’m not the most confident person, clothes help me feel grounded and expressive. Because of my job, I’m also the image of the brand, so I adapt, experiment, and evolve my wardrobe wherever I go.
(Leaving some space here for Giulia — imagine a little speech like it’s my style funeral. Thanks.) Lol, love you Caroline <3
How has the fashion industry changed since you dreamt about it and since you started?
When I started, it was the dream, maybe because I didn’t know what to expect and didn’t have any real expectations.
Everyone’s watched “The Devil Wears Prada,” and that was my reference point, so probably everything felt better than that. In fashion, we love a little drama, so after nearly eight years, I think I’ve just gotten used to it a bit.
Right now, we’re probably in the most challenging and tricky phase: lots of changes, lots of uncertainty. I’m curious to see whether we’ll all become hermits soon (or at least I will) or if we’ll finally see some light in this long tunnel that’s been going on for around four years.
How has your work been influenced by changes in the fashion industry?
Probably it’s the most influenced part of the industry — we love a challenge, don’t we? Looking, for example, at what happened with Matches or SSENSE explains a lot about the dynamics behind this game.
Prices keep getting higher and higher, and people (including me) are waiting for deals, hunting for gems on discount.
What do you see in the future, for yourself and for the industry?
Will it change anytime soon? Maybe not immediately.
But “CE LA FAREMOOOO!” — please, Giulia, let’s put the video for our international fans. If it doesn’t happen very soon, I’ll wait for you in Copenhagen for a “We’re all in this together” flashmob.
What’s the best and worst part of your job? The funniest and the most challenging?
Let’s start by saying that I really love what I do.
Especially meeting people with incredible backgrounds who have opened iconic stores around the world.
They always love to tell small anecdotes about their customers or creative directors starting with “back in the day...”
The challenging part is that you really need to love what you do.
Since it’s such a predominant part of your life, involving travel and working weekends, you need to be passionate about it.
What’s working in fashion really like? What’s the reality behind the fun & glitter? Is it worth it?
I wish it were all fun & glitter. Or even just glitter.
I think fashion people are really good at covering up the struggle and hard work under old Prada or the newest trendy item.
It’s a lot of late nights, always being available, Xanax, and “why did I decide to do this?” Why not just change jobs, people could ask. Because we love to wear big black sunglasses and look forward to the weekend to drink a huge glass of wine.
Lastly, what’s on your wishlist for fall-winter?
https://hodakova.com/products/upside-down-trenchcoat-1?variant=57587910181213 Love everything she does.
Thanks for ready Come Together, see you soon on the next episode of Work Together!
Baci,
Caterina & Giulia