Julia Alliany

I attribute my success to several key qualities. I have great relationship and communication skills, which are essential in my work since everything I do is about partnerships. I'm very analytical and persistent - I don't take no for an answer. I'm client-focused and business-oriented, always maintaining a growth mindset and asking myself how we can make more and make the most of every situation. But critically, I do all of this while building genuine relationships and never taking advantage of anyone. I've learned that in sales, you shouldn't try to get a deal that's only to your benefit because it will damage the relationship. Clients always come first, and you need to protect the relationship at all costs. Sometimes that means taking a setback, but it's usually for the greater good and beneficial to the relationship in the long run. I also believe strongly in the principle that if you don't ask, you don't get.

The best career advice I ever received was: if you don't ask, you don't get. That's really true and has guided my approach throughout my career. I've also learned that in my work, which is all about partnerships, you need to focus on creating win-win situations. You shouldn't try to get a deal that's only to your benefit because it will damage the relationship. Clients always come first, and you need to protect the relationship at all costs. Sometimes you have to take a setback, but it's usually for the greater good and will be beneficial to the relationship in the long run.

My advice to young women entering fashion is to build your network as early as possible because it's very helpful. Build your network, do informal coffees, and nourish work relationships like they're friendships - something will come from it. But also be persistent and resourceful. When I wanted to work at Stella McCartney, I made a list of all the companies I wanted to work for and emailed everyone without there even being a job opening. I didn't even have their email addresses - I guessed them, because there's only so many ways an email can be formatted. I added like 500 people on LinkedIn, and maybe 3 answered, but those 3 were willing to help. My resume got forwarded to HR, and that's how I got the job - I didn't even apply to an opening. It was sent to Alexander McQueen, and since the HR for Stella McCartney and McQueen shared the same person at the time, my CV got forwarded and I got a call back. So be creative, use your network, be consistent and organized in your job search, and the right opportunity will come at the right time. Also, get retail experience as early as possible, even during summer jobs. All of my summer jobs were in retail, and that helped tremendously. It's important to understand the customer you have to deal with, what the luxury environment is like, who you target, and whether you can understand their needs, the quality of products, functionality, and trends. It's best to start working in the field you want to work in later, even if it's just summer jobs during college.

Right now there's a global tariff war affecting the industry. In luxury, the super high net worth individuals will always spend, but when the stock market is affected and assets are diminishing, it's an industry that will suffer during global crises. The malls are suffering and department stores are having a tough time, especially with Saks and Neiman Marcus going into mergers. This is definitely a difficult time, and it's challenging because luxury is very much tied to global economics. We're importing from Europe, and thank God we don't produce from China that much, but even so, we have to raise prices because of tariffs. However, it's a beautiful industry, and there will always be people who want to buy luxury. Looking at 2008 and COVID, the first thing people buy to feel good about themselves is luxury goods - whether it's designer sunglasses or a designer handbag. People look up to luxury items as a social status symbol, and there will always be demand. The industry will never die, despite these challenges.

The values most important to me are authenticity and respect. I believe it's crucial to have a good work-life balance, otherwise you get miserable at your job. A good work ethic is also very important to me. I maintain this balance by having a good social life with lots of friends and hangouts, reading a lot, working out, cooking, and maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. I think all of that helps with achieving the balance I need to show up fresh every day.