In honor of Hillary Kerr and Katherine Power’s new book, The Career Code: Must-Know Rules for a Strategic, Stylish, and Self-Made Career ($17), we’re running an interview series featuring 17 questions (in honor of the book’s 17 chapters) about the work lives of the most inspirational female leaders in the fashion industry. So far, we’ve tapped Rebecca Minkoff, Sally Singer, Rachel Zoe, and more. Up next? Stephanie Horton.
In the world of online fashion, shopping site Farfetch is known as a global superpower, and that’s thanks in part to the company’s chief marketing officer, Stephanie Horton. With an MBA and BBA under her belt, Horton has spent two decades in the industry, navigating the fast-paced fashion world like a pro and spending time at such lauded institutions as Vogue and The New York Times.
Today, Horton is constantly on the go as she travels the world for work, and she has her hand in many facets of the business: strategic partnership development, PR, and even social media—sounds like a lot, right? Luckily, she has some genius advice to share from her time in the fashion world and was eager to share it with us.
Read on to hear what Horton had to say!
“As a member of Farfetch’s Executive Leadership team, I lead Farfetch’s global marketing and communications strategy, with direct responsibility for corporate communications and public relations, brand and category marketing, strategic partnerships, as well as media, advertising, and marketing operations including editorial, VIP, and social media.”
“I log over 200,000 air miles each year.”
“My first job interview was at Andersen Consulting. I wore a Jones New York black suit with a white blouse and black Nine West pumps.”
“Diane Carroll, an award-winning actress, a successful entrepreneur, a devoted humanitarian; she is a legend. She made history and great strides appearing as the first black woman as the lead in a television series in a non-servant role, she was also the first black woman to appear on the international best dressed list. I would love to hear her story.”
“My friends, [Business of Fashion], and TechCrunch.”
“I don’t have too many regrets, but early on, I used to have a tendency to jump on things I thought were super exciting without much due diligence only to find out in the end that the devil is in the details.”
“Smart, sense of humor, humble, really excited about the opportunity, great personality.”
“High heels. I’m 5’4’, so the height gives me confidence.”
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“I asked her, she said ‘decisive, driven, and creative with a fun energy/personality.’”
“Watch old movies (1940s 1960s) like All About Eve, The Man Who Came to Dinner, Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”
“With full knowledge that you may need to call them back for a job one day or work with them as a client.”
“Abokado at my desk—Teriyaki noodles with a side of hot sauce, edamame, sweet and salty popcorn (the bag for 110 calories).”
“Too entitled. Asking for titles, money, or responsibility after only working for a short time and not earning trust.”
“Mostly friends. June Ambrose, she makes me laugh; Nausheen Shah, love the aesthetic; Alamira Noor Bani Hashim, love her taste; J.Lo for the glamour; and then The Economist, because I just love this magazine.”
“Morning 5 to 5:30: Wake up, check emails, work out. Evening: Watch TV. Morning gets my energy up. The evening takes me out of my day and helps me relax.”
“Listen more than talk, and accountability is one of the best gifts you can give to another and yourself.”
“Our new brand campaign for Farfetch. It’s current, cool, and vibrant and has been really fun to work on and develop.”
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