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PB Interviews: Cynthia O’Connor

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Cynthia O’Connor, CEO of Cynthia O’Connor + Company has a keen eye, and she doesn’t forget something that appeals to her or makes an impression. Case in point: when Bloomingdale’s opened in Chevy Chase in the fall of ’07, I stopped her as she was walking in and I was leaving. We chatted briefly, I snapped her photo (fuzzy!) and then that was that. Then this past December, our paths crossed at the Nothing But the Truth opening (Kate Beckinsale: totally lovely and glowy-skinned in person) and she remembered me instantly. I was pretty floored, really.

I suppose this sort of thing must be innate when you’re a branding guru, effectively responsible for making brands like Lela Rose, Kooba and Kate Spade household names and top-spots on many a fashionista lust-list.

O’Connor (who lives in Middleburg) will make an appearance this Saturday at Tysons Galleria with both Rebeca Minkoff and Monica Botkier and cocktails & lots and lots of amazing handbags. The details for that:
Saturday, April 4, 12-4 (fashion presentation at 2:30)
Saks 5th Avenue, Tysons Galleria (2051 International Drive, McLean, VA; 703-761-0700)

We wanted Cynthia all to ourselves first though, so read on for her thoughts on how fashion will survive the economy, plumped lips and Washington’s style scene.

Everyone loves Rebecca Minkoff and Botkier. What’s new for them this spring and summer?

COC: Rebecca Minkoff did a great take on the neon trend by using neutral skins accented with neon – pink on black and neon yellow on gray – on the handbags, such as her signature MAB and mini MAB. Rebecca’s take on neon is less literal than some of the other designers, making the trend more understandable. Neon is a fresh and updated take on the color trend that has been dominate on the fashion scene the last couple of seasons. And studs! The Nikki, MAB and the new devote are exciting and priced SO reasonably for the amount of work and hardware on them. They are a terrific investment.

Designer Monica Botkier is one of the industry’s true talents. For spring, she brought in shapes that go back to her original days, as requested by her consumers. Monica added some great details to the ever-popular “Trigger” and “Clyde,” and some great cross body smaller bags with the Trigger detailing for those who want a new trendy statement at a great price point. Botkier also created the “James” group which is a great new group with a downtown edge that is retailing very well in the stores.

As a branding pro, in what ways did you direct their brands from their respective inceptions til now?

COC: Botkier and Rebecca Minkoff were taken by our brand building organization at slightly different stages. Botkier was in the department stores already with her signature Triggers and Clydes. The real question in the retailer’s mind was whether or not she would be a one hit wonder. Of course not! Monica came right back the next season with her famous “Bianca” bag. Monica is so talented. Never know what she is going to be up to next….Stay tuned!

Rebecca Minkoff came to my showroom in her early stages. She was in the beginning of her grassroots effort and being worn by every hip east and west coaster. We focused Rebecca on presenting product offerings that would include a wider range of customers in the suburban areas yet keeping it super cool.

We’re hearing a lot about the economy’s effect on fashion, with the result being that retailers will go for “safer choices,” essentially squeezing out more original, risk-taking design. How has the economy changed the retail landscape? How are designers reacting? What will change and is this good or bad?

COC: What you are hearing – and what is actually the truth – are different. The retailers are focused on their product selections more than ever, and are demanding emotional product at sharper prices. I am finding that the retailers want exciting and unforgettable offerings. Last fall when the bottom fell out of the market, every store blew through purple handbags. Why? Well, who needs another black handbag? If you needed one, you bought one, but if you didn’t, the color purple might have made you buy a bag. The economy has changed the retail landscape as there are fewer retailers out there now. Inventories are in line for normal sales growth, instead of the crazy times we experienced in the last three years. Those who had a tough time then, are gone now. That’s good news for retail.

Any words of wisdom for young men and women looking to get into what you do? What are your top do’s and don’ts?

COC: There is a great myth out there about careers in fashion. It’s not just picking pretty things on either side; retail, wholesale or design. In my opinion, fashion is one of the toughest careers because you need a fashion eye, but yet you must be incredibly analytical. I have found through the years that many people who entered the fashion world, quickly exited because it wasn’t anything like they expected. Fashion is not playing Barbies, it is a real career.

This photo, by itself, makes me like Rebecca Minkoff as a person.

What’s one trend you can’t stand right now?

COC: Plumped lips! As far as actual fashion goes, I am a big believer in personal style. I think there has to be a wide range of trends to match the diversity of our country.

Thoughts on style in DC and the retail landscape here? What does Washington need to become a “fashionable” or “fashion-centric” city?

COC: I think DC is incredibly fashionable. I feel Washington has always short-sheeted itself as far as its appeal to fashion. I attribute that to the political landscape of Washington and the protocol of the professional environment it dictates. Most media coverage of Washington is politics, and there is much more out there than that. When I moved here, I was very pleased with the elegance of the women and men and how well they dressed. DC is becoming a more contemporary market…Georgetown is the new fashion hit. Intermix, Cusp, Forever 21, Urban Chic…great contemporary, edgy stores that have had overwhelming success. All DC needs is to take a good look at itself, look around and realize it’s cool.

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