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The State of Local Retail and Fashion, According to Industry Experts

The State of Local Retail and Fashion, According to Industry Experts

Local-to-global movers and shakers on fashion's here and now

 

 

The second day of styletalks proved to be just as exciting as the first. In case you missed it, the roster of speakers was a line-up of industry experts and professionals who have gone on to make a mark on both the local and global scenes. Paulo Campos of Zalora, beauty vlogger Ana Victorino, Always Sunday's Jenni and Aryanna Epperson, designer Ken Samudio and Amina Aranaz Alunan of bag label Aranaz shared the stage and let us in on the nitty gritty sides of thier success stories.

Curious yet? Read ahead for interesting backstories and pieces of advice on how to make a breakthrough in the here and now of fashion and beauty.

 

RELATED: Amanda Cosco on Fashion, Tech and Putting the Two Together at stylefestph

 

Paulo Campos, Zalora Philippines

https://www.instagram.com/p/WUzQYEwOu-/?taken-by=paulocampos3

 

Knowing just how much influence and power the right customer service and journey provides, Zalora Philippines’ Paulo Campos took us through the ins and outs of why the online retail company has done so well amidst the competition. And as expected, the CEO threw some numbers, graphs, studies and major learnings our way.

 

Leveraging on its know-how of the local scene, Zalora Philippines has made it a point to keep up with the times and make shopping easier for its user base. From the website to the app, people are given option in terms of search, payment options and quick delivery time.

 

And Zalora Philippines’ latest digital-shaking movement? Photo-recognition searchability. Take a photo from your camera roll and the site will give you items similar to what you’re looking for—so say goodbye to endless scrolling!

 

Ana Victorino, Beauty Vlogger

 

While studying to be a graphic designer in college, Ana Victorino stumbled upon her passion makeup. When others saw how talented she was, the requests started pouring in and just as YouTube was starting, she took her tutorials to the digital space. Success seemed almost accidental if not inevitable.

 

At one point, Ana was the highest-viewed YouTuber in the Philippines for all things beauty. But when you have millions of eyes on you, you’re bound to see a few pairs rolling and Ana Victorino knows this just as well as the next lady. Her solution for the best revenge? Fueling your passions even further.

 

Jenni and Aryanna Epperson, Always Sunday

Two is better than one––especially when you're a mother-daughter duo. This was the case with blogger, author and stylist Jenni Epperson when she took the stage alongside her daughter, Aryanna, in matching get-ups, no less. Both wearers of many hats, Jenni and Aryanna took us through the whats, whys and most importantly, the hows, of their skincare brand Always Sunday.

Sparing no detail, the pair discussed the origin story of their products, their approaches to marketing (social media is your friend!) and why they prefer to have a local lab formulate their products (“We actually want them to work,” was all Jenni had to say.) In the end, they credited their humble success story to three simple steps: starting small, turning passion into action and putting in the work, even if sleepless nights and juggling work with your school thesis are the trade-offs.

 

Ken Samudio, Fashion Designer

We don't know about you, but we're automatically on high alert when we hear anybody make mention of the late, great Franca Sozzani. During his brief presentation, designer Ken Samudio let us in on some wise words the Italian editor once passed on to him: “Use what you have here, in your own home.”

True enough, Ken has remained loyal to his Filipino spirit through and through, whether it's through the themes of his creations or the materials he uses. “I can't hide it,” he gushed about our love of fiestas, colors and our culture. “Stay true to who you are, because it will show if your spirit has been imparted to your creations.”

 

Amina Aranaz Alunan, Aranaz

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnF-PAnj_ar/?hl=en&taken-by=aminaaranaz

 

The Aranaz name is not exactly low-key—not here in the Philippines and definitely not internationally. After all, what started as a humble family business in the industry of manufacturing is now an accessory and bag powerhouse that’s recognized by the who’s-who in style, publishing and design.

 

According to creative director Amina Aranaz-Alunan, having a foot in the digital space and breathing the brand is important—Aranáz’s first big international break, after all, did come via an email request for their signature straw bags. And since then, their products have been featured in numerous international publications and sported and loved by countless of women. But as Amina admitted, there's still a long way to go and the road to bigger and better things is staying on top of trends and designs but never losing identity.

 

RELATED: Wonder x stylefestph Photobooth

 

While we may have reached the end of this year's styletalks lineup, one more day of stylefestph festivities awaits. Stay tuned for more fashion shows, parties and photobooth magic!

 

 

Art Alexandra Lara

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