I joined Accessorize in 2001 as their first print designer, following a stint in other retailers in similar role. I then got promoted to Senior Designer managing a team of three, and have been here ever since.
I’d describe our culture as fun, caring and constantly evolving. It’s a privilege to work with such great, creative people and amazing product. It’s a constantly changing business, never static and never dull and you have to remain adaptable to the creative challenges to stay ahead!
Inspiration trips are the most exciting aspect of the role. I’ll never forget my first trip to LA and hunting for vintage prints, and have loved further trips to Paris, New York, Ibiza, and Istanbul. I also have a real soft spot for our fun and flirty lingerie ranges, having designed the first range in 2004.
My typical day: I arrive at 9 and grab a coffee on my way to my desk to catch up with the Print team on priorities for designs and workloads.
I’ll then respond to any email queries from suppliers regarding design developments and work on re-colouring a print design on the computer for bags/scarf prints.
Around 1, I’ll look at a couple of magazines over lunch to keep up with trends, before catching up with one of our buyers to review our range’s best-sellers. We’ll look at new samples and discuss any new ideas to develop. In the afternoon, I’ll brief suppliers on new print designs - in time to catch the 4pm courier! I’ll do some work on new designs and leave work around 6pm.