We’re thrilled to have partnered with Nine West to give Snapette users first access to their new collection and a chance to win gorgeous shoes: http://www.snapette.com/index.php/Contest/ninewest/vintage-america-collection
We spoke with Sally, the rockstar Executive Vice President of Nine West, about all things fashion, style, mobile, and inside the brand.
1. With such a diverse resume, everywhere from Gap to Bergdorf Goodman, if you had to choose one job experience that has most influenced your outlook on product at Nine West which would it be?
It would actually be the combination of my footwear buying experiences at Bergdorf Goodman, J Crew and Ann Taylor all rolled into one. Nine West is a fashion footwear brand that offers incredible fashion-right product at accessible prices, and the website and retail stores will always reflect that. We will also always offer classic wardrobe staples such as ‘the point toe pump’ offered on every heel height, or the ballerina flat -all with an amazing price/value relationship. Nine West’s assortments will be similar in their fashion content and core offering as what a customer sees at luxury shoe salons – but at compelling prices! Working at Ann Taylor, J Crew and the GAP reinforced to me that all women want to look modern and fashionable – but all women don’t feel that it is necessary to spend $700 on a pair of shoes to do so. Nine West is to footwear what Zara, Topshop and H + M are to apparel.
2. How would you describe your style? What/who are some of your fashion/style inspirations? What’s your go-to business bag?
My style? My long time friends have always teased me: ‘What are you wearing tonight – the ‘uniform’, as usual? As the uniform is my staple wardrobe 10 months of the year, my entire life! Minimalist and modern is my personal style – I live in classic, easy, comfortable pieces like skinny corduroys, dark denim, leather leggings and leather mini skirts mixed with oversized sweaters, ribbed tanks, scoop neck t’s and a black blazer. I also love the simplicity of wearing a dress – so easy to get ready in the morning with only one item to throw on! My signature shoe? The point-toe pump (the ‘Martina’) and a classic sling-back wedge (the ‘Leggy’). And I am dying to buy the ‘Sally’ stiletto pump in an array of colors as soon as it arrives in our Nine West stores in September – this pump is offered in 20 colorways! It is THE MUST HAVE of the Fall season this year. In the warmer months I transform into a different person – Boho chic – loving color (fuchsia my fave) and prints. I live in long floral print dresses (from my dear friend Marjorie whose brand is called ‘Pop St Barth’) that I wear with jeweled sandals (the Wixson and the Evania – love!) or classic thongs – the ‘Sosavvy’, the ‘Hula’, the ‘Wakinup’ and the ‘Leela’ – just to name a few of my Nine West faves. Fashion icon for me? Kate Moss!
3. What are you most looking forward to with the opening of the store?
I am over the moon about our new store opening on 55th and Madison, The World According to 9. The Madison Avenue shopper will be delighted to discover that we offer such amazing shoes with such wonderful quality at such compelling prices. The new store will feel like the ultimate candy store of footwear – and the mood will be like a luxury shoe salon with a fun energy and vibe.
4. What’s the craziest thing that has ever happened to you at work?
Craziest thing? When Stuart Weitzman himself actually kneeled down to personally measure my foot – no one can believe how narrow and flat my feet actually are! I’m a triple A with no in-step!!
5. How do you see mobile impacting fashion?
Mobile for fashion is function plus fun. Shoppers have become even bigger brand loyalists through social media and mobile tools, as they can become truly engaged in fun content and have access to commerce at their fingertips.
6. How do you see Snapette helping your brand and business?
I’m excited about partnering with Snapette because their community truly loves fashion and are interested in what brands are offering in-store. I will love getting people’s reactions as we unveil our new product to Snapette users first, and getting feedback straight from the consumer.
7. Why do you use the Snapette app? What is your favorite feature on Snapette?
The Snapette app is a great way to see what is happening in the retail world, what people are loving and excited about buying. It’s definitely a helpful tool for any shopper!
8. How would you like to see Nine West fans/buyers use the Snapette app?
What’s great about what we are doing with Snapette is that we’re letting the Snapette community have a first look at what our new stores will offer when they open. I don’t think any other brand has used the app in this way, a sort of virtual ‘store merchandiser’. Also, it’s great that customers who may not live near the new stores can still be included in all the exciting things we are doing!
9. What other fashion house Creative Directors, Executives, and Designers do you admire?
Others I admire: I admire designers who stay true to their vision and defined aesthetic – Azzedine Alaia and The Row (designed by the Olsen twins), just to name a few. For footwear – well that’s obvious – Ninive and her entire design team at Nine West!!
We’re so excited to be working with Sally and Nine West- if you don’t know already, here’s how to easily enter to win some Nine West shoes through Snapette: http://www.snapette.com/index.php/Contest/ninewest/vintage-america-collection
