In addition to exclusive high fashion, shoes, handbags and accessories are also important drivers of the luxury industry. In an interview, Hollie Harding, Womenswear Non-Apparel Buying Manager at Browns, revealed what role the division plays for the British luxury department store Browns. Harding talks about the most popular product categories, the success of the high-quality jewelry segment and the upcoming trends for 2023.
You’ve been a women’s accessories buyer at Browns for almost six years. Why did you choose this path?
My career started as a buyer in menswear, but I’ve always wanted to move into womenswear. I was particularly interested in working at Browns as I had admired the business for years. When I joined Browns, the company had just been acquired by Farfetch and had begun to leverage their technical expertise by launching a new website and app. It was a truly opportune time to join such an iconic company that was just beginning its new digital journey.
How has the non-apparel sector developed in recent seasons – in general and also at Browns?
Browns has evolved so much since I joined the company and I am very fortunate to be a part of this journey. The boutique has always been a focal point for new talent in the luxury space and while we have grown digitally, we have always stayed true to our roots as an incubator for young designers, supporting them in their growth and watching them evolve into established brands develop.
Jewelry has also evolved. Browns was the first multi-brand boutique to stock fine jewelry and it was incredibly important for us to stay at the forefront of this world. Over the years we’ve brought out some incredible talent such as Foundrae, Marla Aaron, Lizzie Mandler and Lauren Rubinski.
Which designers should you keep an eye on?
As you browse our range of non-apparel products, there are a few names to keep in mind like Amina Muaddi, wandler and Ruslan Baginskiy.
Browns has refocused its jewelry offering in recent years. What has changed since you came to the company?
In redesigning our jewelry offering at Browns, we wanted to go back to basics and emphasize what Browns is known for: our luxurious curation and emerging talent. We’ve stocked some industry leaders like Repossi and Suzanne Kalan, and focused on growing iconic talent like Anita Ko and Foundrae, who are now among our key brands. We’ve also added exciting new designers like Marla Aaron and Eéra. We’ve also expanded our range of fine men’s jewelry, a department that’s constantly growing, adding to the selection of our favorites Lauren Rubinski, Spinelli and Lizzie Mandler. We’ve also added exciting new talent like Bleue Burnham, A Sinner in Pearls and Hatton Labs.
Which product categories are the most important in the Browns non-apparel range?
Browns customers are always looking for investments in non-apparel, from shoes to bags, accessories and jewelry – whether it’s a luxury bag from a super brand or a shoe trend of the moment like House of Honey’s mega platforms or Nodaleto. At Browns we are fortunate to offer a selection of heritage designer brands while also supporting new talent.
What styles have worked well this year?
2022 was definitely party time again and all our non-apparel categories had a more is more attitude. We saw platforms from Haus of Honey, Versace and Valentino alongside luminous satins and crystals from Mach & Mach, as well as pink and blue sapphires, emeralds and yellow diamonds at Fine Jewellery.
What trends to look out for in the SS23 season?
In SS23, partying continues to be a key trend, with bold colors and fabrics, feathers and crystals galore. When it comes to fine jewellery, color and size play an important role. We’ve got some gorgeous rainbow jewelry from Suzannne Kalan, exclusive sapphires from Spinelli, and we feature Stephen Webster, who plays with color in the most sensual of ways with his iconic two-stone engagement rings.
This interview was conducted in written form.