Candice Fragis is the Buying and Merchandising Director for Farfetch, where she leads the buying, merchandising and visual merchandising teams across multiple departments. This buying boss has more than a decade’s worth of experience in the industry, but unlike traditional purchasing roles, she works with partners and brands to ensure Farfetch is the first to market with the best offerings for its customers. Intrigued about what a buyer’s job entails? Read more about Candice and her career below.
N: Previously, you were a Senior Buyer for Net-a-porter. What was the transition into your current Buying and Merchandising role at Farfetch like?
C: It has been an exciting and positively challenging transition. Moving into a more strategic role versus a hands-on buying role takes getting used to, but at the pace that Farfetch evolves and grows, there is little time to reflect and much more time trying to keep up. It’s fast-paced, but the exposure to incredible boutiques and brands around the world is what I thrive on.
N: Although your schedule is constantly changing, what are three things you do every day at your job?
C: 1. Check the website constantly and always start with NEW IN. 2. Respond to emails and review daily sales. 3. Check daily industry news – mainly Business of Fashion & WWD.
N: How would you describe your own personal style?
C: Hipster rock and pretty consistent.
N: What is your go-to outfit formula?
C: Jeans + tshirt/shirt + cowboy boots + scarf + jacket of some sort.
N: What is one fashion trend you wish would come back and one you would like to never see again?
C: I really hated uggs and wellies as a fashion trend – they are practical products that should not be part of an intentional ‘look.’ Fashion is so cyclical, so most trends inevitably do come back. At the moment it’s almost the anti-trend, so anything goes really. I love 70’s and vintage generally so anything from that era is always welcome
N: What advice can you give women who want to get into the buying industry?
C: Start with getting experience understanding the needs, wants and expectations of a customer and the best way to do that is to work in a retail environment. Even though the focus for so many retailers and brands is online, the most valuable experience for a buyer is hearing the day-to-day requests and realities of the customer.
N: You are a strong advocate for women helping other women in the workplace. What is the best way you think women can do more of that?
C: Support each other, mentor and be mentored. Start networking groups, get involved with supporting people’s development and do what women do best – nurture and be kind.