Need to have
To some, the word social means seeing people face to face. To others, it’s any kind of human interaction. CIFF asked a mixed bunch of folks from the fashion business what they can’t go a day without, and how they define being social. Let’s see what they have to say.
Carolyn Wrights, age 40, Vice President of Women’s Apparel & Accessories, Gift, Gourmet & Kids, and Sustainability Product Lead for Holt Renfrew
What couldn’t you live a day without?
A sense of humour, because this world is a little bit crazy sometimes, and it helps to have a laugh!
What does “social” mean to you?
I guess I’m old school, as the first thing that comes to mind is dinner with friends; real social, not social media!
TYLER FRANCH, age 35, Vice President and Fashion Director at The Bay
What couldn’t you live a day without?
My NuFace. I am addicted to the Contour.
What does “social” mean to you?
As much as my mind goes to social media, I want to say that coming out of so much uncertainty with planned in-person gatherings, “social” to me these days means reconnecting with the people who really matter to me.
SUSANNE SCHWENGER, 58, Chief Product Officer, Marc O’Polo
What couldn’t you live a day without?
Reading. To me, it means being informed and connected both to the world and to my inner self. Here and now. Daily newspapers and newsletters inform me about current events and industry affairs. Coffee table books, blogs, and magazines stimulate my creativity. Since I travel a lot, I often consume digitally and also love podcasts.
What does “social” mean to you?
Interacting, cultivating connections, and creating ideas with others makes every single day great. Both private and business relationships are very important. Being social also means taking responsibility in terms of our environment. Social behaviour is the key to success and happiness in any field.
NICOLAI WALLNER, old enough, gallery owner
What couldn’t you live a day without?
Toiletpaper and a good laugh.
What does “social” mean to you?
A Social.
ROSE HERMANSEN, age 29, designer and co-founder of Atelier Axo, a design and architecture studio
What couldn’t you live a day without?
My family.
What does “social” mean to you?
To be present.
LASSE DEARMAN, age 32, freelance photographer
What couldn’t you live a day without?
Right now, my main obsession appears to be chess. Since it caught my attention I can’t recall having an entire day in which I haven’t played or studied chess one way or the other. This helps me in a lot of ways other than just being entertainment.
What does “social” mean to you?
To me it’s the idea of caring for someone other than yourself.
ANNA VILHELMINE EBBESEN, age 44, Design Director, Sahco & Head of Design Consumer
What couldn’t you live a day without?
People, family and friends.
What does “social” mean to you?
It’s a sense of belonging. It’s through people that the world becomes alive. We are only something by virtue of each other. The exchange is what fuels me.
CAROLINE CLANTE, age 24, stylist
What couldn’t you live a day without?
A My new Balenciaga boots and my life-saving medicine.
What does “social” mean to you?
As I’m a very extroverted person, socialising and being with people gives me the energy and inspiration to thrive and develop.
TOBIAS BIRK NIELSEN, age 36, Creative Director
What couldn’t you live a day without?
My son! (And coffee).
What does “social” mean to you?
To me “social” means freedom. Freedom to tap in. Freedom to tap out. Freedom to follow your needs, by giving energy to your social surroundings or to be charged up by them. In the past years I’ve become quite aware about what being social means and requires, and therefore I’m also becoming more aware of how to use and integrate it in my everyday life.
PETTER LUNDGREEN, age 30, Brand Director, Magniberg
What couldn’t you live a day without?
A pile of pillows and fresh air.
What does “social” mean to you?
Meeting, talking, seeing, touching people IRL. You can be “social” over internet or phones, but it doesn’t make your heart beat faster.
ANNA C. H. WÆHRENS, age 29, textile designer and director of Outpost Gallery
What couldn’t you live a day without?
Morning tea.
What does “social” mean to you?
Talking, laughing, listening, and joy – that’s fuel for my engine.
KATIE KENDRICK, age 41, Kid’s Fashion and Lifestyle Editor Pirouette, CCO Lolie Kids
What couldn’t you live a day without?
A cup of tea. I’m a big tea drinker.
What does “social” mean to you?
I’m a very social person. I love people and love to chat! I prefer to be social in person – it’s so much more fun than a Zoom call! Of course, in this business it also means social responsibility and making sure that what we produce and consume has a positive impact.
