We caught up with Saralyn Feinberg, Rag & Bone's International Sales Manager, on life at the Rag & Bone HQ, New York City living, and FASHION!
Tell us about your role at Rag & Bone? What is it like working for such a world-renowned fashion label? I am the Sales Manager for International Wholesale and Franchise for APAC region at Rag & Bone. My job entails overseeing our businesses in mens and women’s collections, denim, handbags, accessories, and footwear for our retail and wholesale businesses in Asia.
Working for a brand like Rag & Bone is so rewarding because I’ve been able to see and impact so many parts of the business. From design, to merchandising – there are so many ways in which I’m able to see all of our teams efforts come to fruition. Rag & Bone has also been incredibly supportive of me in my career and it’s a pleasure to work for a company that believes in you and gives you that solid foundation for growth. I started with the company about 3.5 years ago on our US wholesale team and as my interests evolved, the company has awarded me to be able to pave my own career path.
What led you here? Have you always had an interest in fashion? I have to say I always had my heart in fashion from an early age. I started working in retail during breaks at university and continued my studies in businesses and apparel merchandising, giving me the great foundation to build my career.
What does an average day at work look like for you, and what’s the atmosphere at the Rag & Bone HQ? There really isn’t a typical day at Rag & Bone, you can expect anything from an overseas video conference call recapping the business week to reviewing the future seasons board inspirations with the design teams.
The atmosphere is very much collaborative; we work in small squads based on our departments. We are constantly interacting with all business channels in the company: production, merchandising, design, pr, and marketing to achieve our goals. We also love to have fun! There’s always music playing and interesting new learnings; we know how to get down to business and have a fun time doing it!
Can you describe to us your office space? Whats on the desk at the moment? Our head office is based in the Meatpacking neighbourhood of NYC, right below 14th Street and West Side Highway. Our views are really incredible highlighting both nature and modern architecture, as we are akin to the Hudson River and the new Whitney museum. There are also quite a few prominent fashion companies based right next door and lots of cool bars and restaurants. On my desk at the moment is a mini palm plant and a few crystals, keeping the energy always positive and bright!
Whats it like living and working in New York city? Did you grow up there? It’s a whirlwind to live and work in NYC, it’s so busy and there is constantly something to do whether it’s the latest and greatest workout class, restaurant or bar opening or museum exhibition. Honestly, never a dull moment and you have a world of cultures at your doorstep. I feel so fortunate and grateful to live here! I grew up just outside another great city in the US, Chicago! It’s similar to NYC, just a bit smaller in scale. Really cool architecture and it’s beautiful, as it has river outlets that run through the city stemming from Lake Michigan. I always suggest visiting Chicago in the Spring or Fall – winters there are soo cold and summer is super hot!
Where abouts do you live in New York and whats the commute to work like? I live on the cusp of Little Italy and Chinatown; it’s a really charming place to live. All the restaurant maitre’ds stand on the streets, greeting potential customers and tourists trying to get them to eat at their restaurant. I think of them all as my friendly doormen! Commute to work is super easy, on a nice day I can walk and during cold weather I take a taxi.
Can you share with us some of your favourite spots around the city? Cafes, restaurants, boutiques? Baz Bagel and Restaurant for best breakfast and lunch. Authentic NYC bagels with a fun decor and delicious family recipes. Rubirosa for pizza and pasta. Cozy and warm restaurant with best pizza in the city! Uncle Boons for best Thai, really authentic and incredible flavors and fun cocktails. I love vintage shopping so my go-to’s are Stella Dallas and Ritual Vintage.
Come Friday, what does an average weekend in NYC look like for you? Love a weekend in Manhattan; I would meet up with friends for dinner and drinks. Saturday and Sunday I would start the day with my favorite soul cycle spin class then maybe explore a new neighbourhood or area of the city. I also take advantage of all the best beauty and spas the city has to offer, Marie nails for my manicure and maybe a spa treatment or message as a special treat!
Best piece of styling advice received? My mother has always encouraged me to wear whatever I was comfortable in but to always look my best. It was better to her to be overdressed, than too casual and I still consider it as my mantra to this today.
www.rag-bone.com
@ragandbone
