One half of the force behind Guy French, this former Tabard – who graduated in 2006 with a degree in Art History and a minor in French and Fine Arts – offers sage advice for Penn fashionistas.
Street: What inspired you to get into fashion? Was that your original career plan?
Louisa Roeder: After graduating from college I hadn’t found my niche but knew I wanted to do something that incorporated business and arts. Working at Sotheby’s auction house seemed like a logical career path but I felt creatively frustrated and wanted to get out of the corporate structure. There is nothing like the incentive to work hard when it’s for yourself!
Street: Did your Penn experience influence your designs?
LR: Absolutely. Many of my female friends were Wharton undergrads. During campus recruiting, it was interesting to see what was usually their chic style transformed into stiff corporate attire. I thought there had to be something in between. My entrepreneurial streak and desire to create and run a business definitely came from Penn.
Street: How long did it take for you and Christina Houghton to get the company started?
LR: Within two days of returning from our friend’s wedding, we had established the LLC and got the ball rolling. I left my job after three months of starting the line to work on it full-time. Officially, it has taken us four very intensive months to get our first collection off the ground. Since neither of us has a background in fashion, the learning curve has been steep.
Street: What makes for timeless fashion?
LR: Anything BUT trendy. A well fitted, flattering garment is timeless. Not necessarily the boldest piece in your wardrobe, but a classic piece that offers a little something off the beaten path. Good quality fabrics and expert tailoring are essential.
Street: Describe the “Guy French woman.” Where does she wear her jackets?
LR: Since we designed the first line for the women we know, the typical Guy French customer is a metropolitan, sophisticated woman of all ages. Like our friends, the jackets are versatile and suit any occasion from work to a gallery opening or a dinner party to name a few.
Street: What advice do you have for Penn students who want a career in fashion?
LR: Schedule as many informational interviews as possible. The best advice comes from people in the industry who are familiar with its problems and nuances. They are crucial for avoiding the major pitfalls. Even if you don’t think you know anyone in the industry, put your feelers out.
