My co-op experience was with my
life-long favorite brand, Anthropologie. The way I got my co-op is a true
networking success story. In 2012, I found out that the Chief Design and
Merchandising Officer of Anthropologie, Wendy Wurtzburger, would be the alumni
speaker that year at my little high school in Memphis, Tennessee. At first, the
connection seemed too good to be true. After multiple phone calls and email
exchanges, I managed to schedule a one-on-one meeting with Wendy at URBN’s
headquarters. By the time my co-op cycle rolled around, Wendy had become the
Head Curator for Anthropologie and I worked on her team with two others. Three
months into my co-op, Wendy left the company. The experience was like watching a
monument fall, but we all knew this wasn’t the last we would see of Wendy
Wurtzburger.
On March 4, 2015, Womenswear Daily
published an article titled “Wendy Wurtzburger Unveils Until S oon.” The
article explains that Until S oon is a high-end sweater collection that Wendy
created with designer, Linda Trau, and producer, Michelle Gondolini (wwd.com).
The 32-piece collection is partly inspired by ballerina dancewear and is made
of luxurious materials such as cashmere and lambs wool. Wendy is quoted saying,
“we wanted to create a collection that appeals to women who are culturally
curious and passionate about good design” (wwd.com). There is also an appreciation for artisan work
seen in this collection. The space between the S and O in the brand’s name is
meant to imply a dropped stitch or a similar imperfection that comes with
handmade clothing. The name is also how Mitzi Wong, the previous Creative
Director of Home at Anthropologie, signs letters. I smiled at this, as Mitzi
signed her emails to me with “until soon” when we corresponded about must-see
museums and boutiques while I was studying abroad.
I couldn’t have been happier
reading this article about my old boss and her new project. As graduation fast
approaches, I believe many of us D&M’s (myself included) feel that large
corporate design and fashion brands are where we need to be. It is easy to
forget about small operations, such as Until S oon, that are doing unique and
exciting work. While I may want to work for a big brand name now, I see the
appeal in working intimately for a small label with a different approach. This
story also teaches me that hard work and vast experience can prepare someone to
launch their own company. It is a difficult thing for me to imagine at this
time, but who knows what could happen 25 years from now.
If you're curious, Until S oon will be in stores next
fall at a price point ranging from $300 to $600. According to the article, the
collection will be found in designer departments when it has its limited
distribution. The complete lookbook can be found on untilsoon.nyc.
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