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Welcome to Working It, where Racked follows street style into the office. Forget pedestrian khakis and button-downs—these fashionable professionals take dress codes to a whole new dimension. Quick, somebody call HR!
Chloe is wearing a Tibi coat, belt, and shoes, an Equipment shirt, MIH jeans, and a David Yurman bracelet. Photos by Driely S.
Contemporary label Tibi was launched by fashion designer Amy Smilovic in 1997. What started as a small collection of dresses has since evolved into eleven full collections a year, and a full line of shoes. Smilovic hasn't abandoned dresses, though—chic, pretty numbers are a linchpin of the brand.
Recently, Racked paid a visit to Tibi's corporate headquarters in downtown New York City to get the scoop on what some of its stylish employees wear to work.
Chloe King, PR & Social Media Marketing Manager
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
"I'm really into crazy oversize sculptural knits like the ones from Acne and The Row. I don't think I could ever do the platform sneakers, though, I wore those out in the Spice Girl era."
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
"The last time I tried bangs, [I] went in hoping for Reese Witherspoon, came out looking like Tanner from Full House."
What have you learned at Tibi about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
"The Tibi office is a very open space, so I'm constantly learning from the design team, and how they communicate their vision to the merchandising team, who then helps the product come to life in the right fabric, fit, and price point."
Michelle Chuang, Digital Marketing Manager
Michelle is wearing a Tibi top, Mason Martin Margiela boots, and Acne jeans.
What have you learned at Tibi about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
"In an industry that churns out new product several times a year, it's essential to create a brand experience—from the clothing to the online checkout process—that unwaveringly resonates with the core aesthetic of the brand."
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
"Lately the items I regret buying are the cheaper things I buy on a whim. The items I spend money on have withstood the test of time and my shifting tastes—these are the pieces I treasure the most!"
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
"A multi-colored leopard print zip-up track suit jacket that I found at Century 21. It was made out of terry cloth."
Samantha Kidd, Merchandising Assistant
Samantha is wearing an Alexander Wang shirt, Tibi pants, Givenchy shoes, Michael Kors watch, Virgin Saints and Angels gold ring, and Cartier and Hermes bracelets.
Which trend do you really like, and which would you never be caught dead trying?
"Trends are so fickle I really try not to center my wardrobe around them, but one I'm still having a hard time getting behind is Birkenstocks."
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
"Too many pairs of crushed velvet flared pants growing up. I guess I was trying to channel Prince at age eight."
George Cherfan, Director of Sales
George is wearing a Tibi jacket, Oak pants, Nike shoes, Alternative Apparel T-shirt, a vintage necklace, and a Surface to Air ring.
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
"Designer sandals ( I never wear sandals)."
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
"White gym socks."
What are your favorite stores and why?
"Bergdorf Goodman has the best holiday décor, it makes me shop-happy. Opening Ceremony for amazing shoes and collaborations. SSense is my go-to for it's well-rounded edit of RTW, shoes, and accessories. And I love helping my girlfriends peruse the racks at Owen for the best trends of the season."
Britt McGraw, Sales Account Executive
Britt is wearing Vince leggings, Tibi tank and blazer, Rag & Bone booties, Michael Kors watch, Miansai bracelet, Eddie Borgo necklace, earrings, and ring, and Céline bag.
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
"I'm a smart shopper; rarely do I have buyer's remorse (knock on wood)!"
What have you learned at Tibi about the fashion industry that you wouldn't have known otherwise?
"The importance of evolving as a brand while still maintaining its core DNA."
Elaine Chang, GM & VP Strategy, Marketing & Business Development
Elaine is wearing a JW Anderson sweater, Tibi skirt, Marni shoes, and Catbird and Khaki Khaki rings.
What was an item you spent a lot of money on that you regret buying?
"I once bought a vintage lamp circa 1970s. I was mesmerized by the metallic sheen and its irregular angular lines. I bought it at a fancy furniture store so it felt like it was worth the investment. Everyone who walked into my living room hated the lamp and as much as I held off, I started to hate it too!"
What was your worst fashion faux pas?
"I have to admit, I wore the full tracksuit look in the 2000s, courtesy of Juicy Couture and J.Lo. My saving grace is that I only wore it for errands and going to the gym. I never showed up at a party in them."
What are your favorite stores and why?
"I love Maryam Nassir Zadeh in NYC's Lower East Side. The owner, Maryam, has a keen eye for the truly special. The color story in the store is a visual feast. I always leave feeling very inspired. I also love Yoox.com. I love the exploration element of the site and that you can find really great pieces from seasons past."
· What the Team at Elle Wears to Work [Racked]
· What the Team at Crunch Wears to Work [Racked]
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