Comscore Beacon Fashion Jobs - AskMen

Careers In Fashion

Want A Job In Fashion?

Page 5 of 5

Eddy Chai, The Store Owner, Odin New York

AM: How did you start your career in fashion?
Eddy Chai (EC): Paul Birardi (co-owner of Odin) and I had a friend who had a women's store in the East Village. In spending a lot of time in the area and walking about, we noticed that there weren't really any men's stores or ones that reflected what we would want to experience. We had this casual sentiment: "Someone should open a men's lifestyle store in NYC." That friend called us one day and said, "You guys should open a men’s store. There's a available space down the block."

EC: It wasn't until much later that we realized that our biggest risk was opening our first store. There were definitely naysayers who thought that the men's market was too small or that the East Village was too off-the-beaten-path to have a viable business. But we definitely had a clear point of view and were passionate about what we wanted to create and stood true to that vision.

(In this video, Eddy Chai interviews his brother, fashion designer Richard Chai)

AM: What is the appeal of working in the fashion industry as a man?

EC: There's a tremendous amount of creative, inspirational and motivated people, regardless if they're men or women, in the industry, which keeps us engaged. In terms of being a man in the industry, unlike the women’s market, the men’s market is still relatively young but developing at a tremendous rate. To have a voice in contributing to this market (however large or small) by introducing new brands and products to a discerning male customer is gratifying.

EC: Many people have this misconception about the duties a buyer has. It’s not just about selecting “nice things.” There is an important financial component that requires planning and analysis. There is nothing our employees do that I’m not willing or have not done myself. Most of my business is non-glamorous, and that's fine by me.

EC: Get an internship. I know that sounds obvious, but it truly is a way to start a career path. And while I know many people are quite dismissive about internships, it really gives you exposure to the inner workings of the business. It could help you decide if it is even a career you want to pursue.

Show comments