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Interview: Felicity Brand

We spoke to #Faithfullgirl & Head Buyer for Mode Sportif, Felicity Brand about who she is, her advice for those wishing to follow a Fashion Buyers footsteps and what she suggests will be some key ‘must haves’ for this year.

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“Hi Felicity, please tell us a bit about yourself and role at Mode Sportif.”

"I'm Head of Buying for Mode Sportif, which means I am responsible for curating the overall edit of product from both international and local brands for our stores in Sydney and online platform.

I’m English but moved to Sydney 2 years ago to experience a fresh outlook and lifestyle change after a decade of living and working in London as a Buyer for international retailers such as Harvey Nichols and Net-A-Porter."

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“As Head of Buying you must really know your trend forecasting, what are you suggesting will be some key ‘must haves’ for this year? ”

"Neutral tones are here to stay and the Faithfull Le Desert delivers this trend so well. At Mode Sportif we have also seen a trend towards more casual styling as so many of us have had to adapt our wardrobes to be more WFH friendly. I love the versatility of the Idrissy Top in Plain Sand to not just be styled back with the matching Skirt but can also be worn backwards with jeans for more of an everyday at home look."

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“Formerly from England, you have now well and truly adapted to the Australian lifestyle. What are some of your favourite elements about living in Sydney?”

"I feel incredibly lucky to call Sydney home. It’s a really unique and special city that you can truly achieve work life balance within thanks to the Australian lifestyle and an abundance of nature on our doorstep. My favourite elements are morning coastal walks with friends (+ coffee and doggos), salty swims before and after work and of course the year round sunshine. I still pinch myself every morning when I wake up with my partner to a beautiful view of the ocean and the sound of the waves crashing from our bedroom."

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“You are also quite the foodie, please share your top 3 eats:”

"I like my food it’s very true! In Sydney it has to be Bella Brutta for its famous clam pizza –life. changing. I also highly rate a beach picnic – fresh prawns, cheese and a bottle of natural wine is glorious."

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“Currently playing on your Summer playlist is:”

"I recently discovered the album Untitled by Sault which has become a favourite to potter around to. I love the energy of a new track Heartbreak by Bonobo X Totally Enormous Extinct dinosaurs.

Can’t not mention Talking heads – this must be the place as takes me straight back to balmy evenings in North Ibiza."

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“Tips for packing on a weekend getaway.”

"Try not to take too much which is easier said than done I know! I find planning outfits in advance really helps. I also always try stick to an overall colour palette so I can easily mix and match and get the most versatility out of my suitcase and the weather! I recently took a trip to Jervis Bay and packed the Medina Paisley as my hero print – then styled it back with my summer staples which are always - white basics, black tourist sandal, fella bikinis -always, a big straw bag & hat."

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“Advise for those wishing to follow a Fashion Buyers footsteps.”

"Buying is fast paced and competitive so a genuine passion and dedication to the role is key as it’s really not a 9-5 role. I would also say a big part of buying is to trust your gut instinct – we have to make decisions about product 6 months before it hits the stores which can be challenging but let your intuition guide you and don’t be clouded by others."

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“2021 you are most looking forward to...”

"Hopefully being reunited with my family and friends in England who I haven’t been able to see this year due to covid-19 and who I miss so much! Second to that…. dancing ! love live music and getting down on the dancefloor with friends is something I’m really craving."

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Words & Photography :

Felicity Brand

Retailer :

Mode Sportif