Young but with the right stuff
A new arrival at Schmid. A new face in the company’s style and research department: technical know-how, knowledge of the market, an aptitude for team work and enthusiasm are the characteristics of Elena Marradi, the new department head. Let’s get to know her better
«I could say that everything began with a small book on Coco Chanel given to me as a gift by my grandfather. I was only 12 years old, but I immediately fell in love with this individual and this business: from that I moment I knew what my path would be». With these words Elena Marradi describes her passion for the fashion industry and for her work: indeed, although she’s less than 30 years old, she already has significant experience in the field and solid skills under her belt that she has put to Schmid’s service over the last few weeks. In fact, she has been involved with the development of special products for the autumn/winter 2016-2017 collectionsince April and beginning July 1 she will be the new head of the company’s style and research department. Our chat with Elena starts from this.
Elena, what is your feeling after these first few weeks in Schmid?
«First of all, it’s an honour for me to work with a company with such a history: Schmid is a leader in the converter sector, able to unite a solid tradition with a great inclination for innovation and change».
What struck you most about the company?
«I’m fascinated by the project: there’s so much dynamism around me and a constant attention to the product and service and I believe that by now the company’s clients have understood and appreciate this mindset. The team is also very close-knit: everyone works together to achieve the objectives they’ve set out. I’m happy to have made this choice».
Let’s take a little step backwards: can you tell us how your career began?
«I studied at NABA, Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti, in Milan. I first got my Bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Textile Design and then a Master’s degree in Textile and Material Design. But my relationship with NABA continued even after my studies: I worked at Futurarium, the office that handles the organization of contests, and participated in the creation of fashion events. In this period, I was lucky to collaborate with Orietta Pelizzari, one of the best cool hunters in circulation (and also a consultant to Schmid), becoming her assistant: in this way I gained familiarity with the world of research, especially in the footwear and leather goods sectors, and a spark was set off».
But your experience doesn’t end here…
«No, indeed. I worked with Ars Sutoria and Ars Arpel Group, for which I dealt both with training and publishing, as a fashion editor, and research and experimentation with new materials. As a consultant, I collaborated with some international brands, including Sarah Flint, a New York brand of luxury shoes, for which I oversaw the development of materials and handled, together with the rest of the team, technical development and the collections follow up».
So you have lots of experience. What contribution do you expect to make to Schmid?
«I’m a very flexible person, who adapts to every situation. I like to study new products and to propose solutions that can help clients in their constant research activity. Although I worked extensively as a consultant, everywhere I go I always “play for the team” and try to build good relations with everyone. I like working in a team and at Schmid this is the rule».
