From Bergdorf Goodman to The Webster & Back: Get to Know Chloe King

Photo Credit from left: Tyler Joe, Tyler Joe, Style du Monde, Matthew Sperzel

By: The Making it in Manhattan Team

Although Chloe King’s career might look glamorous, she’s no stranger to hard work. After pursuing a career at a sports marketing firm out of college, Chloe quickly realized her heart was in the fashion industry. She then landed an internship with Tibi where she worked her way up from an intern to eventually heading up their PR department. Since then, she’s worked with some of the most iconic (and coolest) luxury retailers from The Webster to Bergdorf Goodman, where she currently works directly with Linda Fargo— and not to mention, her style is undoubtedly covetable and every street style photographers’ dream. Read on for major career and style inspiration on how she’s Making it in Manhattan!

Growing up, did you always have an interest in fashion?

Yes! Always interested, but a little intimidated. I had a strong sense of what I liked, but not really the context or language as to why, what career opportunities there were, and where I might fit in.

What was your first job out of college and how would you say it impacted your career?

My first job was with a sports marketing firm. Because I went to a liberal arts school, I felt like I didn't have the credentials to pursue a job in fashion (I did play soccer through college). That first job taught me that just because there is an easy/obvious industry for you to join, it doesn't mean it's the right one. The ultimate silver lining of graduating in 2009 was that all jobs were scarce, so I figured if I had to work extra hard to get an offer, I might as well pursue something I loved.

You moved to New York to start an internship with Tibi and were able to move your way up to the PR and Social Manager. What advice would you give to current interns who are hoping to land a full-time job?

It's the usual tropes but it really is that easy: show up early, stay late, be positive, there is no task too small. But also, be curious! Ask questions, introduce yourself to other people from other teams. Make your work and energy indispensable.

You then went onto work at Bergdorf Goodman but then went over to The Webster and now recently came back to Bergdorf’s- what was it like going from Bergdorf Goodman to the Webster? How did your job change? And what ultimately led you back in the end?

Going from a big, traditional retailer to a smaller niche business was exactly the challenge I was looking for. While there was continuity of brand assortment (Chanel, Dior, Celine, Valentino, etc) just about everything else was different: volume of business, buying strategy, store design, clients, and most importantly for my job, different aesthetics. I went from managing a small portion of the BG creative (social media) to overseeing all content produced for The Webster (website, email, digital advertising, etc). Studying a new audience and what resonated with them was super interesting, but ultimately my favorite part of the job was storytelling. Coming up with shoot concepts and fantasies that would present our brand vision in an engaging way, and ultimately drive business. One of my favorite parts of working at BG (the first time) was getting to collaborate with Linda Fargo, so when she called with the opportunity to be a part of her Fashion Office, I was thrilled. Now, I've transitioned from producing content to working with her on distilling the fashion messaging each season: VIP collections, key items, important themes, new brands to watch, etc. That messaging leads our marketing, creative and visual teams for the season.

What did you wear to your first interview?

I interviewed for my Tibi internship wearing leather shorts (!!) and something more conservative on top (a grey knit or a menswear shirt) a smaller heel since I'm already tall, and probably some vintage jewelry. I remember thinking "leather shorts could backfire" if they had a very corporate work culture but I went with my gut. Because I didn't have a lot of "fashion" on my resume, I wanted what I wore to be a real reflection of my personal style. I guess it worked!

It seems like you’ve always had a talent for digital fashion strategy. How would you say your job in social media has changed over the years?

Digital strategy has evolved as the landscape changes. When I launched the Tibi Instagram there was no video, no explore feed, no comment section (I'm old). So as the technology changes, the audience expectations shift, so your content needs to as well. I'm not saying you need to reinvent the wheel, but you should absolutely stay informed with what's new, use the analytic tools at your disposal, and be creative about potential collaborations.

You have such a fun, unique sense of style! Where do you look to for inspiration?

Thank you! Everywhere, really. NYC is such an inspiring place to live because people are not afraid to get a little extreme, be the most bizarre version of themselves. And I love the bizarre. Unexpected color combinations inspire me. Art. Old movies. I watched Working Girl again recently and it's so bad... it's good? Some of her suiting looks at the end look right off the Saint Laurent Fall 2019 runway.

What is one thing on your wish list right now?

The Dries van Noten SS20 collaborative collection with Christian Lacroix was a dream. I need to own a piece from that iconic duo! Ideally one of the brocade bolero jackets, most likely the paperbag peplum polka dot skirt.

Who have been your biggest mentors in the industry, and what is the best advice they have ever given you?

Elaine Chang, the president at Tibi, is one of the brightest, kindest women I've ever met! She is brilliant at distilling lots of information to a clear, thoughtful strategy. She leads as a beacon of calm in the office, while somehow challenging everyone around her to be better. Plus, she has impeccable taste. She taught me to always listen, be inclusive - especially when starting a new job. When you do speak up, you want be well informed as possible, and take as many people's experiences with you as possible. She taught me to be strategic and always be driving to the goal at hand. Pretty dresses are not enough! And of course my current boss, Linda Fargo. She is impossibly, endlessly creative. Her index of references from not only fashion but art, theater, film, and music mean she can unpack a collection with a beautiful appreciation that layers both technique and social context. While so much of fashion can feel critical, she tackles her job with pure joy. Like me, fashion just makes her happy. She is drawn to the freaky, the unexpected, the true originals. She pushes you to dream bigger, bolder, beyond any boundaries. She's taught me to soak in fashion with all my senses: what is the designer saying, and why? How does it build on the fashion conversation? What does it all mean for the Bergdorf Goodman woman?

As someone whose grown platforms for major brands like Tibi, Bergdorf Goodman, and The Webster, what would you say are some secrets growing a presence on social media?

Authenticity is key. Decide on what your brand is, and be specific, so you understand who your audience will be. Nobody can be everything to everybody, and the people who try, end up seeming insincere.

What advice would you give to young women hoping to one-day follow in your footsteps?

Be curious, hone your point of view, and study up. The more context you have of what's come before you, the better equipped you'll be to connect the dots on the current landscape. And don't take it all too seriously - it's a real privilege to make a living looking at beautiful clothes all day.