Think being a PR is all about schmoozing celebrities and wearing nice clothes? Think again. Hugely demanding, it’s one of the busiest – and most visible – roles in the industry. We caught up with our PR Manager Hannah to find out what impact these factors have on her wardrobe, as well as her tips and tricks for tackling seriouswear.
If there’s one person that’s meant to be the ‘face’ of a brand, it’s their PR. Not only do they create and build new relationships, extinguish any (metaphorical) fires but they also always need to look the part, one thing Hannah is only too aware of. “It’s my job to represent Finery,” she states. So what does this mean for what she wears? “I’ll often wear one of our many printed dresses, maybe layered over trousers or jeans and with a polo neck underneath.”
Having been at Finery for over two years (“I was here about a month before we launched”), Hannah has been instrumental in maximising exposure and getting the brand into the wardrobes of some of the most stylish women – including Oscar-winner Alicia Vikander. While it may be all-go, the job does have serious perks. “I love working so closely to a brand that I genuinely love and to see us grow and develop from day one has been very exciting and such a great learning curve.”
The fact that Finery is so young also means that there is no such thing as a typical day for Hannah. “Because we are such a tight team I'm able to work across numerous projects with different teams whether this is an event, a product launch or developing a collaboration. I'm often out and about meeting with people, whether they're press or interesting women we are working with.” It is the variation that means Hannah really does have to be prepared for anything. “I often think about who I’m meeting and what I’ll be doing so if I know I’m running around to different meetings then I’ll make sure my shoes are appropriate!”
Ensuring her working wardrobe never ends up repetitive, Hannah alternates from Lurex separates to bold prints and feminine pieces paired with chunky shoes to simple monochrome. “I’m quite fickle!” she laughs.
Despite having to look work-appropriate, Hannah is keen to point out why we should all stay true to our style while in the office. “I think it's important that in whatever industry you work in you feel like yourself. When you are comfortable you will ultimately be more confident going to work. Even when there is a strict dress code to adhere to there are often pieces that you can choose that have a little more personality, whether that is with interesting fabric choices or slightly different cuts.”
Clearly one to take her own advice, Hannah practiced what she preaches when choosing garments for this shoot. “The styles I wore felt flattering and smart so they are perfect to wear to work but the colour and fabric give you a little more personality and add a bit of brightness to your day!”
