An Interview with Frances Card
In my work I often meet some very fascinating people. At Cocosa.com I had the opportunity to work with Frances Card.
Frances Card is a fashion business expert who is MD of FCC - Frances Card Consultancy. Frances began her career training as a buyer for Dickens and Jones and later moved to the US to work with US based luxury labels. She then returned to the UK to work for Bentalls Group as their Fashion Controller and then Frances became International Brand Director for Liberty of London. In 2006 Frances opened Frances Card Consultancy.
What is a brand manager?
FC - At Cocosa, the Bauer media ecommerce, members only, luxury off price site, I was Brand Director which meant I managed all the brands, all the buying and the brands relationships within the business. Brand management also includes building the profile of the host brand too so much of my role there was about the taste level and the DNA of the Cocosa brand. In other roles I have used my expertise in brand management to re-invent or re-launch a brand and develop a new profile and often a new audience for it as well as developing any brands within the brand itself.
Tell us more about Frances Card Consultancy
FC - My consultancy covers all aspects of the brand/retail and wholesale world. I work with several different businesses doing many different things from brand building, buying, recruitment and management through to operational and business analysis and development and even PR and marketing! I have a wide skill set and an enormous network so if I am unable to help a business (a rare thing!) then I usually know someone who can!! I also put people in touch with each other where I feel it is helpful to them both.
My consultancy does get involved with other areas of the industry too and I am currently one of the on-line experts for Drapers Record answering questions on buying and merchandising posted during the month of July. I am also a active member of Fashion Business Club and will be doing my first interview for them next January (my calendar gets booked early!) with Tamara Salman the Creative Director at Liberty of London.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
FC - Everything!! It is so hard to pick just one aspect of it! I really do love working with fabulous brands and meeting gorgeous people and of course the biggest satisfaction is achieving fantastic results for my clients!
What advice do you have for someone who wants to become a consultant?
FC - Never be off-duty! I have met some of my best clients in extraordinary places or at unusual times!
How would you describe your personal style?
FC - Hard to copy I think! I was once described as having an eclectic dress sense, classically beautiful but with a quirky twist - I rather like that!
What is your favourite place for lunch?
FC - Venice!! I once flew there just for lunch...from the UK!
In London I love lots of places for many of different reasons but a great favourite of mine is The Portrait Restaurant at the top of the National Portrait Gallery. I adore knowing I am sitting on top of squillions of pounds worth of amazing art - oh and the food and wine is fabulous too!.
For further information please email Frances on frances@francescard.com.