James Krohn, Director, Fifth Avenue Club, Saks Fifth Avenue in San Francisco, looks at fashion as art and his clients as his canvas. With instant access to anything at Saks Fifth Avenue, Krohn can’t wait to assist his loyal list of clients with exactly what they need to have right now.
I knew I wanted to work in fashion when…
My Grandmother took me to the Rive Gauche boutique when I was seven years old, and I still remember the impact that the ‘theater’ of the store experience had on me. I certainly didn’t know it then, but over time fashion felt like a great intersection of my aesthetic nature, my love of people and my entrepreneurial skills.
I’ve learned the most by working with…
I recently accompanied Joseph Boitano on a buying trip to Europe where we travelled to ‘curate’ special pieces for the San Francisco market. I was completely in awe of Mr. Boitano’s peerless taste and his understanding of our market as a former Bay area native.
The best thing about my job is…
The relationship that we have with our clients is unique and we are often called upon to give suggestions beyond the fitting room, as our clients trust our taste and p.o.v. It is a luxury to work my very talented team of stylists and to have the ability to sell only the things that we truly love.
In my closet you will find…
A fluid document with new things constantly coming and old things departing. I’m the opposite of a hoarder.
I usually invest most in my…
Blazers and suits. I try to get a nice balance between interesting classics and fun ‘of the moment’ pieces that I wear for a couple of seasons and then re-sell.
For a new client, I would usually suggest investing in…
I’m a big believer in buying less and buying better. Investing in key pieces that are ‘chameleons’ is the smartest way to build a wardrobe. These should include a great outerwear piece, a perfectly fitting sheath dress, great pumps that are as comfortable and as high as you can swing, a cool clutch, and a signature piece of jewelry.
When working with a client, my personal philosophy is…
You do someone a disservice if you dress them in one designer’s product head-to-toe. Mixing designers requires more confidence, but it connotes sophistication and self-assurance.
The best fashion advice I can give a client is…
Accentuate positive body traits and play down the ‘less than positive’ ones. If you’ve got great legs, flaunt them. If you have pretty shoulders make sure that you show them. Small waist? Cinch it!