Footwear leaders have taken the stage for FN’s 2016 Summit in NYC. The designers, retailers, brands and industry insiders showcased this year stand out in a crowded marketplace thanks to their forward-thinking agendas, hot product and savvy marketing tactics.
Below is just a snapshot of what attendees heard from the speakers, but who doesn’t love a standout quote, eye-opening statistic or inside opinion? Read on for a selection of memorable moments captured during the day.
Georgina Chapman, Co-founder Marchesa
On what was surprising about entering the shoe arena…
“I’m surprised at how much we were able to achieve within the price point we wanted to offer. I was nervous. But they [the shoes] came back with such attention to detail, matching the sketches so perfectly.”
Ryan Goldston, Co-founder Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
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On gaining experience and formal training…
“While experience is valuable, technical training too, I feel inexperience is also just as valuable… You can come into an industry with a completely fresh perspective, not ideas you may have gained through formal training and education.”
Adam Goldston, Co-founder Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
On defining happiness…
“Happiness is like how I define success. It’s doing what you want, where you want, when you want and how you want.”
Aurora James, Creative Director Brother Vellies
On approaching design…
“It’s really a story of how we all live and interact with our environment. [Design] is an emotional experience.”
Pierre Hardy, President Pierre Hardy
On the impact of sneakers on today’s culture…
“Sneakers are not a trend. They’re here to stay because we have experienced a major lifestyle shift.”
On creating for women…
“When I design, I’m not drawing for an ideal woman, I focus on real people and what they want.”
Lucie Greene, Worldwide Director, The Innovation Group, J. Walter Thompson
On millennials…
“89% of US millennials say they check the Amazon site for pricing before going to shop anywhere.”
“50+ consumers are acting online almost more like millennials than the millennials. They’re the fastest growing group on social media and hugely active on e-commerce.”
Dick Johnson, President & CEO Foot Locker Inc.
On listening to the consumer…
“I’m not sure you can stay ahead of the consumer. The consumer is in charge.”
Robert Capener, Brand President, Supra & KR3W, K-Swiss Global Brands
On social media and consumers…
“30 percent of our retail sales is going to be via social media moving forward.”
Jeff Espersen, General Manager, Merchandising, Zappos.com
On Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh…
Tony is a big believer in being a hands off leader, because 1500 ideas are better than one.”
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