Loren Old believes she’s lucky to have joined BLAK as a brand manager at such an exciting point in its growth. “We recently launched our BLAK Bridesmaids Collection so that has been my major focus for the last few months,” she said. “My best friend is getting married and the bridesmaids will be wearing BLAK, which is pretty special.”
After growing up in a farming community near Morrinsville, Old gained a Bachelor of Communications from AUT, deciding she wanted to work in fashion at a young age. From there, she worked at an international Kiwi women’s fashion label, before joining BLAK two years ago. Now, Old lives in Mount Manganui with her boyfriend and their dog, Ralph. She remembers when her mother used to take her and her sister to Osbourne and Nuffield Street and Old remembers thinking how amazing it was.
As brand manager, Old manages marketing, conceptualises ideas, plans for new seasons and events, as well as managing wholesale customers and sales. “Being a small team we definitely work across all departments, especially in the busy times,” Old explained. She has sewn a fair amount of buttons on at photo shoots as well. No two days are the same for Old, however, that does mean the job comes with notable successes. She cited hers as the opening of the new BLAKCHAOS store in Ponsonby, the aforementioned BLAK Bridesmaids collection, and even BLAK’s involvement in the annual SPCA cupcake day. Her favourite part of the job is seeing the collections come together, from their conception at the hands of BLAK’s owner and designer Teresa, right to the hands of the customer. “I have really enjoyed learning the process behind the clothes we sell.”
The role has also taught Old a lot, while calling herself “the ultimate list maker”, she said the role has taught her how to be flexible and adaptable on a daily basis.
Old also loves the aspect of working in a female-dominated industry. She praised her colleagues as hard-working women who are successful both in business and mothering. “It’s awesome to be surrounded by this and it’s pretty inspiring.”
