MEET CHIARA GREENSILL //  PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

Tell us about yourself - what do you do at David Jones?

My name is Chiara (or Kiki IYKYK) I’m from Melbourne, Australia and I work alongside the PR team as the Public Relations Coordinator for David Jones. When it comes to what I do, it really depends on the day and what we’re working on. From packing talent send outs, to liaising with media for press opportunities to supporting the team on our seasonal launches, every day is different (which I love). 

What does David Jones mean to you?

David Jones to me and so many isn’t just a brand, It’s the home away from home that you’ve felt apart of since the beginning. Through the years, David Jones has paid homage to our Australian designers by always continuing to promote, support and provide guidance through the ever-changing realm of fashion and retail. An integral part of our history I feel very proud to work at David Jones and be apart of the initiatives, and campaigns that are truly making a difference. 

How did you get into Fashion and Media?

Having a love for Fashion growing up, I knew after completing my Communications degree I always wanted to combine the two later in my career. Whilst (funnily enough) working in Fashion, I was fortunate to cross paths with a few members in my now PR team. They gave me an opportunity to work with the brand in 2019 for their much anticipated AW19 launch in Mona, Tasmania. After that, the rest as they say is... History!

Where do you dream of travelling once International borders are open?

Firstly... everywhere, but the number one spot on my list is Japan.

What will be the hottest sunglasses trend for Summer 2021?

Colored Lenses. Whether you love or hate them they are making a serious comeback and I am here for it. Trends I am not hugely into… reflective sunglasses.

CHIARA'S PARED PICK

Big Mamma Caramel & Big Mamma Dark Tortoise Yellow

Why is Pared different to most sunglass brands?

One of the main differences between Pared and other brands is how they work. What I’ve noticed is many brands will try and duplicate designs and remain unoriginal in the initial creative process. Pared continue to work collectively with established brands and individuals that share the same passion for sunglasses and design. The result, a beautiful collaboration that naturally consumers want to purchase and be a part of- that’s the difference. 

What will be the hot sunglass for Summer 2021

The Petite Amour (Light Tortoise Yellow). Such a classic style with a fun twist that I think will really be the 'it' pair for the season. 

MEET MADELINE SHERRIFF // ASSISTANT BUYER

Tell us about yourself - what do you do at David Jones?

Born and raised in Melbourne, I’m a Buyers Assistant for the Sunglasses and Watches department at David Jones. I assist my team in the end to end process; through purchasing and managing as well as maintaining relationships with all our brands. I consider myself extremely lucky to be involved in such a collaborative team, where I can analyze and identify key trends in the industry and am involved in some of the product selection – which is definitely a highlight of my role. 

What does David Jones mean to you?

David Jones to me means community, luxury and history. David Jones was at the top of my list when I began looking for an organization to begin my career in the industry. The company continues to be incredibly inspiring within the Australian market - they are the home of Australian fashion after all! I am grateful to pay to witness to the evolution of David Jones, the company has many strong attributes and are always on the forefront of implementing strategies to make a difference; whether this be our sustainable and ethical approach or ways that they can acknowledge community and give back. 

How did you get into Fashion and buying?

Fashion has always been a creative outlet for me and after years of working in retail for a few Melbourne based labels, it truly cemented my passion for the field. I then decided to return to university to study Fashion Merchandising at RMIT, with the interest of being a buyer in mind. Buying for me is the perfect mix of creativity and business!

Where do you dream of travelling once International borders are open?

Super excited to start traveling again, would love to take off to Europe ASAP. Italy, Spain and Paris will be my first few stops! 

What will be the hottest sunglasses trend for Summer 2021?

The 70s vibe is still going to be a hot pick this summer, you will be seeing me at the beach in a colored tint, oversized frame - the ‘Big Mamma’ Sunglass from Pared encapsulates this Summer vision for me!

MADELINE'S PARED PICKS

Big Mamma Havana Amber & Petite Amour Emerald

Why is Pared different to most sunglass brands?

Pared is a unique Australian brand, globally known for their trend settings designs; creating the perfect staples you never knew you needed! Their use of color and minimal frame details are distinct to the brand, it’s no wonder that they have such a strong cult following with many celebrities constantly supporting and loving the brand. Pared is also all about quality and this really elevates the brand, each pair is handmade with high quality materials, they are beyond comfortable and feel super durable! 

What Sunglass trends do you love / Don’t love at the moment? 

Loving the oversized square shaped rims with the cool contrasting-coloured tinted lenses. I also really feel like the retro aviators are here to stay and can see this trend continuing long past summer. I am appreciating the bug-eyes shades, however not something I would personally gravitate to and am much more about at the modern take on classics! 

MEET ANASTASIA HESKETH // BUYER

Tell us about yourself - what do you do at David Jones?

I am 28, from the UK and very lucky to be the Buyer for sunglasses, jewellery and watches at David Jones. In my role I am accountable for the end-to-end execution of my category from product selection, order placement and performance to deliver key metrics. I forecast and buy trends, relevant to our customers wants and needs. I am very lucky to work alongside an amazing and talented team. 

What does David Jones mean to you? 

David Jones is the first store I stepped foot in when I arrived in Australia just over 4 years ago. I loved the considered curation of international and local brands and the diverse offering of products. It really reminded me of Selfridges, where I worked for most of my teen years, and absolutely loved. David Jones has so much heritage and truly is the most premium shopping destination in Australia. I feel honored to work for David Jones and buy some of the best brands globally.  

How did you get into Fashion and buying?

I have always been passionate about Fashion and knew from a young age that I wanted a career in the industry somehow. I researched all the fashion courses available and Buying really stood out to me – I get to shop for a living?! Sign me up! So, I applied to Manchester Metropolitan university and went on to study Fashion Buying & Merchandising. In my 3rd year I undertook a placement year working as a Buyers Administrator for River Island in London, then I went back to university to complete my final year. I then got my first graduate job at Boohoo.com in Manchester and the rest is history!  

Where do you dream of travelling once International borders are open?

Back to the UK to see my family and get married (finally), I haven’t been back home for almost 3 years. And I might pop to somewhere in Europe on my way back to Australia, because why not?! 

What will be the hottest sunglasses trends for Summer 2021?

Anything oversized and bold – I think the Bec & Bridge ‘Big Mamma’ and the new ‘Nice & Easy’ will be winners this Summer! 

ANASTASIA'S PARED PICKS

Petite Amour Light Tortoise & Big Mamma Havana Brown 

Tell us about David Jones relationship with Pared? 

Pared has been a part of the David Jones sunglasses portfolio for 5 years. We stock the brand in 14 stores plus online and have had a lot of success over the years. Our customers particularly love the Bec & Bridge Petite Amour. Pared offers a real point of difference, which is important for a department store, being an Australian brand that focuses on quality, trend and design. I am very much looking forward to launching the new collections as we get closer to Resort and the Australian Summer season. 

Why is Pared different to most sunglass brands?

Firstly, Pared is a local Australian brand, which I love. The brand name is a fun play on words which really gives the brand a unique identity, in what can be a crowded market. Pared is renowned for amazing collaborations with the biggest brands and names, and the brand is loved by so many influential celebs. Pared always delivers eyewear collections to keep ahead of the latest trends, whilst making them wearable and affordable. As all frames are handmade, the quality is amazing, they last forever!  

What Sunglass trends do you love / Don’t love at the moment?

I am loving the retro, oversized look at the moment. It is very 70s glam and really elevates your outfit. Colored lenses are also on trend this season, from a subtle yellow, tonal orange or pale blue – just go for it! I am not loving the sporty trend, particularly the super slim silhouettes, as I find them hard to wear and outfit. Anything timeless is a yes from me.