HOLTS CARYN’S APPLAUSE CORNER 4 6SPOTLIGHT ON

MUSINGS 10 8FROM BARB ON THE SCENE

DID YOU 2KNOW? 12 BEYOND CREATIVE DIRECTION John Gerhardt OUR DOORS MANAGING EDITOR Amanda Burgess

PRODUCTION Maryna De Lannoy Concrete Design Communications Inc. DRIVING DESIGN 14FEATURED Concrete Design Communications Inc. SALES ARTWORK CONTACT US [email protected] CAREER 416 960 4330 17 20SPOTLIGHT 25

MESSAGE FROM CARYN’S DIANE WHIDDEN

This premiere edition of the redesigned muse reflects all the ways that we shine, aspire, prosper and thrive CORNER Here at Holts!

When developing “Here at Holts” – our fresh new way of communicating all the great things that go into our total rewards package – we asked for your input.

You’ll see that reflected in the new muse in employee features that show what’s different and unique about This is our premiere edition the Holt Renfrew experience. Stories that recognize of the redesigned muse! employees for their contributions and service reflect the ways we Shine. Stories that showcase our growth This new edition includes many features about our and development reflect the ways we Aspire. Inspi- fall launch of Here at Holts and our brand position- rational tales of our individual and collective success ing. The new muse is focused on communicating reflect the ways we Prosper. And finally, features different aspects of the employee experience at that bring our benefit and lifestyle programs to life Holt Renfrew – driving sales, recognition and input, reflect the ways we Thrive. learning and development and your lives outside of Holts. We hope you enjoy it!

‘Leading Style So You Feel Special’ – this is our The stunning men’s floor, which is now three times brand positioning. There are many examples of how larger, is drawing larger sales – men’s sales were up Diane, VP, Human Resources we have delivered on this and great sales results +120% in the first four days! Deb Kerr, Calgary GM, during the fall season to date. I’d like to highlight and her entire team prepared very well and deliv- two examples. ered fantastic results. To the Calgary store team, as well as our Marketing, Human Resources, Store First was the very successful Contemporary weekend Ops, Finance, Loss Prevention, IT, Store Planning, WELCOME TO at the end of September. All stores participated in Merchant, Legal and other store teams (who trans- the event, which led us to pick up close to $1 million ferred product to Calgary) – congratulations! This is THE NEW MUSE in incremental sales for the weekend. The contem- leading style so you feel special. porary buyers negotiated an amazing gift from DVF Released Just In Time and other vendor partners. Customers who spent We have many new exciting opportunities to bring For the Holidays $500 or more received a gift bag filled with goodies. our brand positioning to life through achieving And you all executed well to deliver great sales. The our sales plans and executing our activities. The Early in 2009, we conducted focus groups with event was communicated on the website and Face- Holiday Window Unveiling at kicked employees across the country and discovered how book, many appointments were booked in advance off the holiday shopping season across the country. much you value muse. We asked you how we could in all stores, the DC pushed every new receipt out Our holiday shops are reinvented with new products make it more exciting, engaging and reflective of and into our stores, and there were many exciting and visuals. New brands will be introduced in all your experience at Holt Renfrew. activities taking place across all our stores. Our cus- divisions as resort and pre-spring deliveries begin tomers had fun and they shopped! That is how you to ship. There are many events, RAK and Dazzle The new muse is a culmination of your feedback – lead style so our customers feel special! planned – this is our time to shine! with a few unexpected twists thrown in!

A second example is our beautiful new Calgary store, I will be out visiting all of you throughout November Here at Holts, we have so many stories to tell – why designed by Janson Goldstein architects. There and December. I am looking forward to seeing you not send us one for the next issue? Not a writer? isn’t a division in our company that hasn’t been in- and hearing how you are leading style and delivering Not a problem – let us interview you. volved with getting the new store open. The work special results! started over two years ago and culminated in an We hope you enjoy the new muse – and be sure to amazing opening on Wednesday, October 7, 2009. See you soon, tell us what you think! Calgary rang in over $1.7 million in sales in the first four days of business, with an increase of +70% Happy Holidays, over last year!

The women’s shoe salon on the main floor is already Amanda Burgess a favourite department for our customers. Managing Editor, muse

2 MUSE – HOLIDAY 2009 3

INTRODUCING HOLTS APPLAUSE ­

Here at Holts, we all have opportunities to “shine.” And JASON YASMIN JANE now, through Holts Applause – our new recognition program – MORIKAWA CONTRACTOR MITCHELL we can shine the spotlight on Jason Morikawa exemplifies the value of An elderly lady and first time Holts customer was We find inspiration in everyday things – from the our colleagues and be recog-­ customer focus in a myriad of ways. As a central browsing in our store, with Yasmin Contractor, Sales season’s fresh vibrant colours, to the opening of an nized ourselves. merchant, you don’t expect the buyers to be great Associate, Designer Womenswear, was assisting her. exciting new store. Inspiration drives our careers, and sellers, but this is where Jason is the exception. for me, the team I work with drives that inspiration. One component of the program, Holts POINTS, As the customer was trying on her pieces from I am fortunate to have my daily dosage of inspiration offers us purchasing power at the click of a mouse! A former Holts sales manager himself, Jason has St. John and Akris Punto, Yasmin decided to go to wrapped up in a wonderful package – Jane Mitchell, Through POINTS, we can: gone out of his way to connect with many of our the local restaurant and grab a few treats and coffee our Senior Project Manager of Store Planning. high-value clients. He has become the catalyst to for her customer to enjoy. • Send points to colleagues reignite customer’s enthusiasm for shopping at Holt At times, our jobs can be challenging, and our innate • Accumulate and redeem points for Holt Renfrew Renfrew. Jason understands the connection sellers The customer ended up leaving with two Akris desire for perfection causes sleepless nights worrying gift cards. 200 points = a $25 dollar card! have with our clients, the importance of that interac- Punto pieces and six St. John pieces. When the about the smallest detail and the worst case sce- • Convert accumulated points into gifts for others tion and the urgency of the need for solutions. customer informed Yasmin that it would be a bit nario that might await us on the construction site in difficult to get home, Yasmin offered to take the the morning. A few words of encouragement from The best part? We already have a bank of points By working closely with our clients, tailoring buys to customer home and help arrange her purchases in Jane gives us the confidence to handle the toughest to get us started – 100 points to give and 80 points their needs and even going as far as visiting a clients her closet. problems and a sense of comfort in knowing that she to redeem. home to review her closet and assess her needs for is nearby to help us out again and again. next season, Jason has become the face of our brand This customer was so happy and appreciative of Holts Applause also allows us to send and receive to several key customers. By working beyond his job Yasmin’s services and assured her she will shop with In addition to her charm and sense of style (as she ecards – and it couldn’t be simpler: log on to description and embracing the true values of great her again. This is a great example of going above is definitely the best dressed person on a construction atholts.com, select the Holts Applause application, customer service, Jason is an example to us all. and beyond. site!), Jane has phenomenal passion. Her unwavering choose an ecard and create a personalized message. commitment to Holts and to us is contagious. Jane is Submitted by Submitted by truly our muse. We can also recognize our employees or colleagues Lewis Hopkins, SVP/GMM Womenswear and Talia Krawec, Customer Service Representative, by sharing a story in muse. Read on for this issue’s Ruth Ann Lockhart, VP/DMM Womenswear Sherway Submitted by Holts Applause stories: Babie Nagra, Project Manager, Store Planning

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SPOTLIGHT ON CALGARY A GLIMPSE INTO AREA 51

By Morgan Brooks, Executive Assistant to Debra Kerr, GM, Calgary

In opening a new store, there are always challenges, especially when it comes to the integration of new employees.

Calgary exterior With the new Calgary store, we have become three times the size and our employee base has increased by 56%. While a size increase is always a challenge, welcoming this many individuals to our family in such a short time was an even greater challenge, because our goal is to always maintain our close-knit culture. Calgary is known for this trait and it is what keeps us strong and successful. To accomplish this, we knew we had to engage our current employees in On its opening day, our new Calgary store rang in $582,000 in sales – almost double our target! the process and ensure all new hires felt welcome.

That’s why we created AREA 51 – an employee com- mittee that was actively involved in all aspects of the new store project, from reviewing floor plans and keeping other employees informed about new store happenings to integrating our new hires. The name for the committee was chosen because at the time, the new store was quite a mystery for the employees. When the members were chosen, they were given a briefcase and told they were now AREA 51 agents and Womenswear had to report to the GM’s office for a secret meeting.

Committee initiatives included the development of a Peer Assisted Learning (PAL) booklet for all our new hires – essentially a survival guide for new hires filled with must-know information – that enabled new hires to meet veteran employees and acquire key knowledge about our store. Another project had our team acting as Peer Coaches for new hires, lead- ing tours and training them on different areas of the store, in an effort to speed up the integration process.

Congratulations, AREA 51 team, on helping to make the opening of our new flagship such a success:

Deb Kerr, Julie Dion, Morgan Brooks, Adele Meshen, Amanda Salopek, Lincoln Phillip, Jay Skelly, Chan Sananikone, Phillippa Bellusci, Shawn Dawson, Stuart Taylor, Hoyee Wong, Kelsey Schiavon, Sharon Zohorsky, Vance Walker and Dwayne Norman. The Area 51 team Shoe wall

6 MUSE – HOLIDAY 2009 7

MUSINGS FROM MILAN, NEW YORK AND

Milan

By Barbara Atkin, Milan Paris VP Fashion Direction This is a season struggling to design clothes that are relevant to the next generation of high value custom- As we prepared this fresh new issue of muse, spring ers who have grown up in a world of multiculturalism, was in the air and I was on the road at Fashion Week gender bending, social networking, personal dress events in New York and Milan. Read on for my mus- codes, and a celebrity-focused culture of hard party- New York ings on the colours, silhouettes and trends of the ing and toned bodies. upcoming season, straight from the runways. The Power Houses of the future will know their New York customer and deliver collections that look worthy New York designers brought us an optimistic cel- of the high price tags, while staying relevant to the New York ebration of light weight, seasonless clothes. Strong diverse lifestyles of their customers. Milan deliv- attention was paid to craftsmanship, fit and quality. ered on all. Clothes were both calm and beautiful There were soft romantic colours juxtaposed with as well as hardcore and sexy. We saw the raw with black, white and grey, with just enough brights in the embellished, the womanly with the girlish and the mix to make clothes stand out. Tailored clothing the masculine with the fragile. It was a contest of was balanced with diaphanous silhouettes, providing short, shorter, shortest and very much a skin game for a fresh and modern look. of strategically placed cut outs and sheer insets. Milan The shoulder continues to be a detail focus from We need to take the time to ensure that we are mak- Milan Paris subtle shell-capped sleeves to more dramatic ing the right choices for our customers this season couture inspired silhouettes. While the skinny pant with collections that have not compromised on qual- remains relevant, we saw a strong showing of a ity, elegance and innovation. Our must-haves include: more voluminous sarong pant in contemporary and languid pants, soft tailored jackets, short sexy skirts designer collections. One shoulder and graphic and shorts, essential shirts, feminine dresses and body suits as the foundation to dressing. detailing continue to be strong. We love the variety New York seen in jumpsuits across contemporary lines. There is a soft, feminine statement seen through an emerg- Paris Paris was energetic in all of its multiple personali- ing nude colour palette, a new softness achieved ties from gender bending to futuristic warriors, to through draping and ruffles, and a redefinition of the sexy and flirty girlish fantasy. The designers seemed dress from corporate dressing to casual to evening. to be reworking their own inventiveness with back to their roots collections that spoke to what made This season and from now on, clothes need to their businesses originally successful. radiate energy to the consumer, even when hanging on the rack. Designers that are successful today Collections consisted of tailored jackets and trench are those who know their customer and stay true coats, easy fluid toppers, the perfect white shirt, short with authentic, timeless, relevant clothes for their hemlines from dresses to minis to shorts, military customer’s lifestyle and life-stage. We must edit to jackets and vests, lots of leather, skinny leggings and those designers that accomplish this. jeans, and enough lingerie to fill a woman’s boudoir. Paris Milan Paris New York

8 MUSE – HOLIDAY 2009 9

ON THE SCENE

1

SHINAN BOOK LAUNCH 1. David Hew, Shinan Govani and Michael King 2. Ainsley Kerr 3. Shinan Govani 4. Cameron Bailey 5. Dina Puglese and Jennifer Valentyne 6. Ben and Jessica Mulroney 7. Shinan Govani 8. Ashley Dempster and Amanda Blakely 9. Seamus O’Regan, Belinda Stronach and Paul Venoit 1 2 3 ANYONE WHO HAD A TICKET 2 TO HOLT RENFREW’S TIFF PARTY…AND ­EXPECTED IT 8 TO BE A STUFFY AFFAIR HAD ANOTHER THING COMING… COCO ROCHA HUSHED THE CROWD AND INTRODUCED A VIGNETTE…AND THE STILLS ROCKED THE ROOM. 9

Now Magazine SHINAN’S PARTY WAS 8 4 BETTER ATTENDED THAN

TIFF PARTY VANITY FAIR. TALK ABOUT 1. Tara Spencer-Nairn and Jean-Marc Genereux BOLDFACE NAMES! 2. David Hamelin and Tim Fletcher of The Stills

3. Twilight star Rachel Lefevre 4. ETalk’s Tanya Kim 5. Kirk Pickersgill and Steven Wong Torontolife.com of Greta ­Constantine 6. Singer Ivana Santilli 7. Monica Schnarre 8. Caryn Lerner, Coco Rocha 7 3 and Alexa Chung

7 6 5 6 5 4

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WHERE DO RED SOLES ORIGINALLY DID YOU COME FROM? Red soles have their roots back in the French court of King Louis XIV, in the 17th century. The king wore red KNOW? soles to draw attention to his shapely calves and legs. He dictated that red-soled shoes could only be worn by members of his court, a privilege for the elite aristocracy.

ALEXANDER MCQUEEN’S DAD DROVE A TAXI CAB

Which fashion duo’s mother was an assistant to rocker David Bowie? Sienna and Savannah Miller

WHICH STARLET MADE VAMP FAMOUS? Uma Thurman, who wore it in Pulp Fiction. The colour then went on to sell $1 million in the first year.

COCO CHANEL WAS A HEARTBREAKER The Duke of Westminster, the richest man in Europe, was so in love he adorned the lamposts with her initials – but she still refused his hand in marriage.

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IN THIS EDITION OF MUSE, WE SHARE THE HOLTS’ U.S. PERCEPTIONS AND MUSINGS OF TWO AMERICAN-BORN IMPORTS DISH ON HOLTS EMPLOYEES LIFE IN CANADA

When Yorkdale Divisional Sales Manager Marc Before Lewis joined Holt Renfrew in January 2009 Beaudendistel first moved to Canada, he wasn’t as our SVP, GMM of Womenswear, he had always sure if Canadians would be accepting of him as viewed as a young and vibrant city with a an American. “But the transition has been great – wonderful standard of living. people are so nice at Holts and in the city,” he says. “Now when I go back to the States and talk to After settling into his new home and role, Lewis people, they ask me if I’m Canadian, so I guess I says those perceptions have only been enhanced. have fully adapted to the dialect. Of course, when “Toronto has so much to offer, from great restaurants I say water, coffee or draw, my accent is still a dead to museums,” he says. giveaway.” Asked what attracted him to Holts after a lengthy After working at for 12 years, Marc career in U.S. retail – including stints at Neiman wanted to find his next opportunity at a company Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Saks Fifth Avenue and with a similar mindset. He discovered Holt Renfrew Barneys – Lewis says our people, beautiful stores when former CEO Andrew Jennings joined Saks as and amazing assortments were the deciding factors. president. “The changes he implemented there I Says Lewis: “The world that is Holt Renfrew does have since learned are part of the culture at Holts,” not exist anywhere else in the world. It is the perfect he says. blend of North American retail with European flair.”

While the U.S. and Canadian luxury markets have So are there any differences between the U.S. their similarities, Marc notes some key differences. luxury market and ours? According to Lewis, it all “The Canadian client is more fashion-savvy and comes down to size and scale. “The luxury client is willing to take more risks, while the U.S. consumer the same globally, and her expectations remain high was much more conservative in dress, at least in – she only wants the best,” he says. “Holt Renfrew menswear, and much more value driven,” he notes. is uniquely positioned to offer broad, compelling Marc Baudendistel, “The retailers trained clients to shop on sale or with Lewis Hopkins, assortments with a definitive point of view. What is Manager, Divisional Sales a promotion and to demand adjustments in price – SVP, GMM Womenswear important today is the relationship with the client. (Menswear & Men’s Shoes), Yorkdale well before the economic downturn.” Everyone wants to feel connected to someone and we have the best people to make this a reality.” Asked what he misses most about home, Marc says Hails from: Hails from: the vibe of and its world-class theatre Illinois, but has lived in Florida, Washington DC, If there’s one thing Lewis misses about his home New Jersey, but owns a home in Florida – “Toronto is just not the same when it comes to New York and Texas country, it’s having his friends and family around. Broadway.” But one thing Toronto has over New On the other side of the coin, he says that if he were Joined Holts in: York is its transit system. “Toronto’s system is so Joined Holts in: to return to the U.S., it’s the people of Holt Renfrew February 2006 much easier to navigate,” says Marc. “And when January 2009 he’d miss the most about his Canadian experience. I visit my home in Florida, it’s all driving – no one “People make an experience truly resonate with me walks anywhere. I think that’s what I would miss and I am fortunate to work with an incredible and most if I moved back.” passionate group that inspire me every day.”

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FROM MENSWEAR MEGABRAND DESIGNER ZEGNA AND HOLTS REWARD SALES ASSOCIATE BUYS TO WITH MILAN ADVENTURE INTERIOR DESIGN

By Lisa Shaw, By Chris Gamauf, DSA Zegna at Yorkdale Senior Buyer, Menswear While most people enjoy their summers up north at I was grateful to share in something so exclusive and In my mind, a house is much more than a shelter to a cottage, golfing or sitting by the pool enjoying the magical. I saw eight runway shows, including Armani, keep us warm and dry. Our homes are reflections of sun, I had the distinct pleasure of heading to Milan Canali, D&G and Zegna. While the shows were out- our personal style. They can serve as a creative outlet. for men’s fashion week! standing, a personal highlight was having dinner with They are places to project our dreams and aspira- Alessandro Sartori, designer for Zegna. He was acces- tions and can have a profound effect on how we feel. In March, the men’s buying team came to Yorkdale sible, easy to talk to, and appreciated all the work Holt for a walk through and announced an incentive: the Renfrew does to bring his vision to life in Canada. My own outlet for my interest in design has been the store that reached their Zegna men’s sales goal, and renovation of three different homes. The first was a the top selling sales associate of that store would The next day, I ventured off Casa Zegna. Being Victorian that my wife and I bought in the mid-90s. attend men’s fashion week with the buying team. there made me feel even more connected to the In its previous life, it was a rooming house for out- brand and heightened my understanding of one of of-town construction workers. The backyard was a I blurted out “What’s the weather like in Milan in the leading names in men’s fashion history. I got a trampled-down mix of mud, concrete and weeds that mid-June? I’ll need to know what to pack!” Associ- personal guided tour from Laura Zegna, grandaughter served as a parking spot for the worker’s trucks. ates and mangers alike chuckled and while I’m sure of Ermenegildo Zegna. There are really no words to they appreciated my enthusiasm, I don’t know if describe how beautiful the land is; it actually looks With more enthusiasm than financial means, we anybody, including myself, thought I would pull it like a screen saver! slowly brought the house back to life. The project off. But I did. took four years, and when it was all done, we sold While I may have gone to visit Milan at some point the house and started all over again. Marty Grundy, CEO of Zegna Canada, called me in my life, I would never have been able to experi- at work to express his excitement and gratitude for ence it at the level the Holt Renfrew has provided House number two was similar. It was also a Victo- my hard work. And before I knew it, I was on a for me. I didn’t just feel like a contest winner, but rian and a rooming house, but in worse shape than plane to Milan. truly part of the team. the first. Armed with an amazing team of tradesmen, a file full of tear sheets and lots of determination, we completed the project in six months. We enjoyed the house for two years and then stumbled on to house number three.

Our latest project is not a Victorian or a rooming house in case you were starting to see a pattern. The only similarity is that it was also an orphan that long sat unloved. Though we finished it several years ago, it serves as a canvas for whatever inspires us at the moment, so it constantly evolves.

I suspect there will be a house number four at some point, but for now I am happy to keep adding to my inspiration file and sketching out new ideas. Lisa in Milan, checking out the gorgeous Italian fabrics Lisa with Laura Zegna

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PHAEDRA’S MENSWEAR COLLECTION TARGETS YOUNG EXECS

FROM WHEN TO SALES HIRE THE FLOOR TO ULTIMATE BFF RUNWAY

By Meghan Jessiman (a truncated version of an article originally Calgary Menswear Sales Manager Phaedra Godchild published in The Calgary Herald’s Swerve) has a passion for design. Growing up on Salt Spring Island, BC, she was inspired by the community’s free- For many of us, having a personal shopper sounds is only for an elite group of people who subscribe to spirited approach to design. like something out of the Lifestyles of the Rich a lifestyle that most people can’t attain,” Popplewell and Famous. It’s a far cry from most of our realities, explains. “There really is something for everyone in While completing her Bachelor’s degree in Fashion but thanks to the complimentary services at [Holt this store at any pricepoint and I am here to help Design and Technology at Kwantlen Polytechnic Renfrew], having someone to help you with your them find it.” University in Calgary, Phaedra took note of the thriving every retail woe is one champagne wish and caviar corporate culture and relatively young base of up- dream we can all achieve. Holts’ new location offers the opportunity to shop and-coming execs. like a star (in a swanky suite, swilling Champagne I admit I used to dress up just to cross the threshold and with an expert second opinion) without any So when it came time for her to design and craft a at Holt Renfrew. One should show a little respect pressure to purchase like one. menswear collection for her year-end runway project, while admiring the goods, after all. Even though I it made sense to tailor it to the savvy young corporate can now actually bring the occasional piece home And you don’t have to be all about the designer consumer. Inspired by the concept of introducing a rather than just “visiting” it in the store, it’s still collections to benefit from the PS team. Popplewell new way of dressing for the office, Baron Menswear easy to be intimidated by the store’s selection, as fields calls from stressed-out shoppers unsure of invites fashion-forward men to “exude their confidence well as by the daunting price tags. where to even start their foray into fashion. “In those through personal style and distinguish themselves as cases, what I try to concentrate on are very key key players within their field.” Enter Holt personal shopper Lisa Popplewell. pieces or wardrobe builders that no one can go wrong “People have the perception that personal shop- with like a great white shirt, a black turtleneck, a Maybe one day we’ll see Phaedra make the leap from ping, and perhaps even Holt Renfrew as a whole, great pair of boots, a nice black trouser.” Holts Sales Manager to vendor partner?

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A TOAST TO GWEN GIBSON: COLLEAGUES SHARE REFLECTIONS: THEIR MEMORIES “Gwen is a rare breed. Her intrinsic elegance, coupled with her sheer humility, make her very MY 21-YEAR special. Here are a few Gwen anecdotes that really speak to her: • I remember a former EA saying that it was very CAREER AT HOLTS easy to process Gwen’s travel expenses as there were never any meals on them – just Tic Tacs and champagne. • Last year, the Marketing team was meeting at Elephant and Castle for drinks before heading to a screening at Roy Thompson. Gwen popped into my office and in all seriousness, asked me for directions as she didn’t know that intersection

Kenneth J. Lane (Elephant and Castle).” Name Dropping John Gerhardt, Creative Director Designers Gwen has met: Stella McCartney, Roberto Cavali, Jil Sander, “Gwen Gibson left an indelible first impression Bill Blass, Giorgio Canali, Robert Gieves, Lida on me 21 years ago. It was November, and she was Baday, Oscar de la Renta, Sir Paul Smith, John National Manager of Events and PR at the time. Varvatos, Ines de la Fressange, David Yurman, the She had flaming red hair, that English-rose natural Ferragamos, Wayne Clark, Dean and Dan Caten, beauty and always dressed in a very sharply tailored , Isaac Mizrahi, the Lauders, suit. Our then-President Michael Brickell was host- Paloma Picasso, Phoebe Philo, Michael Kors, ing Dawn Mello, who had just joined Gucci, at Nicole Ritchie, the Olsen twins, Kate and Andy a private catered luncheon. Gwen was charged with Spade, Angela and Margarita Missoni, Victoria making this a truly memorable occasion with a Beckham, Kean Etro and many others. unique form of entertainment. Animal Attraction As the guests were enjoying the first course, I could Animals Gwen has worked with: hear a strange clucking sound from my post in Calvin Gwen Gibson with Mabel Sin • The Gucci mouse at our Gucci cocktail party Klein…and suddenly, Gwen appeared wheeling a cart with a crate, a few feathers trailing behind her. To • Misty, my Irish setter who modeled la Pooch Fragrance Dawn Mello’s enchantment, Gwen produced a live We asked the inimitable Gwen Gibson, who retires chicken that played tic-tac-toe! That day really stands • The exquisite black panther at the press Ines de la Fressange at the end of 2009, to share the story of her 21-year out as an example of thinking outside the box!” career as National Director of Special Events in this lunch for Cartier’s Panthere special edition of muse. • The tic-tac-toe playing chicken Carla Stef, Manager Regional Public Relations (West) • The poodle in a Chanel-inspired jacket and ­ From 1988 to 2009, Gwen occupied a total of eight others in a doggie fashion show celebrating our Dog ­Accessory Boutique “I remember when I first met Gwen. We both offices, her first a “cupboard opposite the Alteration started at Holts days apart. Our paths crossed and Department at Bloor Street with one phone and Store Openings I Have Worked On Gwen scooped me up! Together, we created his- a typewriter.” She’s worked with four Presidents, tory with our one-of-a-kind events: We installed 15 VPs of Marketing and a collection of other long- Ste Foy, , Yorkdale, , Calgary (both times) a checkered skating rink one holiday season right term Holts employees, including Mabel Sin, Mario in the store; we ran our first dog fashion show; and

Manza, Pat Di Bratto, Jackie Charest, Barbara had the pleasure of working with such legendary Atkin, Carla Stef, Ruth Ann Lockhart, Deb Kerr, My Inspirations designers as Bill Blass. We have been through many Michel Piete and Marcel St. Jean. • Eleanor Lambert, the legendary New York PR ‘sticky’ situations, had a ton of fun, and most of all exec famous for The Best Dressed List (which have kept our friendship through the years. Gwen Gwen’s parting advice to her Holts colleagues she bequeathed to Vanity Fair). Eleanor was still was inspirational to work with and really instilled and cohorts is both simple and sage: a force majeure at the age of 85 with a staff of in me the core values I carry with me today. Thank five when we first met. I was fortunate to attend you, Gwen. I look forward to seeing the next ‘event’ Never assume anything her 100th birthday celebration. in your life unfold!” • Kate Moss and John Galliano and check all details at • Everyone with whom I have worked at Jackie Charest, Director, least three times. Holt Renfrew Cosmetics & Beauty Services Marketing Nicole Richie

20 MUSE – HOLIDAY 2009 21

COOL MY HUNTING CAREER IN MILAN PATH: FROM CASH OFFICE TO CORPORATE FINANCE

By Treasa Sidhoo, Concierge Associate, Vancouver

For employees like me who have a desire to research on micro trends. The professors who teach By Evelyn Ercilla, learn and are constantly challenging themselves, this course are members of the Future Concept Lab Senior Merchandise Accounting Coordinator, education can be expensive. That’s why I’m so in Milan, one of the most advanced research centers Corporate Finance thankful to Holt Renfrew for providing a yearly specializing in this method and predicting trends in tuition reimbursement allowance of $1,000. This consumption. I celebrated my 17th year at Holts in September. I program recently gave me an amazing opportunity. joined Holt Renfrew Bloor Street in the maintenance I enjoyed getting to know my classmates from Russia, department in 1992, and after three months, was I first heard about the Domus Academy from a Brazil, Portugal, and Uraguay over the Milanese encouraged to apply for an open Cash Office position friend. The academy is affiliated with the presti- ritual of Apperitivo, visiting La Rinascente – a high- in the store. gious Central Sainte Martine College in London, end department store where began whose alumni include Alexander McQueen and as a buyer – and dining on their lovely rooftop patio. I got the position and loved being in the cash office. Stella McCartney. I was considering a move to the sales floor when I saw While the entire trip was enriching and rewarding, a Cash Office position advertised at Sherway and While the original course I applied to was cancelled, I must confess the true highlight was having exactly applied for it. I was given a spot in “Cool Hunting,” a marketing 12 minutes alone to take in the beauty of Leonardo course that also met my career objectives. Da Vinci’s masterpiece, The Last Supper. Sherway became my home away from home – for all current and former Sherway employees, you know Cool Hunting is a term that was derived in the 1990’s Thank you, Holt Renfrew, for the experience of what I mean. We were one happy family. Sherway referring to a new approach of collecting market a lifetime. was my school for learning more about the business and operations. I taught myself the Island Pacific System, which was extremely beneficial when I de- cided to take a different direction with my career.

I applied for a Merchandise Accounting position in Finance and been here since 1997. In my role, I have the opportunity to travel around to our stores this year when I do my Inventory Management Training. It is so nice to put faces to the names of the employees I deal with on a day-to-day basis.

Thank you, Holt Renfrew, for helping me to build such a rewarding career. Cool Hunting Class Treasa in Milan

22 MUSE – HOLIDAY 2009 23

FEATURED ARTWORK BY: ALISON PETRIE, BOOK PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE: FASHION STUDENT TO FASHION OFFICE

By Amanda Burgess Corporate Communications Manager

Here at Holts, we look to discover top talent before It also gave her access to our discount program. they enter the job market for the first time, and have “I pretty much gave my paycheque back to Holts established relationships with college and university every two weeks,” jokes Nicole. Her favourite program administrators. purchase? A black YSL bag with silver closure and chain strap. “I’m in love with hardware and the In this edition of muse, we share the internship sound of that closure clicking in place is amazing. experience of Nicole Lukac, a recent grad of the And I love the chain.” Ryerson University Fashion Communication program and recent Fashion Office intern. The next stop for Nicole is a trip to London, UK to continue her fashion industry education, Nicole proactively networked outside of her program but she notes that once she has more experience to be considered for an internship with Barbara Atkin, under her belt, she wouldn’t hesitate to return our VP of Fashion Direction, and was attracted to to Holts. Holts as the pinnacle of fashion retail in Canada. “What I appreciated most was how this position The internship gave Nicole an opportunity to was so comprehensive and inclusive,” says Nicole. learn the business first hand, sit in on meetings, “It really was an education to see and contribute contribute ideas, and use and build on the skills to the evolution of the season, from the forecasts she learned at Ryerson. to the shows to what we bring to our customers.”

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Holiday Window Unveiling, 2009