Photo by Scott Schuman
name: Hitha Prabhakar
occupation: Freelance fashion journalist and on-air retail expert
hometown: Albuquerque, New Mexico
homebase: New York City
how and when did you fall in love with the fashion industry:
When I was twelve years old, my very cool aunt got me a subscription to Elle Magazine. My mom was really strict, and the only magazines I was allowed to read was Newsweek or Time. So each month I would have to sneak out to the mail box and smuggle the magazine into the house before my mom got a chance to grab the mail. It were those covert operations every month that made me fall in love with the fashion industry.
you don't have a regular 9-5 sit down desk job, describe what a typical day is for you:
My typical day is really bananas. I go to bed late and I wake up around 7 or 8am, check my email and respond to emergency requests. Then I usually have appointments scheduled to look at a collection or interview people or I am finishing up or researching for piece I am writing and try to do at least three posts to my blog. At some point during the madness a broadcast media outlet may call me to go on air to talk about something fashion or retail oriented. This happens all the time and I usually have about two to three hours to prepare before I go on air, but I LOVE it. After I do my segment, come back to continue to write and then at about 6 or 7pm, I hit the gym or do a yoga class. At around 8 or 9pm, "round three" starts which usually means I hit a party, or late drinks with contacts. I'll try to do another blog entry, respond to more emails and then it's bed time at 2am!
what are a few vital facts about the fashion & retail industry that people should know right now:
1) As much as everyone wants to "think" there are mean, superficial and bitchy people that dominate the fashion industry, that's simply not true. About 99% of the people I deal with are the NICEST PEOPLE EVER. The other 1% are probably just cranky because they aren't sleeping enough.
2) Retail sales numbers are an "economic indicator." That means economists, politicians and historians look to these numbers as an indicator of how the economy is doing.
3) Everything is going global. We are going to start seeing even more brands (both mid-priced and high-end) go to countries like India, China and Russia.
what was your first fashion luxury purchase:
When I was an intern in 1996, I saved up my money to buy a Kate Spade tote bag and a Cynthia Rowley empire waist black coat. Is Kate Spade even considered luxury?? I think I still have the Cynthia Rowley coat somewhere.
what did you wear to work today:
When I'm not on air, I am in a pair of True Religion jeans, Vans with skulls on them, some variety of argyle socks and a St. Grace cashmere sweater. When I am on air, I throw on an AKA dress, something from Theory or Adam by Adam Lippes.
the most stressful part of your job:
Just getting everything done! It seems like once I get through one list, there are a million other things I need to do.
favorite time of the day:
In the afternoon when I go for a run. I love having my own sliver of the day that's completely my own.
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