How Camargue’s Creative Director And Fashion Buyer Keeps Brisbane Stylish
Fashion fixation
If you’ve ever found yourself strolling along James St, it’s likely you’ve popped into Camargue, unable to resist the beautiful window displays and promise of gorgeous pieces. Stocking a mixture of emerging local brands and exclusive international designers, Camargue is one of Brisbane’s leading boutiques and offers an extremely curated collection of fashion from all over the world.
In our December issue, we chatted with Creative Director and Buyer at Camargue, Harriet Sutherland, to get to know her process and find out exactly how she keeps the people of Brisbane stylish (in between trips to Paris, of course!).
Hi Harriet! Tell me about how you got your start at Camargue.
Hi Natalie, thanks for asking. Having worked in the fashion industry for a few years and having done a small stint in Paris, I was brought on board to steer Camargue’s new journey and run the boutique. My role has evolved over the years from being on the shop floor, hearing what the clients want to wear, to working with our Director on buying and curating our collections, as well as overseeing the creative direction of the brand.
What do you think is Camargue’s point of difference?
Camargue has always been a place where individual style has shone through, you can find a point of view on fashion that you don’t typically see everywhere. We pride ourselves on being a brand where our customers have the freedom to explore their sense of self through style.
How would you describe the shopping experience at Camargue?
It’s a place where everyone is welcome. It is so important to us that anyone who comes into Camargue feels comfortable. The team are amazing at gauging a client’s needs and they all genuinely love working one-on-one with people to make them feel confident and sophisticated through an outfit.
Are there any brands or designers you’re particularly excited about stocking?
We are launching Vivienne Westwood this season. It is an incredible brand that speaks to so many generations, which in a way, Camargue has in common.
As the Creative Director and Buyer, what does a typical day in your life look like?
Each day is different as I split my week between the boutique and our head office. Emails are always the first point of call, then checking online sales from the night prior. It’s always exciting to see where in the world people are shopping with us. Then, I’ll check in with the team to plan our week or months ahead and discuss what collections will be arriving. I’m currently planning our next season buy with Camargue’s director Siobhan, which might include late-night Zoom calls with Europe. Later in the week, you’ll find me in the shop, where I love catching up with our clients and seeing them interact with the collections. We are lucky to have so many creative and brilliant clients who make the job of a buyer so rewarding.
What is your process for curating the amazing pieces at Camargue? I know you go to Paris on buying trips a few times a year, what are those trips like?
We try to focus on curating pieces that the client will love wearing and keep in their wardrobe for a long time. Paris is busy! We are in back-to-back appointments, eating our baguettes on the go, but it is an inspiring time, and I love connecting with the brands and friends in the industry.
How would you describe the Camargue customer and how does the Brisbane market influence how you curate the store?
There is no one typical Camargue customer, but that is what makes the boutique so interesting. But if I had to describe the person who shops with us, I would say they are true disciples of fashion, unafraid to try something new and always looking for that next coveted piece to add to their wardrobes.
How much do trends influence your buying for Camargue?
We try not to get too caught up in trends, as it limits the lifetime of a garment. However, we might find that when going through showrooms there is a thread that joins ideas together from brand to brand, which helps bring an element of harmony to our collection.
What would you say to someone who might feel intimidated by fashion?
Don’t be, fashion should be fun, not stressful! There is nothing more rewarding than helping someone explore and expand on their personal sense of style. And if you are curious, come by our James St boutique or contact us online and the team will be glad to look after you.
