Anton Dell has fashion in his jeans—ahem, genes. Born into a family in the fashion industry it was only second nature for Anton to follow in his parents' footsteps. After getting his start in his parents' retail store group he moved on to spend the next 25 years in manufacturing, as an agent, and for the last 14 years as a consultant.
Anton's career moves came about as he watched globalization change the world of fashion--with sourcing agents and distributors becoming increasingly difficult. His experience and contacts in the industry allowed him to steer his career to success—and create one of the most comprehensive databases of fashion agents anywhere.
During his long career he has had the privilege to work with clients like Max Mara, French Connection, Mephisto, Bench, Miss Sixty and more.
We recently traveled (virtually) across the pond to London to catch up with Anton in order to pick his brain on what aspiring fashion recruits can expect from the industry:
What inspired you to get into the fashion industry?
My parents were in this profession and it was only natural for me to follow on.
What type of education did it take to get you where you are today?
My education took was only to A levels – to be successful in our profession you do not need a degree – just a passion for Fashion.
How has your career path progressed over the years?
I have always worked for myself and grown my business steadily – I was originally in Retail then I became a manufacturer, followed by acting as an agent ,currently (for the last 14 years) I am a consultant.
What is your favorite part of working in the fashion business?
That it’s always changing.
What advice would you give to aspiring fashionistas?
You need to never let go of your focus of what you want to make – but you need a clear focus or you will fumble in the dark.
What schools does your company generally recruit new hires from?
European business studies, universities and colleges doing Post-degree work and on secondment.
Do you think there is an overall increasing or decreasing need for people in the fashion industry?
An increasing need.
What do you foresee for the future of fashion?
It will become more and more international and there will be a decline in the current trend of cloned high street that look the same in Moscow as they do in Brent Cross.
What designer(s) or brand(s) influenced you the most as an artist?
Armani and more recently Zadig and Voltaire
Which skills do you consider to be most critical for a career in fashion?
A never ending belief in a positive future and a constant reworking of your vision.
What do you think the future of fashion holds?
Fashion will become more and more international and the result will help those from other countries to understand each other better.
Check out more interviews at The Fashion-Schools.org Interview Series.
