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AFTER MORE THAN   a decade in the business, Frankieanna Woo is no stranger to fashion. The division manager, ladies' fashion, shoes and handbags at Seibu, got into the business after three years of fashion studies at Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Although some of her colleagues have studied at fashion schools in London, and others have graduated with economics and business degrees, she believes  a strong business and fashion sense are a buyer's most important attributes.

After graduating from university, Ms Woo worked for a trading company before  taking up her position at Seibu. The post presents many challenges.

'You are always dealing with changes and increasing competition, something you must face,' Ms Woo said.

'You must also take risks and have negotiating skills.

'Vendors expect you to help them build their brands, so you must be able to relate to them.'

Her satisfaction in the job comes from taking chances.  She is elated when she finds solutions to problems.

'All buys are calculated risks. If something goes wrong, you must rectify it,' Ms Woo said.

One way of protecting herself from drastic error is by risking no more than 20 per cent on new trends and labels.

Those with their sights set on fashion buying have a predictable career path ahead of them.

Starting as assistant buyers, they later move into the position of associate buyers before becoming buyers and finally senior buyers.

Although the  jobs may seem similar,  each has  individual  demands.

Assistants make fashion suggestions and work on numbers, noting  what is selling and  what is not.

Associates  study the market and give buyers information on what is happening with the local competition and their prices on shared labels.

Buyers place the  orders, while senior buyers work on  business strategy, which includes planning, deciding on new categories and brands, and negotiating terms  with vendors. With so many tiers in the accessories business,  there are several options open to recruits.

If they have a creative side and a flair for drawing, they might become designers. For a more passive, practical job, they might choose to become merchandisers. After honing skills as buyers, they might  become managers, or take on even greater responsibility as business owners. Whatever the decision, it is clear that the fashion industry glitters with possibilities.

key players

Buyer

Purchasing manager

Merchandiser

Quality controller

Product manager

Shipping officer

Logistics manager



Fashioning a career from a creative flair