In My Shoes: Stephanie Phair
Stephanie Phair is Chair of the British Fashion Council. Appointed in 2018, and bringing 20 years of experience in the fashion and luxury sector to the role, she works on behalf of designers and the broader fashion industry to champion the UK fashion industry globally.
Following communications roles at Issey Miyake and American Vogue, where she worked closely with Anna Wintour and was involved in the launch of the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund and the Met Gala, Stephanie’s first role in e-commerce was with Portero, the first pre-owned luxury marketplace. Following this, she moved to London where she joined Net-a-Porter as President of the Outnet.com. Today she is Chief Customer Officer and Director on the board at Farfetch responsible for the end-to-end customer experience, overseeing functions from marketing, brand, consumer tech product and its Future Retail strategy.
Stephanie holds an MA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Oxford University. She speaks four languages and lives in London with her husband and three children. Follow @snphair.
Tell us a little about you.
I’ve just discovered the term: Third culture kid – from everywhere and nowhere… Argentine Mother, Canadian Father, born in Mexico, went to French school and I grew up in London after living in 5 countries. I’m also a mother, wife, sister, daughter, involved in fashion, tech and hopefully helping others along the way.
How do you start your day?
I roll out of bed and run upstairs to make sure the kids are up!
What is your fashion philosophy?
Don’t unnecessarily follow a trend – make sure it fits you.
Can you share your top tip?
Buy well and keep those pieces – you will fall in love with them again. It’s cool to re-wear and our planet needs it.
Who inspires you?
I’m inspired by all the wonderful women and men who have helped shaped my career. Some well-known such as Anna Wintour, others less known who have taken me under their wing.
Stephanie at London Fashion Week
How do you unwind?
My husband confiscates my phone.
What inspires you?
I am always inspired when I travel – I’ve missed it.
If you could visit anywhere in the world tomorrow, where would it be?
Punta del Este in Uruguay. I grew up going there, it’s where we got married, and I just miss the long, endless South American beaches…
Can you tell us something you discovered recently?
Re-discovered how talented my friends are. My childhood friend Antoine and I are working on a project together, you can follow his design practice at @studioantoine.
Stephanie at London Fashion Week
What is the best part of your job?
Simply how varied it is – from working with start-ups to big brands, working in teams or public speaking, creative and tech. I feel very lucky to do what I do.
Which shoes do you love this season?
These green brocade flats with the crystal pebble. So fabulous that they are timeless - I’m wearing them with a green dress here but look equally good with jeans. The green equivalent of Dorothy’s Ruby Red shoes.