Behind every fashion product, collection or storefront, there’s an ambitious designer, buyer, merchandise planner, wholesale or e-commerce manager who has spent years arming themselves with a unique set of skills. And for every one of these fashion industry experts, there’s an inspiring career journey.
In Style Arcade’s Fashion Career Series, we leverage our passionate network to go beneath the glamour of fashion’s most sought-after roles—and take a seat with the people whose hard work and dedication are shaping the future of retail.
Meet Amanda Klarin, Commercial Manager at the beloved Australian minimalist luxury label, ANNA QUAN. Here, we get an inside look at her impressive career progression, her sound advice in the face of challenges, and how when you know— you really know.
STYLE ARCADE: Where did you grow up and how did your experience shape the career that you are in today?
Amanda Klarin: I grew up in Melbourne and spent my childhood mostly around my sister and cousins - we were Spice Girls, Girlfriend and Hanson fanatics. I honestly think those early 90s bands made me fashion-obsessed!
SA: Did you go to college or university? Which courses did you do and what led you to choose them?
AK: I completed a Diploma in Business Marketing at RMIT TAFE in Melbourne. I never really knew what I wanted to do in my career, and to be honest, I didn’t get the best grades in high school (I didn’t become a good student until later in life). But I knew I loved fashion so I decided to pursue marketing, knowing it could be applied to any industry. It turned out to be a great decision for me—I finished a two-year diploma, got traveling out of my system, started working earlier than my peers, avoided student loans, and still worked my way up.
SA: Tell us about your career journey so far and where you have worked to lead you to where you are today?
AK: I spent over eight years in my 20s working for The Just Group, which includes brands like Portmans, Jay Jays, and Peter Alexander, in eCommerce and Marketing roles. It was a challenging environment, especially in a publicly traded company where the goal was always to make more money while cutting costs.
Over time, though, I grew to really enjoy the customer journey. Figuring out what makes someone interact with a brand, and then how that eventually leads them to make a purchase, became something I loved—it’s like solving a puzzle. Now, as the Commercial Manager at ANNA QUAN, I focus on making sure we’re driving profit efficiently but with the customer always top of mind, and not at the expense of the company culture and our team. The experience I gained early on has been key to shaping how I approach my role today - both what to do and what not to do!
SA: Take us through what a standard week looks like for you at the moment. What is the best part of your current role?
AK: The only consistent thing when you work in fashion is a trade meeting every Tuesday morning—not sexy, but they’re essential. I’m data-obsessed so the rest of the week I’m likely in a design, production, marketing or eComm meeting, with Style Arcade consistently open, helping to inform our next decision.
The best part of my current role is the autonomy working in a small team allows. You really feel like you’re making an impact every single day. Also, the CLOTHES!
SA: Has there been a pivotal event or experience that you consider as a driving force behind your journey to success in your career? Tell us about the impact it had on you.
AK: In high school, I had an awesome media teacher, and for one assignment, we had to create a marketing campaign for the brand Jay Jays. She even organized for select groups to present our campaigns to a panel at The Just Group (Jay Jays' parent company). My team got picked, and I remember walking into that building, meeting a group of female Marketing Managers and GMs, and thinking, "I want to be them—I’m going to work here."
Five years later, I got a job at The Just Group as an entry-level eCommerce Coordinator. Funny enough, my second interview was with the GM at the time Jenny Hides, who was on that panel. I ended up staying for eight years, eventually becoming the Marketing Manager for Jay Jays.
In my life I continue to have those moments of absolute certainty—like I need that jacket, or I will get that job—and when that happens, the universe has a weird and funny way of making it all come together.
SA: What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received and who was it from?
AK: It’s okay to be wrong, and it’s okay to fail—a message you’ll hear from almost every successful person.
In a similar sentiment, the piece of advice that always sticks with me is a question my husband always asks me: “Do you want to be right, or do you want the right outcome?” It’s a really humbling question to ask yourself and a great reminder that the way I do things isn’t always the right way, it’s about finding the best path forward with your team. I try to keep that in mind every day.
SA: What advice or learnings would you give to anyone interested in a similar career path in fashion?
AK: The basics are simple: learn how to get stuff done, be reliable, and always bring solutions—not just problems—to your manager.
Also, expect your creative ideas to be challenged, often. Don’t take it personally. It’s less about whether the idea is right or wrong and more about one person’s opinion at a particular moment in time.
SA: What are you most looking forward to within the next 12 months (professional or otherwise!)
AK: Launching my side hustle jewellery label ‘The More’ (after 3 years and 3 suppliers!).
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