We asked Caroline Issa about the business of fashion

Calling all fashionistas(os), literary lovers, magazine aficionados, and aspiring business men and women!

On Friday, the Georgetown University European Club (GUEC) welcomed CEO, fashionista, and business woman Caroline Issa to talk about her passions and how they translated into becoming a new force in luxury retail.

Caroline’s inspirational talk sparked a great discussion about the current state of the fashion industry and today’s definition of luxury. The event was co-sponsored by the Georgetown Retail and Luxury Association (GRLA).

Caroline is an “influencer.” Influencers are not designers by training, although they may have their own product lines. They are not business people, even though they might be so trained, and work in the commercial side of the industry.

Influencers are first and foremost “image communicators” – their unorthodox sponsorship of brands takes fashion off the runways and beyond the static formality of glossy ads. They become a specific example of broader taste. Influencers embody the luxury retail fantasy.

A Wharton undergraduate, Issa worked in consulting for several years. She then joined one of her fledgling clients, TANK Magazine in London, to do strategic work.

Caroline is now the Chief Executive and Fashion Director of TANK Magazine, Editor-in-Chief of the online magazine Because, and Editor of the “O: by TANK” for the Observer.

This platform has created the opportunity to have her own product lines with Nordstrom, and creative collaborations with LK Bennet, Tod’s, as well as to be a muse for JCrew.

She has also forged ways for print magazines to embrace digital with Fashion Scan, an app that allows users to scan and unlock digital content within physical magazine pages.

Oh, and did we mention she earned a coveted spot on Vanity Fair’s prestigious annual best dressed list in 2013?

Caroline’s work is focused on the unchartered intersection of digital, publishing and retail.

Obviously, she isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. Caroline said, “You have to keep putting yourself in situations where you feel slight discomfort, to feel like you are a little bit alive and a lot like you are learning something.”

Check out the fashion, luxury retail, business scoop in this interview with Issa.

What is the next big luxury market?

Definitely Iran. The luxury market is shifting away from China and I have a good feeling Tehran will be at the top of every luxury brand’s agenda.

What is one accessory you can’t live without?

My Tod’s moccasins – let’s get real – sometimes we do have to run around town and can’t be in stilettos all day, no matter how much I love them!

Favorite show/new trend seen from fashion month?

I adored Alber Elbaz’s last show for Lanvin – we didn’t know it at the time that it would be his last, so glad to have seen so many of his greatest hits on the catwalk and his magic touch. Same with Raf Simons for Dior!

How has your Wharton education helped you in the fashion industry today?

I think having a business brain gives me a very unique perspective into the fashion industry and working with creative people everyday. I enjoy the business of fashion, and the world of imagination pegged to the reality of selling beautiful things.

What has been your biggest challenge in the industry?

Learning how to balance business goals and benchmarks alongside creative freedom and temperments. But also learning and adapting at such a fast speed at the changing landscape between print and digital!

What advice do you have to give students on navigating career opportunities?

Pursue what you are passionate about, work hard and be curious.