10 MINUTES WITH: NIKI HAYLETT
Emirates Woman|December 2019
We sit down with the head buyer from Marks & Spencer to get a sneak peek of this season’s 70s inspired collection
Natalie Westernoff
10 MINUTES WITH: NIKI HAYLETT

What would you say to any young person trying to get into fashion buying?

I would say study because it really helps you understand the key tasks and skills required to become successful. I would also advise doing as many internships as possible and if you can travel while doing so even better. I studied at university in England for example and then attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan, New York, and it was during my time in New York that really inspired me. I was attending lectures by many leading designers from Marc Jacobs to Oscar De La Renta, all of which influenced me to go into fashion buying and forge a great career.

How has working with Marks & Spencer over the last 10 years shaped your perception of fashion?

The fashion landscape and our lifestyles are ever-changing but what remains consistent is that women want stylish, fashionable, wearable, comfortable and versatile collections. And that’s why the team and I continue to review and work on collections to ensure there is a clear definition and appeal that meets the needs of every woman.

Marks & Spencer is an accessible brand with product that is long-lasting, how do you see womenswear in Marks & Spencer evolving over the next few years as buyer habits evolve?

This story is from the December 2019 edition of Emirates Woman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 2019 edition of Emirates Woman.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM EMIRATES WOMANView All
Ride the Wave
Emirates Woman

Ride the Wave

Hanalei Reponty-Gudauska could surf before she could walk. Embodying her love for the beach and water, she founded sustainable swimwear brand Abysse with her mother, Raphaele. At the heart of the brand is the aim to: “Produce less, produce well.”

time-read
6 mins  |
July/August 2021
The Vacation Uniform
Emirates Woman

The Vacation Uniform

Totême and MATCHESFASHION conjure the perfect summer capsule collection

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
Summer Skin
Emirates Woman

Summer Skin

The best in beauty to give you a make-up free, fresh summer glow

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
Style & Substance
Emirates Woman

Style & Substance

With a focus on slowing fashion down, Dear Frances is the footwear brand delivering along with sleek and sophisticated styles

time-read
5 mins  |
July/August 2021
The SUMMER Escape
Emirates Woman

The SUMMER Escape

Channel effortless ease with Isabel Marant’s new eyewear collection for SS21

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
The Body Glow
Emirates Woman

The Body Glow

An edit of superlative products to let you shine inside and out this summer

time-read
2 mins  |
July/August 2021
Impactful Skincare
Emirates Woman

Impactful Skincare

Sunday Riley is all about making an impact. The cruelty-free skincare brand “powered by science, balanced by botanicals” is dedicated to delivering measurable results

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2021
Making Waves
Emirates Woman

Making Waves

Guia Cleps, Founder of Italian swimwear brand Reina Olga, on what inspired her to create form-fitting designs that champion every body shape

time-read
3 mins  |
July/August 2021
Heat Proof
Emirates Woman

Heat Proof

The best SPFs to protect your skin

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021
A Greek Odyssey
Emirates Woman

A Greek Odyssey

A temple of relaxation, Amanzoe

time-read
1 min  |
July/August 2021