Q&A with Yumi Shin, Chief Merchandising Officer at Bergdorf Goodman
It is always inspiring to sit down with those you look up to gain some helpful insights into their perspective and how they structure their lives: how to balance work and personal life, how to invest in a wardrobe, how to stay inspired, how to elevate a wardrobe, among some other concepts. On a recent trip to New York in April, I was lucky to spend the afternoon and later evening with Yumi and Tommy Ton. In a recent interview, Yumi and I explored some topics that have been on our minds.
All Photography of Yumi by Tommy Ton
Sherman: What last three purchases spark joy?
Shin: Phoebe Philo zip-black jeans will have their fair share of cost per wear. Bottega Veneta sock boots in grey are a perfect combination of fashion and comfort. Phoebe Philo for Celine Winter 2016 pebbles earrings have been on my wish list for many years, and my dear friend recently found them for me.
Sherman: Where should someone begin who wants to start investing in a serious wardrobe?
Shin: Think about what makes you feel most confident; is it a particular fit, a brand you love, a go-to silhouette, or the craftsmanship? Invest in longevity and think about the cost per wear of an item.
Sherman: How do you balance traveling with your work and personal life?
Shin: I need to be very organized and intentional about my schedule - every hour is accounted for including travel time and it is often booked months in advance. I also try to be fully present for each life activity whether it is for work or personal life.
"How you translate intuition through individuality and comfort is the balance that is most appealing to me."
Princess Onyx Diamond Studs, 18k Yellow Gold, Medium
Sherman: How do you approach trends while keeping your style true to yourself?
Shin: I have an intuitive sense of what proportions, materials, or color palette feel current and some people may say that I am a year ahead of spotting trends. How you translate intuition through individuality and comfort is the balance that is most appealing to me.
Sherman: What are the finishing touches that you think make an outfit really "good"?
Shin: How one styles their look with accessories is very personal and can immediately update and even elevate a wardrobe staple. Shoes, bags, belts and jewelry are essential to a finished look. Sometimes, I build a look around an accessory I love.
"You can have different roles and jobs but the core values such as honesty and kindness has always been a guiding north star."
Sherman: How do you stay inspired? Do you ever look in your closet and feel stumped and like you have nothing to wear?
Shin: There are certain brands I go to season after season for inspiration, and I bookmark favorite looks. You can probably guess who they are. Everyone, at times, feels they have nothing to wear. I feel this way during transitional moments—whether you transition into a new season or try out new proportions. When I feel this way, and when I have time, I try to recognize and rearrange my closet to spark inspiration.
Sherman: What was the inflection point in your career where you noticed a positive shift, whether unexpected or something that happened due to pivoting?
Shin: When faced with challenges over the years, I have always stayed true to myself. You can have different roles and jobs but core values such as honesty and kindness has always been a guiding north star.
"What I love about Sherman Field is the versatility of each piece and how you can layer each piece together to create a new look."
Sherman: What are your top 3 favorite pieces from Sherman Field that would pair well with your wardrobe?
Shin: There is so much to love, but if I had to choose 3, it would be my diamond pin, a long chain (Double Chain Medium Link 32"), Cigar Ring, and a locket (Rectangle Barre Locket or Rectangle Barre Stone Locket) to style with my chain or pin. I guess that's 4 - but what I love about Sherman Field is the versatility of each piece and how you can layer each piece together to create a new look.
South Sea Pearl Pendant, 18k Yellow Gold, Large
Diamond Tie-Pin Brooch, 18k Yellow Gold
ID Tag Chain, 18k Yellow Gold, Medium Link, 25"
Reversible Square Monogram Photo Locket, 18k Yellow Gold