We Thought We’d Got Rid of Them?!: An Interview with Autumn Sinclair
As any self-respecting Slytherin knows, we snakes must always dress for success. In fact, notable Slytherin alumna Autumn Sinclair knows this better than anyone else and has even made a career out of it! Whether you're thinking about following in her footsteps and want some hints and tips or are simply interested in getting the scoop on her new designs, read on for an exclusive interview with the female fashionista herself. ————————– Q: Good afternoon, Ms. Sinclair. Would you mind telling us a bit about what you've been up to since graduating from Hogwarts? A: Good afternoon to you too! Let’s see - after graduation… well, I started working at Gladrags, which was fun. I managed there for a few years and got to order merchandise that was in keeping with the latest fashion trends. That was my favorite part: being able to buy so many fun, beautiful things. But it’s always been my dream to have my very own fashion line, so once things started moving along I left to pursue Sinclair’s Sizzling Styles full time. That’s been pretty much monopolizing my time since. Q: That all sounds very exciting! Starting with Gladrags - what was it like to manage such a popular shop? Did you really enjoy it while it lasted or did it start to drag? Did you only see it as a stepping stone to bigger and better things? A: Gladrags was fun at the time. I was hired as a manager, did I mention that? Right after school and everything. It kept me busy and I enjoyed setting up the mannequins and the window displays. Customer service and the day to day running of the place weren’t as much my thing - I always had good staff who helped with that. I’m more of a big picture kind of girl. Gladrags has always been popular but they had trouble keeping up with the latest trends. I helped with that a bit, getting merchandise like the mood changing nail varnish on the shelves. But yes, I did always want to move on to bigger and better things. Q: And now it seems you have! So, this fashion line of yours - what kind of garments do you design, and for whom? A: I like to draw, so when an idea pops into my head I just start sketching it out. If it turns out looking like something I think a particular person would be interested in, then I contact them about it - especially if there’s a big gala or event coming up. Word travels fast in the fashion world, so once someone big wears a dress I designed, then more and more will. As for who - well, you’ll just have to wait and see, won’t you? I wouldn’t want to spoil the surprise. Q: Of course you wouldn't. Answer this, though - are you hoping to expand your line later or do you think it's better to stick to one specific target market? A: Dress robes are definitely my favorite thing to design, particularly gowns for women or couple's outfits made to match and complement each other. But I’m working on a winter fashion line too: overcoats and boots, scarves, gloves, fashion combos, that sort of thing. It will be announced in maybe September or October. Q: That sounds very exciting! So, final question - do you have any advice for current students who might have considered a similar career path? Any challenges they should look out for? A: Advice? From me? Well, I never thought that day would come. Just follow your dreams, don’t let anyone tell you what you can or can’t do. Stick to that and you can do anything. written by Asia Chadwick and Viola Wayland, with Autumn Sinclair