People who know me have already learned from my social media presence that, since 2022, I live between Bucharest, Romania, and New Canaan, Connecticut, USA. As I am building my roots here, I’ve looked for nurturing spots in town—and I am extremely happy and grateful that we have this gem called New Canaan Library.
I very often go there, taking more books than I can read within the usual 4 to 5 weeks we are in town. I also keep an eye on their amazing community events.
So, last month, while still in Bucharest, I read in the library newsletter about an upcoming talk with Emilie Rubinfeld. I confess, I wasn’t aware that she is the president of the famous Carolina Herrera fashion house 😊. Now I know—and it's wonderful, because I can now connect those beautifully crafted clothes and artistic pieces with a graceful, smiling, genuine face. Emilie has deep eyes that seem to look right at you—at least, that’s what I felt when our eyes met.
During her talk, Emilie shared valuable lessons that resonated deeply with me:
- Advocate for Yourself: Emphasizing the importance of self-representation and confidence in one's abilities.
- Network and Stay Connected: Highlighting the value of building and maintaining relationships in both personal and professional spheres.
- Embrace Change: The need for change is often initiated by the dynamics of new creatives, which leads to transformation even in the big luxury fashion houses—Emilie gave the example of Wes Gordon at Carolina Herrera
- Trust and Transparency: Underscoring these as foundational elements in successful leadership and collaboration.
- Storytelling in Fashion: Illustrated through examples from Wes Gordon, showcasing how narratives enhance brand identity.
- Cross-Departmental Workshops: Describing collaborative sessions where business leaders and creative teams exchange ideas, bridging analytical and artistic approaches. I’d say this brilliant team initiative feels like building a bridge between the left and right hemispheres of the brain 😊
Emilie's talk at the New Canaan Library was more than just an event; it was a bridge connecting global fashion leadership with our local community. Her insights left a lasting impression, and I hope to engage with her further, perhaps through an interview for my upcoming podcast.
If I get the chance to meet Emilie again, I would love to ask her, among other questions:
o What outfit does she think Carolina Herrera would have designed for Audrey Hepburn?
o What is her definition of courage?
o What is the biggest lesson she learned from Carolina Herrera?
A heartfelt thank you to the New Canaan Library Board & Team for facilitating such meaningful connections and lifelong memories!