What exactly is a fashion merchandiser?
A lot of people’s ideas about a fashion merchandising career are wrong, according to Pasciuti. “So many people—especially when they are just starting out—are expecting fashion to be very glamorous and full of parties and great, fabulous clothes and all of that,” Pasciuti says. “It’s a very different reality. The role of merchandising is really to link all areas of fashion and manage the business.” “You’re working with design, product development, production, marketing and sales. You’re helping to marry the design vision with the financial goals.” Pasciuti’s company, Juicy Couture, which is part of Liz Claiborne, employs thousands of people. So Paciuti is used to working with a large group. “There are a ton of different projects. You’re always overseeing the progress of your line. Some fashion merchandisers might have much more focused responsibilities, but I do a lot of different things.
