Trendsetters at Work: Henri Bendel

We caught up with Henri Bendel's creative director

By Emily Popp Oct 13, 2014 8:23 PMTags
Trendsetters, Henri Bendel, Creative Director Pina FerlisiJennifer Cooper, E!

If you've ever had the pleasure of stepping inside a Henri Bendel store, then you're familiar with that dizzyingly joyful feeling the high-end luxury store gives every shopper.

So, of course we snapped up the opportunity to catch up with Pina Ferlisi, the creative director of Henri Bendel.

Keep reading to hear who she credits as some of her career heroes and the best advice she's ever received. Then after you've gleaned some savvy nuggets of chic advice from Ferlisi, go on and treat yourself to a trip to the brown and white striped wonderland that is Henri Bendel.

What was your very first job?
My first job was working for my parents importing company. I learned how to interact with customers, how to present my ideas and the sensitive dynamic of being an employee as well as the bosses' daughter. I think it really taught me how to see both sides.

Who are some of your career heroes?
Miuccia Prada and Karl Lagerfeld, because they push boundaries but remain commercially relevant. I admire a courageous point of view.

Jennifer Cooper, E!

What's a typical workday like for you?
Where do I start? Ask my assistant. It's jam-packed. I usually start my day in design meetings where we discuss new concepts, look at new materials and color, and then I meet with our president to discuss business updates and new strategies. Then marketing and PR teams. I also meet with my art director on art direction for our web site and catalogues, and finally the visual merchandising team to discuss our window display and store experience. I am involved in everything the customer sees and touches that is Henri Bendel.

Describe your office décor. What was your inspiration?
Simple, elegant, chic. Since I spend a lot of time at work I try to make my office a home away from home. I like a residential feel, a place to work and also to unwind and feel at ease. So lots of books, pillows, candles mirrors and cashmere.

Jennifer Cooper, E!

List five things that are on your desk right now.

1. Laptop 

2. Henri Bendel Black Currant Candle 

3. White hydrangeas 

4. Notebook and pencils

5. Bottle of water

What do you typically wear to work?
Jeans, heels, a statement handbag, Henri Bendel jewelry and a cashmere wrap, because I am always cold.

What are your favorite stores to shop for work clothes?
Celine, YSL, La Garçonne.

What's the best piece of career advice you've ever received?
"Find a job you love and you'll never work a day in your life"—My dad.

Jennifer Cooper, E!

Finish the sentence…

Today for lunch I had…chicken soup.

The first website I log onto every day is…Keep It Chic.

The beauty product you can always find in my purse is…Burt's Bees lip balm and black mascara.

My must-have work gadget is…iPhone.

My usual Starbucks order is… I don't go to Starbucks, but if I did a skinny cappuccino.

If I need a quick break during work, I usually… go shoe shopping.

If I wasn't doing this job, I would be…writing screen plays.

The best part of my job is… the people I work with.