Meet Anil Atalan, team leader Marketing & Communications at HUGO BOSS, BeNeLux whose passion lies in giving back to young and aspiring individuals who might feel excluded from the fashion industry.
T. What do you want to learn, and how do you want to grow in the next 10 years?
A. I’m particularly intrigued by the socio-cultural and socio-economic dimensions of the fashion industry and the ‘WHYs.’ Excelling in this realm would be fulfilling.
However, my biggest dream is giving back to young people who may feel like ‘they don’t belong’. Opening as many doors as possible for those who think they lack the right school diploma, network, ethnicity or postcode to sit at the table, is a passion of mine. I want to create opportunities for as many aspiring individuals as possible.
T. What advice would you give to a person starting in the PR field in fashion?
A. While it may not be ground-breaking, I can’t stress enough the importance of internships. They are often overlooked, but they can be transformative. This is the phase where you can truly find your likes and dislikes – a crucial starting point! Invest your energy in what genuinely captivates and interests you, or in what you would pursue if you didn’t have any financial constraints.
Also, find out if you thrive in a more corporate structure, have a freelancer spirit, or resonate with the agency vibe. I highly recommend newbies aim for teams where they can actively contribute to projects and be fully responsible. Don’t only focus on the ‘big names.’ Do your homework, research not only the prominent brands, agencies, and designers but also the teams and people you aspire to work with and learn from. Be a ‘cool hunter’ and identify your niche where you can make a difference.
T. What advice would you give to a person starting in the PR field in fashion?
A. I consider myself fortunate as I genuinely love my job; I’ve never found myself counting down for holidays. However, after my daughter was born, I began prioritizing self-education and honing in on the ‘balance’ aspect.
More and more I acknowledge that achieving work-life balance is a highly personal journey and varies based on the phases you’re experiencing. There’s no one-size-fits-all formula. My advice is to avoid fixating on things excessively and make a conscious effort to go offline during your holidays. And surround yourself with great people who support and understand your commitments.
Lastly, staying updated on new platforms, continuously exploring communication mediums, and being familiar with industry legends as well as upcoming talents is crucial.
T. Who are 5 people you admire? What do they do?
A. I’ve got minimum 100 people list, -all women- but here’s my top five:
- Julie Pelipas: Creative Director and Founder of BETTTER.
- Ilse Cornelissens, Owner of Graanmarkt 13, Antwerp
- Laila Gohar: Cook and curator.
- Clara Cornet: Head of Fashion Partnership at Instagram.
- Nadia Dhouib: Managing Director at Rabanne.
T. What makes you feel truly empowered?
A. Reflecting on how far I’ve come—navigating through family, life, motherhood, relocations, embracing new beginnings, and evolving along with them. It’s the understanding that we all can change and adapt, provided we’re open to trying and embracing experiences that might not initially appear as ‘opportunities’!
T. What is your favourite childhood memory?
A. I spent my childhood next to the seaside in Izmir, Turkey. I fondly reminisce about the three-month uninterrupted summer holidays on the Mediterranean with long tables, great food and great people. Carefree days…
T. If you could meet your 5-year-old self, what would she be proud of the person you are today?
A. Yes! She always loved being surrounded by beautiful things, especially clothes. And, of course, traveling to different countries… So, she did it!
Instagram: anil_atalan
