As Trump's tariffs come to pass the real impact will soon become apparent.

Interview with US Agent Faigy Drew from Phisticate
Originally published in February 2025 in the Pirouette zine AW25 show season edition.

When reaching out to Faigy I really wanted to know if US agents were concerned by speculation re ‘Trump’s tariffs’ & their possible impact on inports. It seems that this isn’t causing too much concern currently, supporting feedback from others in the industry, (watch this space).
Faigy also touches upon many of the themes already addressed in this edition such as customers judging ‘sustainability’ as less of a priority than we’d like to think when considering their purchase(s). And finally how relationships are key in this current global market.

How do you plan to adjust your product mix to address both traditional and emerging trends for 2025?

We have seen that the retail customer would prefer buying less clothes, but very different, unique clothes. What we are doing in between seasons, is working with our brands in order to ensure that each piece is AMAZING! We want to be the showroom that sets trends. I feel very strongly that since we started over 15 years ago, the brands out there today are very much just “copying” what the successful brands are doing. You want to be successful? Stand out! Do unique! Do different! That is what the end customer is willing to spend on. They are okay buying basics that are cheap. But that “special outfit”, the one they will be using when their children are in public with them, they would spend a bit more on, and want something unique and super cute.

I will be a bit bold with what I say next. It may be a bit controversial, but, it’s the truth. Retail customers are not as concerned as we think regarding sustainability. Especially in this economy,… they want practical, and design. When you have little kids, it just needs to make sense. If you can figure out sustainability and practicality, that is a plus. But it is not a must. Parents with kids are busy. It simply needs to work.

"Relationships are key. If you are a person with character, a person that is willing to work hard, & you are organized, sometimes that is more important than having an amazing line."

Faigy Drew

It looks like 2025 will continue to put pressure on costs, inflation and spending power – Is pricing strategy part of the conversation with your clients?

100%. 2025 will be a year of ‘pressure’ for all of the above stated reasons. Therefore, you either need to be basic and very well priced, or really beautiful or designer type clothes. Retail customers are being much more selective of what they are buying.

If something is really pretty or fits a certain need, the customer will buy it. Even if it is pricey. They do not care so much as to which brand it is. They care more about the garment itself. Since there is so much out there online,… They are saavy customers. They know what the market has to offer. They will scour the internet and check out all stores and only choose what they really like. That is the challenge. Standing out. And really knowing the market and giving the customer what they need. Be in tune!

Are you trying to factor for possible US tariffs this year? Do you see this as a possible disruption to your business?

For now, we believe that Europe will not get very high tariffs. We think China will be hit harder. Most of our brands are manufactured in Europe, so personally at our showroom, we prefer to wait and see.

What are the main reasons you are optimistic about 2025?

Oh, we are optimistic!!! We are working on lots of different things here at ‘phisticate! We do have the advantage of being in this business for a while. We have seen ups and downs. And we know what the market used to have and what it does not have. And what the market did not have and what it has now. We will fill the needs of whatever the market needs!

And one last thing we have noticed throughout the years. Ending off with just a random thought. Relationships are key.
If you are a person with character, a person that is willing to work hard, you are organized, sometimes that is more important than having an amazing line.

Katie Kendrick

Katie is a specialist in kids’ fashion and lifestyle, editor, consultant, content creator, and owner of Pirouette - a leading resource to the industry.

With a keen interest in both the business and creative aspects of the industry Katie has interviewed buyers, agents, stylists, designers, influencers, covered runway shows, produced trade show reports and curates thought provoking and engaging exhibitions.

She is passionate about good design, creativity and brands that manage to combine this with their environmental responsibility.

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