Online shopping might be the preferred mode of shopping given its convenience and accessibility, but it can’t replace the human interaction one gets from visiting physical retail shops. In-store shopping experiences matter now more than ever. The challenge lies in using digital mediums to draw consumers into brick-and-mortar stores for the full, immersive experience. Join us as we explore how successful brick-and-mortar retailers in LA navigate the ever-shifting retail landscape and continue to thrive despite the digital competition.
Moderator
Dechel Mckillian
Fashion stylist and designer Dechel Mckillian steps to the plate with raw talent and the credentials to back it up. After her overseas studies, Dechel quickly found her way under the wing of celebrity costume designer Marco Morante, with whom she collaborated on costumes for chart-topping artists such as Lil Wayne and The Black Eyed Peas. Taking her position as wardrobe stylist on the road, she worked and traveled the world for four years with the aforementioned, refining her craft and immersing herself in the life and fashion of the cultures she was exposed to.
Since then, projects have been non-stop styling in the realm of commercial, editorial, music, and television. Her work has been highly received and featured in the likes of Nylon, Paper, and V magazines. At this point, Dechel is beyond that of a stylist…she is a creator. From consulting and merchandising to creative direction and costume design, she proves to be an asset to her clients. Time after time she diligently delivers exceptional concepts that incorporate a unique style that is heavily influenced by the unexpected. As a brand, Dechel Mckillian, thrives to entice levels of taste by introducing a personal curation of various extraordinary creatives alike.
As the Founder of recent fashion technology start-up GALERIE.LA, Dechel's mission is to make a positive impact on the Fashion industry. GALERIE.LA is the first platform of its kind to offer a curated selection of women's sustainable fashion available to shop online. Truly a one-stop shop that makes choosing sustainable fashion easy. Customers can shop their values without sacrificing their personal style.
Be on the look out for everything DM: eye for style, heart for fashion, and undeniable brilliance.
Stefan Siegel
Stefan Siegel, a native South Tyrolean — the German speaking part of the Triveneto region in Northern Italy, grew up in in an area responsible for over 40% of all high-end and luxury manufacturing, a surrounding where the ‘Made In Italy’ label is really being defined. Following his high school career at Venice’s prestigious military college, the Francesco Morosini Naval School, he kick-started his colourful career during his Economics studies in Vienna when he gained experience in the fashion and media industry working for prestigious design houses and advertising agencies. Following a successful modelling career that took him to five continents, he achieved his MA in International Business Administration in 2004 at the Vienna University of Economics. After graduation Stefan joined the world of finance, working for renowned companies such as Ernst & Young and Sal. Oppenheim in Switzerland, and finally the Merrill Lynch M&A Investment Banking group in New York and London specialising in the Consumer & Retail sector and advising publicly listed fashion powerhouses. Stefan used his gained experience to launch NOT JUST A LABEL (NJAL). Although launching the company on a shoestring in 2008, NJAL today is the leading global platform for emerging fashion designers and ranks among the most respected websites in the fashion industry. As the world’s leading designer platform for showcasing and nurturing today’s pioneers in contemporary fashion, it represents over 35,000 designers from 150 countries. It is an infinitely expanding destination devoted to facilitating growth in the fashion industry and has established itself as a distinctive creative hub fostering innovation.
Leslie Bedolla
A creator of memorable experiences for some of the most demanding and discerning client cultures in the world, Leslie’s expansive business experience spans the hospitality, apparel and retail sectors, in addition to establishing a luxe yoga retreat management company. Her passion and expertise lies in spotting collaborative opportunities, matching talent with trends, and delivering synergistic brand partnerships. Her keen eye for aesthetics and insatiable appetite for soulful exchanges are just a few unique qualities she brings to the table. Leslie splits her time between Los Angeles and Berlin.