Exclusive Interview with
Pavitra
Harilela
Personal Shopper
Q1. You work as a ‘Personal
Shopper’ - what does your
job entail? And do you reflect
your own personal style to
others?
The main aspect of my job in this
primarily luxury client relationship
type of role is to deeply
understand my client’s personal
style, lifestyle, needs and wants
in order to keep them abreast of
relevant shopping opportunities
that they would not have access
to by themselves.
I respect my client’s personal style
therefore my own is not relevant
to be reflected.
Q2. What brands do you work
with and are you looking
to get anymore for your
portfolio? And What brands
that you sell is the most
popular or sought after?
I have access to all the luxury
brands including Hermes, Chanel,
Louis Vuitton, Dior and other
niche brands such as Carnet (a
Hong Kong brand featured on
Crazy Rich Asians blockbuster)
and many more . I have also
have access to purchase items
from current and past collection
items with discounts from Italian
brands such as Gucci, Fendi,
Bottega Veneta, Versace,
etc directly from their largest
wholesalers in Asia off the radar,
upcoming designer local brands
that are favoured by trendsetter
clients.
Q3. A lot of department stores
are closing down; because
of the popularisation of the
online platforms. How do you
see it as a personal shopper?
And do you think retailers are
at risk in losing their jobs?
Online platforms will never
replace human shopping
interactions completely. Taking
my own clientele as an example,
they enjoy the experience of
a personal relationship, my
relevant and thoughtful personal
suggestions can never be
replaced by robots.
July 2020
Polo De’Marco