The man, the mystery, the slippers. As the Joe Fresh team busily preps for World MasterCard Fashion Week, Joe Mimran takes a brief minute to play 20 Questions with us. Read on to find out what’s on his playlist, how he likes his martini, and what really makes Joe Fresh tick -- behind the seams .
1. Which of your collections are you most proud of so far?
I am proud of all of my collections, but I am always most excited by the collection I am working on at the moment. And as soon as the show is over I’m already thinking about what will come next
2. Do you get nervous when your wife and daughters go shopping?
No, my wife and children all have excellent taste.
3. What are your favourite restaurants in Toronto?
Harbord Room, Sotto Sotto, Giancarlo
4. Who do you rely on most in your business?
My whole team – every aspect of the business from supply chain to visual merchandising to marketing plays a key role in the success of Joe Fresh. And of course, our loyal customers.
5. Slippers vs. dress shoes. Discuss
Slippers – classic and so comfortable.
6. Favourite drink?
Martini – very dry, very cold – shaken.
7. When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I’ve always loved the arts but balanced my interest in art and design with a business degree.
8. What do you eat every day for breakfast?
Fresh squeezed vegetable juice.
9. What’s one piece from Joe Fresh that every woman should own?
A striped t-shirt.
10. What is your favourite book?
I recently enjoyed Patti Smith’s inspiring memoir, Just Kids.
11. Which Canadian designer do you find the most exciting?
My wife, Kimberly Newport-Mimran of Pink Tartan.
12. Favourite hotel in the world?
I am having a bit of a love affair with Paris right now and recently enjoyed a romantic stay at the Bristol Hotel with Kim.
13. What’s your favourite song/album right now?
Bom Bom by Sam and the Womp – (seen in our Joe Fresh commercial)
14. What’s the main difference between doing business in Toronto and NY?
I believe we have created a very strong brand presence in Toronto and all across Canada where people know who Joe Fresh is and what we are all about. The New York shopper has every store at their fingertips, so when we first launched there it was really about differentiating ourselves from other brands and making a big impact.
15. After you’ve conquered the States, where do you hope to expand to next?
Right now we’re focusing on the launch of our JCP partnership across the United States – and of course our New York stand-alone stores. But we’re always on the look-out for the perfect location for new stores.
16. If you could be teleported to a certain era/where would you stop?
The ‘60s – my favourite decade.
17. Black & white or colour – which do you prefer?
The brand was built on colour but you’ll be seeing a lot of black this season.
18. What is your favorite bottle of wine?
Chateau Margaux
19. Blackberry or iPhone?
iPhone
20. What is your favourite piece of Joe Fresh clothing for yourself?
I love our lightweight pack-away down jacket, and you can often find me in a colourful cashmere sweater.
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