It takes two to tango and the same can be said in the fashion world. Amanda Lao is the general manager for the rising Caitlin Power label and when I met her last year, all I can say is that she was running the show left, right and center while organizing a holiday shopping event for with the designer. Any fashion creative will tell you that one cannot do everything alone and many tend to forget about other roles that come to play in this industry.

Style Nine to Five: How did you first get involved with fashion?

Amanda Lao: I’ve always been interested in fashion, but I grew up in Winnipeg, so I really didn’t think of it as a career option. I started working at Le Chateau when I was 16, and I fell in love with styling. That’s where the love for fashion really started.

SNTF: Brief story – how did you join forces with Caitlin?

AL: I moved to Toronto with every intention of going to law school. While working as a stylist out here, I applied and went to an interview to be Caitlin’s design intern. Things didn’t go as planned since I had no design background whatsoever. Six months later when my portfolio was stronger, I asked if Caitlin needed a stylist for her FW12 collection at World MasterCard Fashion Week and I got hired. Once fashion week was over I began to help with every aspect of the company that I could, taking on more and more responsibility. In October of last year it became a full time position.

SNTF: As Caitlin’s right winged business partner, what are your core responsibilities for the brand? 

AL: In the past year, we have really worked to separate our roles. Caitlin’s number one focus needs to be on the design – creation, production and everything in between. I focus on the business. We have a team of interns each season which I manage. I deal with the sales, public relations, business development, marketing, event planning and, on top of it all, still do all the styling for the brand.

SNTF: What inspires you when it comes to being a general manager for a designer that is growing successfully within the industry? 

AL: It inspires me that I am part of something that is growing so quickly. Making that growth happen motivates me so much. Caitlin and I have a great work dynamic; we’re friends and we respect each other’s opinions. We both want nothing but the very best for the company. I know we’re lucky to have such a great partnership. When you work for a brand that you love and believe in so strongly, it becomes your baby. I want everyone to know, love and appreciate it like we do.

SNTF: Any advice for people who want to follow a path similar to yours? 

AL: Network and work hard! Once I got my foot in the door, I dedicated myself until there was a position for me.

Image No.1 courtesy of photographer Eli Andres

Image No. 2 courtesy of photographer Olya Siniakov

Image No. 3 courtesy of photographer Mauricio Calero

By: Mijana Veljkovic, @mijanaveljkovic

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