Be Sustainable By Being Fashionable, With Danae Varangis CEO of DV Closet
“People are still shopping, but they’re shopping smarter. The social climate shifts and that’s always reflected in the economy and trickles down to affecting how people shop. I believe in sustainability. We enable the average person to reassess their wardrobe with the guidance of a professional stylist. These are experts of style, trends and most importantly, getting people in touch with their own unique aesthetic. People are also making great use of resale and consignment shopping now that e-commerce has revolutionized that sector. People want more time for doing things they enjoy and less time thinking about what to wear to xyz so they look polished and that’s where our team comes in. Our stylists can help anyone revamp their wardrobe, choose the right outfit for a particular event or help clients shop for smarter choices with longevity. Maximizing your wardrobe means less spending and less waste, which is why DV Closet is ideal for the modern, busy person that wants to look and feel great.”
I had the pleasure of interviewing Danae Varangis. Danae is the Founder and CEO of DV Closet, a multipurpose virtual styling app that connects stylists to new clients around the globe.
Thank you so much for joining us! What is your “backstory”?
I was born and raised in Athens, Greece. When I turned 18, I moved to London in order to study media and cultural studies at London College of Communication, University of the Arts London. Whilst studying I worked in several companies such as London Ethnic and Synergy events, by organizing London Fashion Week shows for emerging designers. After the completion of my studies I completed my work experience at Conde Nast International and that is when my I had my light bulb moment and thought of DV Closet.
Can you describe how your firm is making a significant social impact?
People are still shopping, but they’re shopping smarter. The social climate shifts and that’s always reflected in the economy and trickles down to affecting how people shop. I believe in sustainability and DV Closet is a tool that enables the average person to reassess their wardrobe with the guidance of a professional stylist. These are experts of style, trends and most importantly, getting people in touch with their own unique aesthetic. People are also making great use of resale and consignment shopping now that e-commerce has revolutionized that sector. People want more time for doing things they enjoy and less time thinking about what to wear to xyz so they look polished and that’s where our team comes in. DV Closet stylists can help anyone revamp their wardrobe, choose the right outfit for a particular event or help clients shop for smarter choices with longevity. Maximizing your wardrobe means less spending and less waste, which is why DV Closet is ideal for the modern, busy person that wants to look and feel great.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
From society? That’s easy. Shop less. That may sound wild coming from me, the founder of an app for fashionistas and style lovers, but it’s true. Remember the Saint Laurent quote, “Fashion fades, style is eternal?” That isn’t just a cute Instagram caption. It pertains to longevity, durability and an aesthetic that transcends trends, age or location. Think before the fast fashion purchases, donate or sell items you no longer use and when you’re in a style rut, enlist a professional from DV Closet that can breathe new life into items that fit well and fit your lifestyle.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
To be honest, I am a strong believer that no one starting his own project can be fully prepared for what lies ahead. There’s a learning curve anytime you start a new business and if someone told you how it’d all go, well, you probably wouldn’t do it! We act and learn from our mistakes. We pivot, the people on our team wear many hats and we have to go with the flow with our end product in mind. As your project grows you grow with it. So to be honest, I am very happy with the way things panned out.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“Do what you love and the rest will come.” Sounds a bit cheesy, but for me it’s been true. When starting my business I followed my heart and did not care if people did not believe in what I was pursuing. That stopped me from chasing my dream and ambitions.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this. 🙂
It would have to be Guy Kawasaki. His words and book helped me tremendously in moving along with project even when I felt I was hitting walls. His philosophy allowed me to turn my passion into my profession and for me that is the meaning of happiness in the workplace
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Instagram: dv.closet
Facebook: DV Closet
Twitter: dvcloset
Website: www.dvcloset.com
If you would like to see the entire “5 Things I Wish Someone Told Me” Series In Huffpost, ThriveGlobal, and Buzzfeed, click HERE.