In the realm of fashion, most enthusiasts can recall a lifelong dream of working in the industry. However, for Nordstrom’s associate fashion director, this aspiration wasn’t initially part of the plan. “I didn’t envision this for myself whatsoever,” she reveals. “Candidly, I thought I’d be an accountant with a shopping fashion hobby; an admirer of the industry versus in the fashion world myself.” Yet, as you engage with her, it becomes apparent that she has always been on the right path. In her current role, she oversees Nordstrom’s messaging through product and brand curation, encompassing everything from collaborating with emerging designers to guiding buying teams on trends and curating products for all touchpoints, both digital and physical. Prior to joining the luxury department store, she held strategy roles at Outdoor Voices, Rachel Comey, and J.Crew.
With a keen eye for discovery and a true love for fashion, she describes her personal aesthetic as prioritizing comfort. “I commute for work and meetings every day, so having those kinds of high-functioning outfits is certainly important, especially when it comes to shoes.” She gravitates towards flats but has recently been exploring low heels. The words “harmonious” and “twisted” also surface in her style vocabulary: “When I think about the items I put together, my hope is there’s some harmony where [the pieces] all kind of reinforce or talk to each other, even if it is a harmonious clash of print patterns.” The latter reflects her appreciation for classic silhouettes with unexpected elements, such as playfulness, whimsy, craftsmanship, or futurism. “I like the idea of putting together ensembles that feel familiar and timeless but then add a tiny bit of interest with that twist.”
Zhang’s approach to dressing is relatable. She often starts with a piece she’s excited to wear and then builds an outfit around it, choosing items that complement its mood or vibe. Her experience at Outdoor Voices has influenced her philosophy: “apparel should also be performance; you should always be able to move around in it,” she says.
In her role, which requires her to be both immersed in the zeitgeist and pushing its boundaries, Zhang’s taste has remained relatively consistent over the years. “As I’ve progressed in my career, I’ve certainly become more thoughtful about a style’s mileage, the materials used, and also the brands and designers I support.” She adds, “I’m in this obviously fortunate position where my office wear is my life wear. There’s no standard uniform, so when I shop for newness, I’m cognizant that the style can do double duty.”
As for her shopping habits, she describes herself as a “gut shopper.”” “I believe in love at first sight when you see an item. I’m not impulsive, but if there’s something that I like and that moves me then I usually pull the trigger pretty quickly—especially if there’s only a limited edition of it.”
