How Chiara Went from Studying Law to working at The Blonde Salad and Becoming Project Manager at Condè Nast

In many articles and interviews here on Glam Observer, we have said many times that studying fashion is not a necessary requirement to work in the fashion industry and have a successful career, especially if you don’t want to choose a job related to design. This is also confirmed by Chiara Magnaghi, who after her law degree, she understood that fashion was the creative industry she wanted to get into. Despite the difficulties that almost forced her to choose a job related with her studies, she fought for her passion and entered the fashion industry working as Project Manager for The Blonde Salad and then covering the role of Project & Talent Manager for the Condè Nast Social Talent Agency division the reality of Condé Nast dedicated to the talent & influencer management born on October 2018 under the strategic direction of Riccardo Pozzoli, serial entrepreneur and author.

In today’s interview, she tells us about her career path, how she tackled her difficulties, what her role is about and what’s like working in fashion in Milan.

Enjoy it!

1.Hi Chiara! Could you please introduce yourself to the Glam Observer community?

Hi Giada and hello to the Glam Observer community. My name is Chiara Magnaghi, I am 33 and I’ve lived in Milan for 10 years. I’m the Project & Talent Manager at Condè Nast Italy for the Condè Nast Social Talent Agency division, the new agency dedicated to the management of the digital talents*

2.You studied Law and then did a Masters in Communication and Digital Strategy. Did you find difficult getting a job in fashion, despite not having attended studies related to this industry?

My career path is singular. I chose law because I loved the subject a lot and I was fascinated by the legal environment. After completing my studies, I had a short experience in the field, and I immediately realized that although the studies were fascinating, the profession did not allow me to express myself fully. I have always had a tendency for project management and an interest in communication. I felt that this would be the best career choice for me according to my skills. I’ve known Riccardo Pozzoli since high school and at that time he was starting The Blonde Salad. I joined the team and from there I began my journey in communication managing the projects related to the blog and the first collaborations with the brands.

After a few years in The Blonde Salad I decided that I also wanted to know more about marketing and communication, hence the master’s degree that led me to an experience in a well-known advertising agency in Milan. During that time I had the opportunity to learn the communication in its fullest and it opened my mind to creativity (for those who undertake certain studies, such as law, mental and idea flexibility is more difficult to conquer). At the end of this experience, I returned to TBS in 2017 and then followed Riccardo in his new adventure with Condè Nast.

3. How fashion companies considered your law degree?

I admit it was difficult. I knew I could do so much and I was full of enthusiasm and a desire to get involved, but the academic path was influential (and at that time my CV was poor of fashion experiences). I was about giving up several times to embark on the easiest route (the one most consistent with my studies), but I didn’t in the end because I knew that this would be the right way, that it would make me happy. I was 100% determined to get in fashion.

4. Now you are Project Manager at Condè Nast, what were the necessary steps to get into this role?

There is no one specific path to get a job as a Project Manager. In my case, my experience in advertising has greatly facilitated me because I had the opportunity to compare myself with customers of the most disparate merchandise categories and communication campaigns which involved different media. I believe that the role of the project manager is 40% experience, 40% personal skills (a natural propensity to problem-solving for the development forecast of any project) and 20% your education. Being always up to date about this industry is fundamental. In order to working in the world of media and influencer marketing is essential to know the trends of the industry and above all studying its evolution, because so you can offer a valuable service to customers and collaborators.

5. Can you describe the main activities of your job and what are the skills needed to get a role like yours?

The main activities of my work are: defining a project strategy (based on the goals of the brand) establishing the steps of creative (and operational) development, monitoring, result reporting.
The definition of a good plan B is also vital 😉
Since these are mainly projects that involve ambassadors and the Condè Nast magazines, establishing a strategy for scouting and recruiting the right profile is essential. Consistency with the project and brand goals is necessary, but also alignment with the positioning and image of the reference media (magazine).

6. What do you like the most about your job?

The strategic and creative approach to each project. Nothing is left to chance but everything is built so that the user (think of an event) does not notice the gears of the machine behind it, but can only fully enjoy the experience.

7.What is the first thing you do every morning when you arrive at the office?

I drink my coffee and write my to-do list (strictly in this order 🙂 )

8. How would you describe working in fashion in one of the capitals of the industry such as Milan?

I believe that Milan is one of the most stimulating cities in Europe (especially for the last three/four years). It is one of the fashion industry pillars, but I love how in the last few years, fashion and Milan have become “welcoming” with the viewer. Probably because fashion has become “omnichannel” (today we can enjoy a fashion show from the social channels or influencers) and because the communication moments of the industry, have become experiential occasions made of events, social experience , culture etc.

9. What are your favorite fashion-related places in Milan?

5 vie and Corso Como 10