The Power of Curiosity: Unlocking Success in the Fashion Industry
In a world where perfection is often glorified, Hamish Tame, CCO of Le Specs, reveals a surprising secret to career success.
"The quickest path to career stagnation is allowing ego to dictate your choices." A bold statement, but one that piques curiosity. How does one navigate the competitive fashion industry without falling into the trap of ego-driven decisions?
You've likely scrolled through LinkedIn, marveling at someone's extraordinary job title and wondering how they achieved such success. It's easy to believe that these dream jobs are unattainable, but the truth is, those individuals were once in your shoes, dreaming of a seemingly impossible career.
But beneath the glamorous titles and events lies a mountain of hard work and valuable lessons. How did they turn daydreams into reality and rise to the top of their industry?
Welcome to 'How I Got Here,' where we dive into the journeys of industry leaders. Today, we chat with Hamish Tame, the Chief Commercial and Creative Officer at Sunshades Eyewear and Le Specs, whose sunglasses have graced the faces of celebrities like Dakota Johnson, Beyoncé, and Kourtney Kardashian.
Hamish's success story began 22 years ago as a marketing intern at Sunshades. Now, he oversees everything from design to marketing, sales, and eCommerce for both brands. But his definition of success isn't a single moment; it's the continuous process of staying curious.
"In the ever-changing world of eyewear, trends, materials, technology, and culture are in constant flux. Curiosity allows you to identify ideas before they become mainstream." Among his pearls of wisdom is the advice to be brutally honest about your knowledge gaps and to focus on growth, not glory.
Fashion Journal: Hi Hamish! Tell us about your role and responsibilities.
Hamish: I'm the Chief Commercial and Creative Officer, responsible for creative direction, design, marketing, eCommerce, and sales. If it influences our brands' image, it's on my desk.
FJ: How did you begin your career journey?
Hamish: I started at Sunshades as a marketing intern, and I've been here ever since. It's not a typical ladder-climbing story; it's about growing with a rapidly evolving business.
Initially, I immersed myself in marketing and brand building. Then, an unexpected opportunity arose to support the design team, which changed everything. I discovered my passion for eyewear design, creating concepts, and working with factories to craft products people love.
FJ: Describe a typical day in your current role.
Hamish: My days are a blend of past, present, and future. We review past seasons, brainstorm new concepts, experiment with materials, and bring ideas to life through production and campaigns. It's a complex process, as we often manage multiple seasons simultaneously.
FJ: What stands out as a significant career highlight?
Hamish: There have been many surreal moments, from commercial successes to celebrity sightings. But the true highlight is the people. Working with a talented, passionate team and achieving success together is incredibly rewarding. It's rare to feel proud of both the work and the team behind it.
FJ: What challenges have you encountered along the way?
Hamish: Trusting my instincts was a major challenge, especially when the business was evolving rapidly. A pivotal moment was our 2015 collaboration with Adam Selman. Retailers were skeptical of the bold, narrow frames, but I trusted my gut, and it paid off. The collection became a defining fashion statement of the 2010s.
This taught me that trends can be subtle in their early stages, and your own voice is crucial, even if it's quiet. As Henry Ford said, 'If I had asked people what they wanted, they would have said faster horses.'
FJ: What's the most enjoyable aspect of your role?
Hamish: I love transforming obscure ideas into wearable fashion. There's a thrill in seeing someone choose to wear a concept I helped bring to life. It's a feeling that never gets old.
FJ: What might people find surprising about your role?
Hamish: Design is often perceived as a solitary pursuit, but my role is deeply collaborative. It takes a diverse team—designers, marketers, salespeople, planners, and logisticians—working together to bring ideas to life. The magic lies in this collaboration, with different minds shaping the final product.
FJ: What skills have been essential in your fashion and marketing journey?
Hamish: Kindness and curiosity. Kindness fosters trust, vital in creative industries, and curiosity keeps you ahead of the curve. Staying curious in the ever-changing fashion world ensures you're always one step ahead.
FJ: What advice would you offer to aspiring professionals in your field?
Hamish: Focus on growth, not glory. Ego-driven decisions hinder career growth. Stay humble, curious, and surround yourself with people who excel in areas you want to improve. View your career as a ripple, not a ladder. Progress can come from unexpected directions, and sometimes, moving sideways or taking a step back can lead to meaningful growth.
The fashion industry is fast-paced, and those who thrive embrace evolution. Treat every experience as an opportunity to learn and grow.
FJ: Any practical tips for our readers?
Hamish: Perfection is the enemy of progress. Don't get trapped in endless refinement. Launch, learn, and iterate. Ask questions, take notes, and be honest about your knowledge gaps. A sense of humor and a good support system are invaluable when things don't go as planned. Remember, progress always trumps perfection.
Stay connected with Hamish on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/hamishtame/?hl=en) and follow his journey.
But here's a controversial thought: Is ego always the enemy of success? Can a healthy dose of self-belief be a driving force for some? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
