I've Worked in Fashion for 29 Years—These Are the Basics I Think Will Always Be Stylish

We uncover style inspiration from many sources—runway collections, social media, the streets, and, yes, industry insiders. Enter the co-founder of Parker Thatch, Irene Chen. She’s worked in the industry for 29 years, starting in the ’90s at Calvin Klein and Donna Karan, and has a keen eye for what matters in fashion.

“Working at Calvin Klein or Donna Karan in the ’90s was a wild ride. The energy was high, and it felt like the sky was the limit. It was the era of supermodels, and market weeks were absolute insanity. Travel was constant, the hours were brutal, and the pressure could be overwhelming. But honestly? I wouldn’t change a thing. I learned every aspect of the business and gained priceless experience in product development,” Chen told us. This time was formative, and the experiences shaped her approach to co-founding her accessory label Parker Thatch. For example, she learned how to turn her vision into a reality. “At Parker Thatch, we’re committed to turning our vision for living life with ease and elegance into a reality—just as I saw done countless times during those years in fashion,” she mentioned. “In essence, those years taught me the importance of resilience, creativity, and a clear brand vision. These principles continue to guide me as we build Parker Thatch.”