Monique Levy, the newly appointed chief executive officer of Saint Louis Fashion Fund, says her priorities this year will include establishing a stable foundation for growth and making a successful move into the organization’s new office space in Grand Center. Levy, who was named to the CEO position in May, has a background in operations and financial management. Most recently, she was director of development and operations for Gateway to Hope, a local non-profit organization.
Since June, the Jacksonville, Florida-native has been meeting with donors, civic partners, retailers, and board members to gain institutional knowledge of the Fund prior to her arrival, she says. The self-described “operations nerd” is banking on a track record of making “policy, procedure, and processes” the forefront of her work as she seeks to help double fashion’s contribution to the local economy from $3.3 billion to $6 billion annually.
Get a weekly dose of home and style inspiration
Subscribe to the St. Louis Design+Home newsletter to explore the latest stories from the local interior design, fashion, and retail scene.
“We have to be very specific about the work we do and the companies that we target,” says Levy. “For instance, Evolution STL. That partnership has been invaluable in helping us all understand the kind of businesses and creatives we need to attract.”
Levy has long been a fan of fashion but this will be her first industry job. “When the opportunity for the Fashion Fund popped up, it was hard not to apply,” she says. A love of fashion runs in her family. Levy’s father, who emigrated from Trinidad to the U.S. in the 1970s, showed her how clothes could be a means to assimilating and understanding a new culture. Two of Levy’s aunts worked in fashion, one as a buyer and the other as a runway model. “I have loved fashion my entire life,” she says. “It was instilled in me at a really early age.”
Four years ago, Levy moved to St. Louis from Baltimore with her husband Jonathan Levy and their daughter, Rebecca. Levy spoke to us earlier this week about setting goals, the challenges ahead, and the Fund’s collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Connects program.
What are you most looking forward to in your new position?
I’m a big proponent of change. I really like what happens when you’re able to change something. You get the opportunity to learn, grow, people can see you in a new light. And that’s probably the biggest thing I’m looking forward to is showing how change can be impactful and monumental for an organization, for our city. I believe that St. Louis has a lot of potential to attract new businesses, especially in the retail and design and manufacturing industry.
What are your goals for the first year?
Well, to be frank, it’s getting our foundation set. I’m a big proponent of operations and establishing us as a professional organization that’s focused on the business of fashion. We need everyone we’re attracting, and the businesses we’ve approached, to come to us as their thought leader, as their expert in this industry. So, in order to do that, having a set foundation is the most important thing. And, then, at the same time it’s also making sure that we are setting goals and meeting them.
How does the Fashion Fund play a role in the growth of St. Louis?
The Fashion Fund’s role is to continue to be a major supporter in the growth and development of St. Louis, as well as [to] work and regain St. Louis’ reputation as a fashion capital. We’re committed to bringing new jobs and businesses to the region and we’ve had some success, as you know. So, using Evolution STL as one of our guiding stars when we’re talking about the potential that can be here, and working with the community and other civic leaders to attract additional creatives to the city.
Are companies interested in leaving the coasts and setting up shop in the middle of the country?
It’s a matter or understanding where companies are in their growth and working with our partners like Greater St. Louis. Relocations, as we know, don’t happen overnight. If you can pay attention to where companies are growing, that’s where you will want to reach out. So even thinking about a second headquarters or two locations. What we want to do in St. Louis is offer an affordable lifestyle where you can pay your employees as well as send your kids to school and also contribute to our economy.
Why is fashion important in today’s world?
Fashion plays a role in our everyday lives. Every day, without realizing it, we make a decision about what we wear; economically, fashion is just big business. Currently, the fashion industry contributes $3.3 billion to St. Louis, and global retail sales, pre-Covid, amounted to about $2 trillion. This industry creates jobs, it creates livelihoods, spurs entrepreneurs. It encompasses more than clothing.
How do people in New York City, in particular, react when they hear that St. Louis is trying to develop into a fashion city?
There is actually support. Fashion Fund is part of the CFDA Connects program, and I believe we’re one of 10 cohorts nationally. People are impressed by what we want to do. Right now, we are sharing resources. We are in connection with other non-profits that are in the fashion realm or the fashion industry. We’re able to have roundtable discussions and really understand what each person is facing and also understand what’s happening in their communities and what they’re looking for and how do we best serve each other.
