WOMEN IN MENSWEAR: ERIN HAWKER

Meet Erin Hawker, founder of PR and marketing firm Agentry PR, a self-made menswear icon with a long list of accomplishments and wonderful advice.

How has being a woman affected your career path?

For sure, I’ve had to work harder to prove myself and to have a voice. But with hard work has also come respect and success. There are so many strong and fearless women in the industry today. Many of these women have helped pave the way for others and have always tried to advise and help. 

Have male or female mentors been more impactful in your journey?

Both genders have offered valuable lessons in confidence, laying out a roadmap of the industry, and climbing the ladder. I’ve always tried to seek out supportive and meaningful mentors. I’ve always trusted my instincts on judging a person’s character, which has proven successful throughout my career. I think it’s about people’s synergy rather than trying to get something out of someone just because they’re in a higher skilled position. 

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received from a mentor?

Work hard and you’ll be rewarded! And have patience: Rome wasn’t built overnight. You need to put yourself in many, many roles and gain experience before you’re an executive.

What advice would you give to women entering the menswear industry?

Times have changed and inclusivity and equality have come far in the past 20 years. The industry is much more open to pushing women forward than when I started. 

Do you prefer working for men or women?

I have no preference! If the person is a fantastic role model, competent and a great teacher, then it doesn’t matter!

Do you prefer hiring men or women?

Again, no preference! I defer to the most capable candidate! Hard working, savvy and capable humans are all welcome.

What would you do differently if you could start your career over?

Although I’m happy with my path, I do think getting a wide variety of experience is key. Whether that’s working for large and small corporations, emerging and established brands, it helps to take different roles within these companies. To reach the top, you need every ounce of experience to deal with day-to-day issues. This became especially apparent when COVID-19 hit: industry execs without the savvy to pivot and adapt to fluidity faded out.

Are you happy with your work/life balance? 

Is anyone ever happy with their work/life balance? For sure, most people I know have thoughtfully reconsidered life in general post-Covid. I do think the hybrid home/office model has given more employees more flexibility. 

What in your career are you most proud of?

I’m the proudest I started Agentry PR 12-years ago. It’s been a wonderful experience and I have the best team and fantastic clients to work with. Many of the brands we work with have been with us for many, many years and they are family. We are also totally proud of our efforts to push and support emerging menswear brands. We founded New York Men’s Day (NYMD) in 2014 and have supported almost 150 brands through these years with sponsorship dollars that pay 85% of costs for these designers to be able to show during NYFW. It’s giving back to the industry and a labor of love!

ERIN HAWKER’S PHOTO BY EZ DE LA ROSA