A&F and Toothache 2010

So I've had my training at Abercrombie and Fitch and 'worked' a couple of shifts, though I do use that term loosely. Don't get me wrong, as a 'Stylist' my job is quite important; I am in charge of the visuals (this includes lights, mannequins, and best of all...the models). Since A&F does not have advertising via the media, store presentation and customer experience is crucial! I've already described the ambiance (of a dark, loud, club nature) - but before starting work, I must admit, I never would have guessed the 'behind the scenes' work that goes into maintaining that atmosphere. Everything must be perfect at all times. Little did I know that every line, every detail, every wrinkle of the mannequins were just according to plan; and these very details are maintained by none other than a visual stylist like myself. I never knew rolling sleeves could be so challenging...over and over again, I roll sleeves for practice, to ensure that they have just the right wrinkles, in all the right places. I haven't mastered it yet, but it's a work in progress. Silly you say? my friends, this is the art of presentation, and presentation is a key aspect of the overarching power driving consumerism. You buy the things that look good, and they look good because of someone (like me) who makes sure they good. All in all, I wouldn't describe this as overly strenuous work, but developing an eye for the most subtle imperfections (such as a wrinkle/crease out of place, or a collar that is not popped enough) does take practice!

This massive store has 11 floors, and I monitor 5 or 6 on a given shift. The primping and adjusting of mannequins/displays/lighting happens every hour. AND, the 'spritzing'. Upon entrance to the store, the customer can't help but notice a pungent, yet tasty scent - what is this smell? - that of course, is A&Fs feature men's cologne! 'Fierce'. Now that's marketing. It's strong, with citrus undertones, clean, and sexy. The men want it, and the ladies want the men to want it. So if you're ever wondering why the entire store smells so strongly of mens cologne...(not to give away a store secret or anything), but it is people like me...the 'cologne fairies' that work diligently at spritzing the air on an hourly basis to greet your nostrils with the fine scent of 'Fierce' ! (Rawr!). go get it! -- the downfall? wellllllll....I leave every shift smelling 'Fierce' - which just so happens to be the same thing as...smelling like a man. For those who have yet to experience the pleasure of shopping at A&F, it may even seem as though I consciously applied a (strong) dose of mens cologne that morning; and in close quarters on the train ride home, or walking down a busy street in Tokyo - there is no hiding it. Seeming particularly odd...yep, all in a days work. (Then again, I am a foreigner - "crazy 'gaigin'").

As for the lighting...there isn't much, so the (few) existing lights matter a lot. A&F wasn't cutting out lights for environmental concern, nor for budget reasons - there is a clear, and well thought out strategy in place here. These aren't just any lights, these are spotlights, in fact - the only lights in the store are spotlights. They need to highlight all the right places in a uniform and symmetrical fashion. Lighting is essential to overall aesthetics and mood; they do the work of catching the customers eye, and drawing it to the appropriate areas. Any light out of place distrupts the symmetry, thus negatively effecting store aesthetic (which as we know, is particularly important for a store, such as A&F that is entirely dependent on the customer's experience). That, in a nutshell, is why the 'stylists' need to ensure that the lighting is aligned according to plan at all times.

Another thing I should mention...are...the stairs. 11 floors, one elevator - unfortunately, not for staff use. And, well, if you've read my previous blog, you should know what stair climbing does to me...it's like re-visiting Enoshima Island every shift. hahaha - the good news is, it's a solid workout. It is also the case that I work with a large team of models, which provides me with good incentive. The tricky part is looking like I can handle the physical strain of running up and down the stairs regularly to do my job. So while touching up mannequins, adjusting lights, and rolling the sleeves of the models may not require an overexertion of energy - I leave work pretty exhausted from hiking up and down the stairs. Overall, I am a few shifts in, and enjoying all that the experience has to offer (in particular, the hot & shirtless male models). Without going into detail, I can assure you that this has been a radically different experience from my previous work in retail (which was for American Apparel) - so different, that there really is no comparison to be made.

In other, and more unfortunate, news - I have been suffering some intolerable wisdom tooth pain. I don't want to make this the bulk of my blog, which is intended to document Japan experiences...however, I have a severe toothache...and I'm in Japan, so I thought it should be included. Furthermore, the pain is to such an extent, that I have been considering a 'Japanese tooth extraction' - or at the very least, paying a visit to a Japanese dentist. I used to think a 'regular' dentist appointment could be anxiety provoking, I now realize that there are worse scenarios (i.e. sitting in the chair of a dentist that doesn't speak English). Try that one you adrenaline junkies! haha. I am not sure what will come of this bothersome wisdom tooth, but I have been waiting it out for about five days now, and the pain has not even begun to subside so something has to be done. I'm in extreme pain, and I'm slightly terrified, but I won't let anything interfere with my travels (not even a tooth!). On the brightside, the worst case scenario leaves me with a pretty good story to tell ("That one time, I got my tooth yanked in Japan -- ohhhh boy, you don't want to know....well...do you have a minute?") hahaha

Apart from all of that...I teach an English lesson this weekend, and my school work has been accumulating rapidly; this is in part due to my leisurely pace (some might call it procrastination). It's hard to believe that I will be done school in roughly six weeks (actually, it's hard to believe I've even been in school for the latter half of my summer). In case anyone is wondering, I am still loving Japan! The future holds another trip to Kyoto to party with some friends. My first impression of Kyoto (see Kyoto blog) is based on historical monuments, namely the temples and shrines - I didn't even know you could party in Kyoto! needless to say, I am looking forward to seeing Kyoto in a different light (also making a side trip to Osaka - haven't been there yet!). Sugoi!

All right folks, that's what's up! -- In Tokyo, living the dream: working, studying, managing a toothache, and loving every minute!

As always,
Missing & Loving all you special people xoxo