UP CLOSE WITH: Receptionist Sigrid Van Driessche

In honor of our 50th anniversary, we’re celebrating the people behind Fashion Club 70. Up Close With those who have been part of the company for many years. A series of 12 people, the whole year round, that define the half-century of FC70.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE FASHION CLUB 70 IN ONE WORD?

I’d actually choose a sentence: “Come in and feel welcome.” For me, the first impression is incredibly important, both on the phone and at the reception desk. I like that customers and visitors are greeted by a familiar face when they walk in. Whether it’s the postman, a delivery driver bringing in a collection who only speaks Italian, or important manufacturers visiting the showroom. I try to welcome everyone with the same kindness.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE WITHIN THE COMPANY AND WHERE DOES YOUR EXPERTISE LIE?

I’ve been working as a receptionist at FC70 for 15 years now, and I’m the first point of contact for our clients: I welcome visitors, answer calls, handle emails, and make sure everyone is helped in a friendly and efficient way. I also support our commercial assistants with call lists, orders, and all kinds of administrative tasks, together with my lovely colleague Louise. And then I also run my own little travel agency, better known among colleagues as Ziggy Travel (laughs). A part of my job that I truly enjoy is organising business trips for colleagues. I make sure everyone travels comfortably and within budget. It’s very rewarding when everything goes smoothly and colleagues can leave without stress.

WHAT DO YOU CONSIDER THE MOST SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE FASHION INDUSTRY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, AND HOW HAS FC70 RESPONDED TO IT?

As my colleagues have already mentioned, the fashion seasons have completely shifted and are blending more and more into each other. You can feel that at reception too: it’s always pleasantly busy.

WHAT IS YOUR BEST MEMORY AT FC70?

The adventurous teambuildings have always stayed with me: speeding through the landscape on Vespas, driving golf carts through Knokke for a delicious tasting, or going indoor skiing together. Days full of fun, where you also get to know each other just a little better.

A slightly less glorious memory was that time at Air Zone, when I got a bit too competitive during a game and ended up in the emergency room with the paramedics — my knee was completely dislocated and my ligaments were torn. Luckily, everything turned out fine… and I walked away with a pretty badass story to tell.