What’s On Her Desk: Janet Wong

Always a trendsetter, Janet Wong, curator and creative force behind Miami Beach’s Annual Cabana Resort & Swimwear Trade Show, has worked in the field of fashion nearly all her life. A prominent figure in the swimwear world, Janet has consulted with countless designers, collaborating on innovative fashions, and curating and merchandising their brands for retailers galore.

Whether for resort wear or swimwear, denim or fashion, Janet’s influence runs deep. This eventually led her to become the head buyer for Atrium Miami. The store is known for having an edgy cool vibe to it which is very much what Janet has created. It attracts the likes of Rihanna, Kim Kardashian and Eva Longoria to name a few.

Janet’s understanding of the swimwear market and her relationships with the designers inspired her as she imagined the idea of Cabana. Cabana Show has become the premier show of all beachwear shows to attend. Since launching Cabana Show, attendance at the annual, 3­-day phenomenon has grown from an impressive 800 retailers and press in its first year to an even­ more ­impressive 2000+ retailers and press attending the most recent show. It has attracted the top stores, including Selfridges, Net a Porter, Moda Operandi, Sauce of Dubai, Harvey Nichols, Bergdorf Goodman, Shop Bop, Everything But Water, to name a few. Press coverage extends to swimwear magazines, newspapers, and bloggers around the world, including Women’s Wear Daily, Vogue Brazil, A Bikini a Day and many more.

Janet set out to establish a trade show that was different from all others, one that would take place in the heart of sun and fun (Miami Beach), where retailers and designers of all sorts could do business in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere. That’s the Cabana Show. Extraordinary for its ability to launch many up­ and­ coming designers as well as to extend the reach of established ones, the show has become truly one of the premiere fashion trade shows, able to attract both designers and retailers to Miami Beach, with new designers and retailers coming on board each year.

Janet is a fashion guru who understands branding, able to identify marketplace trends and up ­and­ coming brands. Inspired by everything she sees, Janet loves to travel, always with an eye out for new trends and brands. She also loves surfing and paddle­-boarding—indeed, it was a joke among her friends that, until recently, she didn’t even know how to swim and yet she’s a beach fanatic who has always loved being everywhere and anywhere there’s water. Janet loves relaxation and good health. Yoga, boxing, and dance cardio are some of her favorite activities. Above all, though, Janet Wong thrives in a fast paced culture and enjoys the challenges in creating a niche in the marketplace.

Dr. Nasrine was able to sit down with successful entrepreneur Janet Wong as the two discussed the most important items on Janet’s desk and her favorite places in Dubai.

What does your average day look like?
I usually wake up relatively early and do some sort of a work out….bootcamp, dance cardio, boxing or yoga. I alternate between all of them. Then I am at my desk answering emails, working on marketing and strategizing for the different projects I am working on. I usually end the day having dinner with friends or clients.

What top five items comprise your desktop arsenal? Why?
Post it Notes- Love them!!! Different sizes and colors.
Snacks – ranging from healthy nuts to chocolate brownies. ( depends on mood and time of day)
Water Bottle
Notebooks – always jotting down thoughts or making notes from phone conversations.
Candle – whatever is my newest obsession of the moment…puts me in a different mood and energy

What is one desktop item you just cannot live without?
Post it notes!!!

What are some must have designer swimsuits for this year?
She Made me – love all the crochet
Mikoh and Zimmerman – 2 of my personal favorites
Norma Kamali – fun and sexy for all those pool parties.
Lisa Marie Fernandez – love how you can also wear the tops with denim or skirts!

Who is your greatest inspiration?
My father…someone who made things happen even though he had so much to overcome such as a language barrier.

What is your favorite spot in the Dubai?
So many places…perhaps Comptoir 102 an organic cafe and fun lifestyle store or Clinton Street bakery since I am such a foodie or Ripe Market which is their version of a Farmers Market.