Bronstein Sings for Students
Kathy Bronstein did it her way. The former chief executive officer of Foothill Ranch, Calif.–based teen retailer The Wet Seal gave a rousing, funny and unexpectedly musical speech as the guest speaker at the Textile Association of Los Angeles’ 47th annual scholarship luncheon on Nov. 20 in the California Market Center’s fashion theater.
The crowd included TALA members, including recruiting firm Scott Thaler’s Brian Thaler, who helped secure Bronstein as speaker, industry executives such as designer Irene Kasmer, who Bronstein recognized as “a legend in this industry,” and students from American Intercontinental University, Brooks College, Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, Los Angeles Trade-Technical College, Otis College of Art and Design, West Valley Occupational College and Woodbury University.
Bronstein joined The Wet Seal in 1985 and saw the retailer through a major growth and acquisition period. During her tenure, the retailer bought out its biggest competitor, Contempo Casuals, launched young contemporary retail concept Arden B. and bought tween retailer Zutopia. The company fired Bronstein earlier this year after several seasons of slumping sales, which have continued to decline in her wake.
In her speech, Bronstein described her career start as an assistant buyer at Jordan Marsh and Fashion Conspiracy and her rapid rise at The Wet Seal in the 1990s. She concluded with an enthusiastic rendition of the classic standard “My Way.” —Alison A. Nieder
