Fashion People Corpcore
Dec 19, 2025
Sali Cristeson, Founder and CEO of Argent, has transformed the world of women's workwear since launching her brand in 2016. She talks about the challenges of entering fashion from finance, facing gender bias in fundraising, and finding a unique market for modern suiting. Sali highlights Argent's use of bold colors and versatile designs to meet customer needs. Amidst the shifts brought by COVID, she reveals how a viral campaign helped save the brand. Sali also critiques the outdated norms in fashion and emphasizes the importance of editorial storytelling to build brand loyalty.
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From Finance To Fashion Founder
- Sali Cristeson left finance and tech after spotting a persistent product gap in women's workwear and founded Argent in 2016.
- She built the brand to provide versatile, stylish suits and editorial tools that boost professional women's confidence.
Apparel's Underrated Long-Term Upside
- Apparel can deliver outsized, durable payoff despite slower investor timelines compared with tech.
- Female founders face fundraising bias, especially when solving women-specific apparel problems.
Let Designers Lead The Product
- Hire skilled creative partners if you don't design; let them define aesthetic and product fit.
- Focus on fit, quality, and evolving design to retain customers long-term.