Amy Williams on Dropping Out of College, Sustainable Fashion, and Good Work

This week, Sali sits down with Amy Williams, the CEO of Citizens of Humanity. She launched her remarkable, multi-decade retail career after dropping out of college,  joining iconic denim brands, Gap and Lucky Brand, in the ‘90s and early ‘00s. Since taking the helm at Citizens of Humanity in 2011, Amy has transformed the denim giant—which includes the AGOLDE brand, as well— into a leader in sustainability, including introducing regenerative cotton in 2023.

Most recently, Amy’s helped power Argent’s newest partnership with Citizens of Humanity: Good Work, a sustainably produced modern workwear capsule that blends what each brand does best. We can’t wait to share more and get into Amy’s career, including:

• how her love of fashion inspired her work in retail.
• the pivotal moment she dropped out of college to pursue her career.
• working at the Gap in the ‘90s, and what eventually made her leave.
• making significant strides in sustainability as a fashion brand, and what others can learn from it.
• and, how the Good Work capsule came to life, starting with a phone call about a year ago. 

*The Argent x Citizens of Humanity Good Work capsule is now available! The modern workwear collection is designed with a shared mission to create a better future–one that’s responsibly sourced and empowers women to look and feel their best. Explore sharp linen suiting, sleek denim silhouettes, and incredible basics for styling it all together at argentwork.com, citizensofhumanity.com, and neimanmarcus.com.*

Work Friends Credits

Hosted by Sali Christeson @salichristeson

Produced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbit

Edited by Ryan

Theme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyema

Recorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio

Work Friends is produced by ARGENT (www.argentwork.com), a women’s clothing label on a mission to redefine workwear and drive forward women’s progress.

For more, follow ARGENT on Instagram, @ARGENT, and subscribe to the ARGENT YouTube channel, @ARGENTWork, for clips and bonus content.

To be featured on a future episode, email your work questions and dilemmas to [e-mail] for a chance to have one of our amazing guests weigh in with advice.