Alumni Spotlight: Enrique Crame III BA'02 (Art History)

Enrique Crame III BA'02, majoring in Art History, along with his husband are the Proprietors of Fine And Dandy, a boutique menswear shop in Manhattan which specializes in dandy-inspired men’s accessories. In addition to their boutique, they run a web store and wholesale to small stores internationally.

What is your favourite University of Calgary memory?

I grew up in a large family in Calgary so the independence of starting university was exhilarating. I look back fondly at my late nights researching at the library and working in the studio in the art building.

What was your favourite campus hang out spot?

The Jack Simpson Gymnasium. It was when I started university that I started working out and caring about my health. And we had quite a world-class facility. The habits I started back then stay with me today.

If you could give one piece of advice to an undergraduate completing the same degree as you, what would it be?

Take advantage of all the resources provided to you. When I was there I took it a bit for granted, but the opportunities available to University of Calgary students are nearly endless.

How has your career evolved?

My degree was in art history but by the time I graduated, the program was so intense that I needed a break from art. I took a job doing telemarketing for Telus. Great money and benefits, but it wasn’t what I wanted to be doing. Then a friend contacted me because she was going to be a manager for a fashion brand just breaking into the market in Calgary. The brand was Zara and she offered me a job. I was quickly promoted and then transferred to Toronto for three years. I was then transferred to New York and eventually was asked to join Zara’s sister brand, Massimo Dutti, which was about to begin opening stores in the US in 2012. Back in 2008, my husband and I began our accessories line, Fine And Dandy as a side project. We initially just sold online but it immediately took off. In 2012 we opened our Manhattan shop and in 2014 I left Massimo Dutti to dedicate my time to Fine And Dandy.

What is the best thing about your job?

Nothing beats owning your own business. I know that every ounce of energy I put into our business I get back. I have many nights where I’m at the shop until the wee hours. And that’s okay because I’m the direct beneficiary of my blood, sweat, and tears. Definitely takes me back to those all nighters spent on campus before an exam or a project deadline.

How did your arts degree help you get to where you are now/your current career?

My job is very creative: designing each collection, trend forecasting, dressing clients, and merchandising the shop. I often realize that I’m referencing my art history education without even thinking about it.

Do you have any other thoughts or memories you would like to share?

In recent years we’ve become members of several museums and I love the full circle of ending up in one of the art centers of the world and rediscovering my love of art.