As a fashion designer, you have a unique opportunity to make people look and feel their best. You get to be creative, artistic, and use your talents to make a difference in people’s lives. My name is Michaela and I dreamed of being a fashion designer since I was in elementary school. I’m excited to share that I am now the head fashion designer for a womenswear company based in New York City.
Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at a typical workday in my life as a fashion designer!
6:00am- Wake Up
I enjoy waking up early, as I like to take my time waking up and starting a new day. My days begin with a hot cup of coffee and watching the action on the NYC streets. I have a small sitting window where I watch the early morning traffic and the streets filled with the morning commuters. Often my dog will come cuddle with me before I get dressed to head to the studio. I come from a small town so seeing the buzz of the New York City streets is always exciting for me.
7:15am- Head out to studio
I always aim to be out the door by 7:15am so I can be at the work by 7:45am. I take the train to the studio and even though it’s just a few stops I like to leave myself the time to stop at the news stand or stop at my favorite bakery for a bite. I usually wear something easy to get on and off as I am always trying on clothes at the studio. Even though we have a fit model, I can sometimes change up to 10 times in one day.
7:45 am- Arrive at studio.
I immediately check my emails, check in with my team and go through any mail received. I often have packages sent from the factories that have either fabric swatches, color tests or samples that I will have to review and give my feedback.
Our studio is a big open space and not a lot of privacy. Everyone is in the know of who is working on what project. We have a big center table where we meet with meetings. The whole studio has lots of windows so we’re lucky that we have lots of natural light which is helpful for me and the design team.
9:00am- In the zone.
Our morning meetings are held at this time where the entire team can share with one another such as where we are within our designs, store feedback, factory information. After the morning meeting, I will head back to my area where I will continue designing until lunch time. I find by doing my design work in the morning, I am fresh and awake. I won’t do anything except design during this time. I pop my headphones on and everyone knows not to bother me while I’m in my design zone.
11:30am- A moment for lunch and some inspo.
I will usually go out to eat for lunch time. Although sometimes, the studio will order in food and I’ll just eat and work at the same time. Especially when we are up against a deadline. I’ve learned to always keep snacks in my top drawer for those days when I don’t have time to go out to eat. When I do go out, I will always try to take it all in and people watch or poke around in a store. Being in NYC, I find that I am surrounded by loads of great inspiration and that’s great food for thought for a creative person.
12:30pm- Model fittings.
We usually do model fittings in afternoons. That is when the fit models will come in and try on our working samples that our factory sends over to us. We can see how it fits and then take notes for our factory of how we like the fit. Sometimes, we will add an inch somewhere or take away an inch there so we can the clothing to fit just the way we designed it to fit.
2:00pm- Fabric/Trim sourcing.
I will sometimes go with the design team to meet with our fabric representatives and see new fabrics or learn about new trends for the season. As a designer it is important to stay in the know and on top of what is going to be big for the season. Being in NYC, I am really lucky that the large fabric tradeshows happen locally and I can source trims, fabric and meet new companies. Those shows are long days, but I always leave with tons of contacts and samples. It is inspiration overload!
4:00pm- Day begins winding down.
I’m usually checking my email box for the second time of the day. I try to keep the email checking to twice a day so I’m not getting distracted throughout the day. At this point of the day, I am starting to think about my evening and plan out my outfits in my head. Sometimes I will have an event where I am representing the brand and I know photos will be taken so I will be sure I’m wearing one of my designs.
4:30pm- Visit to sample sewers
Before I head home to start to get ready for the evening. I will usually stop off at our Cut and Sew unit which lucky for me is located in the same building. I will stop in and see how some of the designs are coming along before they are sent to the factory as reference for final production to begin making.
7:00pm- Social event
I usually have social events representing the brand as their designer a few nights a week. Sometimes, I’m going to a store event, magazine event or even another designer’s event.
The fashion industry is ever changing, but I love all the excitement that comes with being a fashion designer. The one moment that never gets old is seeing something I designed being worn by someone. It’s a great sense of joy and accomplishment. I hope that whatever your dream is that it fills you with pride and happiness. Good luck to you on your fashion journey!