1. How long have you been in this profession?
2. Did you ever second guess yourself and did you ever reconsider wanting to follow through with this profession, if so, why?
3. What were some of the greatest obstacles you've had to overcome in your career?
4. How did you get your job?
5. What is a major misconception about your job and what you do?
6. How long did it take you to get where you are now?
7. Was there a specific event in your life that helped you realize you wanted to work in the fashion industry?
8. Any word of advice for someone who hopes to work in the fashion industry one day?
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Blog 4: Working EQ
The Pentagon:
1. Positive Statement:
This project has already opened up doors for me and given me ideas as to what I hope to pursue. When I chose fashion early on in the summer, I wasn't sure anyone was going to take my topic seriously, but I'm already well on my way to proving them wrong. I've found a lot of research, learned a lot about business, math, and even design concepts. I was given the opportunity to learn that the fashion industry is definitely something people should take seriously. It isn't just pretty clothes and fabulous models. I've met some important people that have worked hard to be where they are right now. Also, I've yet to come across any major complications regarding my project. Although, I'm sure if I come across any, I'll have my mentor or other experts in the field of fashion, that will be more than willing to help.
2. EQ Content:
My first interview was a complete success. Anyone can go on a computer and look up information about a specific topic/field and say they know it like the back of their hand, but it's another thing to actually speak to someone who has experience and works in that area because you're getting a better understanding. Mary Vilchis is very honest and most people who work in the field of fashion are known for being brutally honest. She explained to me that fashion is never boring and ever changing. It's challenging in all areas from design to shipping a finished quality garment in a timely manner. Mary also told me who I could talk to for a better understanding of fashion, too. It depends on what area of the fashion world I'm trying to find out about. For instance if I'd like to learn about design (ie: draping and sketching) I'd speak to a designer, for production and its process I would speak to a production manager. I think the best piece of information she's given me thus far, though, is that in order to be successful in the field of fashion, you always have to be ambitious and have drive. You need to believe that your drive will help you to climb the corporate ladder.
3. What has worked for me so far:
A lot of things have worked well for me so far, but one of the most important things is how I can easily get in touch with my mentor. She's just a phone call away and/or a twenty minute drive away. It's convenient for me. I was afraid that because she's so important and plays such a huge role at her job that she'd always be extremely busy and not so willing to help me, but she's been such a wonderful resource. I can already sense that I'm going to grow closer to her as the year goes on. She's tried to get me involved in so many things at her work and that was also something that I wasn't certain about. Simply because I understand that most big shot fashion offices like that wouldn't want some teenager running around and doing important things. However, they've all been great and I look forward to working with them to make me project a success.
4. What hasn't worked so far:
I've limited options to days that I could go in and work simply because school interferes with the hours they want me to work. Also, fashion is such a broad topic. Hence, there are so many different directions that I could go with this. I still have yet to decide whether I want my topic to just remain "fashion" and be very general about it or whether I want to be more specific and focus on an area, such as fashion design.
5. Finding Value:
A.
B.
1. Positive Statement:
This project has already opened up doors for me and given me ideas as to what I hope to pursue. When I chose fashion early on in the summer, I wasn't sure anyone was going to take my topic seriously, but I'm already well on my way to proving them wrong. I've found a lot of research, learned a lot about business, math, and even design concepts. I was given the opportunity to learn that the fashion industry is definitely something people should take seriously. It isn't just pretty clothes and fabulous models. I've met some important people that have worked hard to be where they are right now. Also, I've yet to come across any major complications regarding my project. Although, I'm sure if I come across any, I'll have my mentor or other experts in the field of fashion, that will be more than willing to help.
2. EQ Content:
My first interview was a complete success. Anyone can go on a computer and look up information about a specific topic/field and say they know it like the back of their hand, but it's another thing to actually speak to someone who has experience and works in that area because you're getting a better understanding. Mary Vilchis is very honest and most people who work in the field of fashion are known for being brutally honest. She explained to me that fashion is never boring and ever changing. It's challenging in all areas from design to shipping a finished quality garment in a timely manner. Mary also told me who I could talk to for a better understanding of fashion, too. It depends on what area of the fashion world I'm trying to find out about. For instance if I'd like to learn about design (ie: draping and sketching) I'd speak to a designer, for production and its process I would speak to a production manager. I think the best piece of information she's given me thus far, though, is that in order to be successful in the field of fashion, you always have to be ambitious and have drive. You need to believe that your drive will help you to climb the corporate ladder.
3. What has worked for me so far:
A lot of things have worked well for me so far, but one of the most important things is how I can easily get in touch with my mentor. She's just a phone call away and/or a twenty minute drive away. It's convenient for me. I was afraid that because she's so important and plays such a huge role at her job that she'd always be extremely busy and not so willing to help me, but she's been such a wonderful resource. I can already sense that I'm going to grow closer to her as the year goes on. She's tried to get me involved in so many things at her work and that was also something that I wasn't certain about. Simply because I understand that most big shot fashion offices like that wouldn't want some teenager running around and doing important things. However, they've all been great and I look forward to working with them to make me project a success.
4. What hasn't worked so far:
I've limited options to days that I could go in and work simply because school interferes with the hours they want me to work. Also, fashion is such a broad topic. Hence, there are so many different directions that I could go with this. I still have yet to decide whether I want my topic to just remain "fashion" and be very general about it or whether I want to be more specific and focus on an area, such as fashion design.
5. Finding Value:
A.
- What makes you stand out in the fashion industry?
B.
- I want to make others aware that fashion is a true art and it's something to take seriously. I hope that by the end of the year, I'll have more opportunities and know more people who can give me internships/jobs in the field of fashion. Maybe you'll all see me on America's Next Top Model. Maybe I'll end up working for a major fashion magazine. The most important thing of all is that I want people to understand that fashion means a lot to me and it's something that I'm very passionate about. No one can take that away from me.
C.
- I would like to talk to the fashion designer that I'm currently working for, David Meister. I want to ask him how he made it to where he is now and get advice as to how I can be successful. I would also love nothing more than to know what fashion means to him and know where it is that he got started.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Blog 5a: Problem Statement
1) Fashion
2) Problem: Sizing will vary depending on the brand on clothing, (for both men and women) so you never truly know what your exact size is. This leads to misconception for girls and guys out there and can greatly affect those who care a lot about the number on their articles of clothing.
Solution: Look into stores and do research on how their sizing works. Hopefully get the stores that tend to make their clothing run incredibly small to change that because it can prove as a threat to people out there. So then people won't feel so insecure when shopping, but rather, confident because there would be a set sizing chart and there will be no misconceptions.
3) Problem: Designer clothing is often too expensive for the average person to afford.
Solution: This is currently something that is already being tested out in certain stores. For example Target now carries some well known designers. It allows people of the middle class to buy designer clothing/merchandise. So the designers are still making a profit, but at the same time, it's still affordable.
2) Problem: Sizing will vary depending on the brand on clothing, (for both men and women) so you never truly know what your exact size is. This leads to misconception for girls and guys out there and can greatly affect those who care a lot about the number on their articles of clothing.
Solution: Look into stores and do research on how their sizing works. Hopefully get the stores that tend to make their clothing run incredibly small to change that because it can prove as a threat to people out there. So then people won't feel so insecure when shopping, but rather, confident because there would be a set sizing chart and there will be no misconceptions.
3) Problem: Designer clothing is often too expensive for the average person to afford.
Solution: This is currently something that is already being tested out in certain stores. For example Target now carries some well known designers. It allows people of the middle class to buy designer clothing/merchandise. So the designers are still making a profit, but at the same time, it's still affordable.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Blog 3: Interview Preparation
1.
I plan on interviewing Mary Vilchis. She was my mentor this summer. She works for a big time designer, David Meister. Her job is production manager and also the fashion designer's assistant. I know she will be a valuable resource to my project because she's one of the main people that work there in the production plant/warehouse. She plays a huge role in the fashion industry and she seems to know what she's talking about. Not only that, but while working with her this summer, she seemed friendly and loved what she did. A lot of people lack passion for their careers and settle for less than outstanding, but she was hardworking, which motivated me to want to do better as well and that is why I plan on interviewing her.
2.
The following are additional questions I plan to ask during my interview:
What made you become interested in fashion?
What is something that you'd like others to know about fashion?
What is the most difficult part of your job as the fashion designer's assistant?
What is the most rewarding part of your job as the fashion designer's assistant?
What does fashion mean to you?
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Blog 2: Topic Choice
A.
My topic is fashion, I chose this because fashion has always interested me. It's been around for ages and it's something that always changes, literally every season. It sounds cliche, but I like to look good and finding out new trends is something that I've always enjoyed. Even thinking outside of the box and not following the hottest trends is fun from time to time. I like the thought that fashion can be whatever I make of it and there aren't any rules that I need to follow. I can explore with endless possibilities. If I don't like something (an outfit, possibly), I can start over from scratch, it's always interesting. I can recreate looks, get inspiration from everything around me, and base my outfits off of celebrities and fashion icons. Fashion is the only thing that's ever truly been something I could call my own because it's one of the few things that I've ever been extremely confident in. No one could ever make me believe otherwise. I can spend forever at shops and always manage to find something that I could pick apart, criticize, or really like.
B.
iPoly Citizen: The project will help me take responsibility for myself and not procrastinate. I will learn not to rely or depend on my group/classmates to get me through the year, but be independent. I will talk to my mentors when needed and anyone at the David Meister offices. I will complete as many hours as I have to until I feel that I have learned as much as I possibly can from my mentor about my topic until I know it like the back of my hand. Just like iPoly, one big thing in the field of fashion is that you need to get involved and talk to the right people or else nothing gets accomplished. I will need to work up to par and set high standards for myself so that I will not fail. iPoly works very similarly, in the sense that we must remain positive and take responsibility for our own actions.
Effective Communicator: I will have to push through being shy when surrounded by a large group of people that I have not yet become acquainted with and talk to everyone. I must respect the designer, models, seamstresses, and others in the office in order to gain respect from them in return. Also, I'm not in charge, so not being respectful to those above me is rude and inconsiderate. I'm working alongside others and collaborating with them to achieve success. Whether it be by helping file a few designs or just modeling a gown they don't have a model for. The process of completing designs and getting them distributed is a team effort and couldn't be finished if there were to be a lack of communication in any given area. We will take into consideration what everyone has to say and not ignore the ideas of others, but listen in order to become what is defined as effective communicators.
Effective Learner: When working in the fashion industry, I cannot be late or put off anything important because that will not only make my look bad as a worker, but my entire company will suffer. I cannot let others down, I refuse to. It's important to remain focused and stay organized because in the midst of it all, I need to stay calm under pressure and remain consistent with everything I do. Being creative and having an active imagination will get me far because in fashion there is no such thing as a crazy idea. As you guys have probably become aware of by seeing the trends change as often as they do. There never is an end to learning fashion, so I'll be consistent with gaining new knowledge as it comes at me and performing up to their expectations because anything less will just not be enough. Not only will I learn by listening to those around me, but I'll take time to learn things myself because those are the types of things that in the end, make me feel better about myself and I tend to feel more accomplished.
Effective User of Technology: Working in an office with so many softwares that keep track of data and the website that promotes David Meister will give me access to a lot of information and teach me how those that keep everything up and running actually manage. I will learn in the skills I lack. When demonstrating something new, whether it be a new design possibility or advertisement to promote the line in general, we're incorporating technology. I've already been given the opportunity to use their technology, such as emails to get in touch with anyone my heart so desires to get in touch with, calculated profits and the budget with the help of my mentor, Microsoft Word helped with it's many programs to keep things nice and tidy. Out of all these, the Internet is the most important of any forms of technology simply because it's the reason they're able to get their name out there and become what they are. Technology has helped all of us achieve what we have today.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Blog 1: Mentorship Component
Literal (Know):
Mary Vilchis
Production Manager/Fashion Designer's Assistant
mary.vilchis@davidmeister.com
626-934-4141
Literal (Need to Know):
I learned more about fashion in those ten hours than I've ever learned by just reading some fashion magazine or watching an episode of Project Runway. I witnessed how much time and effort is put into creating a piece. There are so many designs created and only a few get chosen in the end. I also came to the realization that not only do the fashion designers have a tough job, but so do the employees that work for them. It's a team effort, similar to iPoly, in the sense that, you're all in charge of an area. The fashion designer is the facilitator because they give everyone their job and establish what needs to be accomplished. The materials manager is the seamstress because they've done the labor and used fabrics to create the masterpiece. The recorders are those who keep track of everything they've sold and all their customers. The reporters are the models because they show off the final piece at fashion shows. My mentor was the assistant and she has a job similar to a harmonizer, when one person messed up a design, before everyone would start freaking out, she'd have to step in and take care of the issue. I have gained the knowledge in how budgets and cost sheets work. The most important thing I've learned though, is that people in the fashion industry seem like they have a fabulous job and don't get me wrong, it sure was quite lovely, but there is a lot more work that goes behind it than most people aren't aware of it.
Applied:
I know that one day, my goal is to work in the fashion industry. Working with David Meister was just the most perfect idea and I am certainly glad that I was given the opportunity to do my mentorship there in the offices/warehouse. I'm a really picky person and even though fashion is something I've always enjoyed, I was a bit hesitant with what was going to be placed before me. At the end of my 10 hours, I felt comfortable working there and learning was actually enjoyable for me because it was something that I'd been interested in for years. Fashion is a way to express yourself and something that always changes. You can never expect the same thing. Fashion opens up doors and opportunities for you to be creative. Now, when I'm out and about, shopping is different. I take time to look at pieces and their designs, rather than before I'd done my mentorship. I've a whole new appreciation for fashion and for that reason alone is why I'm set on fashion as my senior topic.
Mary Vilchis
Production Manager/Fashion Designer's Assistant
mary.vilchis@davidmeister.com
626-934-4141
Literal (Need to Know):
- What skills does it take to become successful in the fashion industry?
- Who/What determines what the new trends are?
- How do you get the word out and attract customers as a fashion designer?
- Is the job stressful, if so, how?
- What are some of the things that aren't usually recognized by people, but play a huge deal in creating a design?
- How many people does it take to typically create one piece/design?
I learned more about fashion in those ten hours than I've ever learned by just reading some fashion magazine or watching an episode of Project Runway. I witnessed how much time and effort is put into creating a piece. There are so many designs created and only a few get chosen in the end. I also came to the realization that not only do the fashion designers have a tough job, but so do the employees that work for them. It's a team effort, similar to iPoly, in the sense that, you're all in charge of an area. The fashion designer is the facilitator because they give everyone their job and establish what needs to be accomplished. The materials manager is the seamstress because they've done the labor and used fabrics to create the masterpiece. The recorders are those who keep track of everything they've sold and all their customers. The reporters are the models because they show off the final piece at fashion shows. My mentor was the assistant and she has a job similar to a harmonizer, when one person messed up a design, before everyone would start freaking out, she'd have to step in and take care of the issue. I have gained the knowledge in how budgets and cost sheets work. The most important thing I've learned though, is that people in the fashion industry seem like they have a fabulous job and don't get me wrong, it sure was quite lovely, but there is a lot more work that goes behind it than most people aren't aware of it.
Applied:
I know that one day, my goal is to work in the fashion industry. Working with David Meister was just the most perfect idea and I am certainly glad that I was given the opportunity to do my mentorship there in the offices/warehouse. I'm a really picky person and even though fashion is something I've always enjoyed, I was a bit hesitant with what was going to be placed before me. At the end of my 10 hours, I felt comfortable working there and learning was actually enjoyable for me because it was something that I'd been interested in for years. Fashion is a way to express yourself and something that always changes. You can never expect the same thing. Fashion opens up doors and opportunities for you to be creative. Now, when I'm out and about, shopping is different. I take time to look at pieces and their designs, rather than before I'd done my mentorship. I've a whole new appreciation for fashion and for that reason alone is why I'm set on fashion as my senior topic.
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