Blog 1: Mentorship Component

Literal (Know):

• 10 Hour Mentorship Log 

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?

Interpretive: 

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.