What is it like working as a Fashion Designer?

Working in Fashion is a very challenging but rewarding career choice.

I have had the privilege of travelling the world as designer and meeting many fascinating people, learning new languages and discovering many countries and cities.

I have worked for famous brands in Paris, Milan, New York and  London plus lesser known brands in  Spain, Istanbul, Kuwait, Beirut and Japan. Additionally, I have worked with garment producers, footwear makers and craftspeople in India, Thailand, Hong Kong, China, Turkey  and Japan. Fashion is a lifestyle.

My first job was in Kenzo in Paris where I worked as an assistant knitwear designer. I was then head hunted by Moschino in Milan where I worked on their jeans, lingerie and swimwear collections. I enjoyed living in both cities and in these jobs I learnt how to work as part of team and the about the 'business' of fashion.

After 2 years in full time employment I then decided that I wanted to work as a  freelance designer. I started working  on short term contracts working mainly in  India, Thailand and China. I would work directly with the factories, sourcing fabrics and trims, overseeing the sampling of prints, embroideries and garments and approving samples.

In 2000 I decided to start my own footwear collection in partnership with an Italian firm in Northern Italy. I used to work directly in the fatcory  and then exhibit the collection at London, Paris and Milan Fashion week. My collection was sold in designer boutiques wordwide inclusing Harvey Nichols in London.

I still work as freelance fashion and footwear designer now and also as a product sourcing consultant. However, now I limit my work to Europe and do not go on so many long haul trips. This gives me time to work as a tutor which for me is exciting and I have pleasure in sharing my skills and experience.

This year I have set up a textile design studio that I will be launching at the Premiere Vision show in Paris in September 2012.