My first job in the fashion industry.

Assistant Designer for a well known 90's prom dress company was my first job in the industry. I couldn't be more excited! I was going to be a designer. It didn't matter to me that I was an assistant. I was eager to get started. 

I came to realize; I was not a designer but a draper — a first draft patternmaker. That's what an assistant designer was back in the day. I had a lot to learn about the industry. 

I was disappointed at first, but looking back now, wow! I am so thankful for this experience. 

I was part of the group of fashion design grads who became the forefront of what we now know as technical designers. Production had started to move overseas during this time. It included the patternmaker role. Most patternmakers retired or transitioned into becoming a technical designer. 

All my mentors had this background — patternmakers turned technical designers. It was clear. Evolve or leave the industry. 

At this moment, I decided I needed to learn the technical side of the fashion industry and grew to love it. I still wanted to design, but for myself, not for a company. 

It was a requirement to purchase a set of tools. The logic was that so when I leave, I would take them with me. I already owned a pattern notcher and two types of tracing wheel— both a blunt one and the spikey one used for oaktag from school. My superior at the time highly suggested I also purchased the classic 12" Weiss metal scissor with the black handle, which was quite expensive for someone who had just graduated! 

This was when I first learned how having exceptional tools to work with was vital. Fast forward a few years, I learned about the Sodeyama Body Ligne Tape. It was narrow, pliable, and so easy to use! Draping style lines on the dress form or a fit model were effortless! No messy marker lines, and no more X-ing out style lines if Design changed their minds. 

There were times I would use red for one version of a design and then black on the same sample for a second version. It helped the Designer visualize and make the final decision.

We went through it quickly in development fittings. It was a coveted item that wasn't easy to get my hands on. Realizing how many of my peers and aspiring designers are not aware of many vital tools of the trade, I made it my mission to provide these tools so other technical designers, patternmakers, and designers can do their best work.

To do your best work, you need the best tools.