Q What time does your alarm go off?
D: 6.30am.
Q What’s a typical day like for you?
D: I get up, get myself and my son ready, have breakfast and take my son to nursery on the way to work. When I get to work I check my emails and catch up with the team. I then take fit meetings with clients, create new patterns, amend existing patterns and liaise with the Fashion Studio and Factory teams to ensure samples are cut and stitched correctly. After work I pick my son up from nursery, put him to bed and spend the evening with my husband or friends.
Q Tell us about your career route, where did it all start for you?
D: I came to pattern cutting via a slightly unconventional route. I completed a degree in Geography and Environmental Science before realizing that I wanted to work in fashion. I took at first a beginners and then an intermediate pattern cutting evening City & Guilds course before getting a job with Vetigraph as a CAD/CAM instructor. Two years later I went to London College of Fashion for a year and completed a PG Diploma in Pattern Cutting and Garment Technology. I then joined Fashion Enter as a Junior Pattern Cutter. I have now been here for 5 years.
Q And did you spend any time completing work placements / experience?
D: I completed various work placements before becoming a pattern cutter.
Q What key skills / attributes would you say are essential for this role?
D: Attention to detail, patience, creativity, team player, a good understanding of sewing and garment construction.
Q What is your most memorable work moment?
D: Making the pattern for my wedding dress and my husband’s wedding suit.
Q What is the worst part of the job?
D: Tight deadlines.
Q Best piece of advice you have been given?
D: Not necessarily sound advice but ‘Fake it till you make it!’
Q Is there anyone in the fashion sector that you think is inspirational?
D: Christian Dior.
Q After work you like to…
D: Spend time with my family, socialise, watch films, sew and do-up furniture.