Q What time does your alarm go off?
K: I set up three times! The first one goes off at 5.40am and I usually get up by 6am.
Q What’s a typical day like for you?
K: Get ready, read on my way to work and get in early to eat breakfast and have a nice cup of coffee. Check my emails and get on with any pattern work needed for a given day. Going to the gym after work, getting home having dinner and some time to unwind.
Q Tell us about your career route, where did it all start for you?
K: My initial studies leaned towards medical subjects, but changed my mind halfway through Sixth Form, as I inclined towards creative subjects. I then went to study Fashion Design and discovered I really enjoyed pattern making and working in CAD.
Q And did you spend any time completing work placements/experience?
K: I did a couple of internships during Uni, including a design placement at KTZ and co-ordinating a fashion show at Graduate Fashion Week. After graduation, I had the pleasure of interning at Richard Pattison’s menswear pattern cutting studio in Hackney.
Q What key skills/attributes would you say are essential for this role?
K: Spatial imagination, attention to detail and knowledge of fabric behaviour and drape.
You also need to be good at keeping track of what you’re working on. Especially in a busy environment, where you get easily interrupted, remembering where you left off is vital.
Q What is your most memorable work moment?
K: It has to be the moment when I was at my desk on a Monday morning and I got a call from Fashion Enter’s CEO Jenny Holloway to say that I would be going to Greece the next day at 5am for training. That was a nice surprise!
Q What is the worst part of the job?
K: I think sometimes, you can end up having too many people talking to you at the same time wanting different things. It can get a bit confusing and piles on the pressure.
Q Best piece of advice you have been given?
K: ‘Don’t be afraid to ask.’ Whether it’s a question or advice it’s always better to have another person’s insight/knowledge.
Q Is there anyone in the fashion sector that you think is inspirational?
K: Alexander McQueen for his innovative approach and Vivienne Westwood for her political attitude towards fashion.
Q After work you like to…
K: Work out at CrossFit, visit exhibitions and theatres, catch up with friends over dinner/drinks, go to music gigs, read or just have a good night sleep.