Inge's advice for aspiring designers
It’s no secret that fashion workroom roles are highly sought after, so we sat down with our resident Design & Production Specialist, Inge Smith to get her expert take on how to make it in the industry. Before settling into her role as a Frame Account Manager, Inge spent 15 years as an Apparel Designer, so she knows a thing or two about how to create a successful career in this space. Aspiring designers; take notes!
Tell us a bit about your background in design and product development; where did it start and what did this part of your career look like?
My journey began after graduating from AUT when I landed an incredible design assistant role at Kathmandu. It was a DREAM role, blending my love for the outdoors and design into one perfect opportunity. Working alongside talented and experienced designers with vast global expertise was inspiring, and their support helped me gain a wealth of industry knowledge. From initial concept sketches to production, they taught me how to design commercially viable garments.
As the fresh faced design assistant, I was in charge of creating designs for the t-shirts, kidswear, and accessories range. The design team would collaboratively develop seasonal mood boards for inspiration, create colour palettes, design and refresh styles, select fabrics and trims to complement the range, and present collections to the wider management - it was a well-oiled machine and I absolutely love it!
My contract role developed into a permanent junior designer position at Kathmandu, and I will always be grateful to the incredible team that supported me at the start of my career. They played a crucial role in my success, and I cannot thank them enough.
Do you have a career highlight or standout moment that sticks with you from your time in the workroom?
I was your classic Kiwi who moved to London to explore the world. In the first few weeks I came across a cool activewear store called Sweaty Betty, which happens to be one of the UK's top women’s brands. I set a personal goal for myself that one day I would design for them. Despite recruitment companies telling me I would struggle due to my lack of international apparel experience, I refused to believe that noise. I persevered and ultimately landed a design position at Sweaty Betty. Not too bad for a girl from Christchurch!
What drew you into a career in fashion design, did you always know that was something you wanted to do?
My career path in fashion design was a mix of certainty and uncertainty. I wanted to become a vet, but my weakness for science and blood steered me away from that. However, my love for creativity and craftsmanship ran in the family. Both my Oma and my mum were skilled in sewing and knitting, and I believe it's in my blood too. My Oma’s exceptional taste and her ability to create most of her clothes sparked my interest in fashion design, and I eventually realised that this was the path for me.
What is your advice for an aspiring fashion designer looking to land their first role in the industry?
During my second year studying fashion design, one of my university lectures candidly stated, "You will all graduate with the same degree, but what will set you apart from the rest?" Taking this advice to heart, I decided to take on an internship at Barkers, dedicating one day a week throughout my second and third year. This extended internship was not a mandatory part of my qualification, but I took the initiative to pursue it nonetheless. It turned out to be instrumental in securing my first career break at Kathmandu.
Once someone has their foot in the door with an entry-level role, do you have any tips for how to develop as a designer from there?
I cannot stress enough the significance of having a professional mentor. Your mentor could be your manager, a close colleague, or even a mutual acquaintance within the fashion industry. Their guidance and support can be invaluable in shaping your career and helping you navigate the professional world. Stepping into your first career role can be overwhelming, which is why it's crucial to have that support.
