Q: Tell us about one of your favorite projects you are working on.
Whilst working at Vera Wang, I was able to assist the design team on three collections: Ready-to-wear Fall 2014, Bridal 2015 and Resort 2015. I enjoyed working with the bridal team as I was able to experiment with fabric manipulations in delicate tulle and hand-sew embroidery samples. It was great to see my samples being used and inputted into weekly fittings which were further developed. I was honoured to see the final collection, knowing that my creative eye had been a part of these beautiful designs. It was amazing to see gorgeous gowns in production every day as I realised how much craftsmanship and time was put in, from draping the silhouette to pressing each individual pleat of a bodice. As an aspiring designer it has been a truly inspiring experience.
Q: What is your favorite place to go in New York?
The Lower East Side is my favourite area of the city because it’s perfect for the younger crowd and it’s very chilled. My favourite area is Soho, which has a mix of designer boutiques and smaller art galleries. East Village is great for restaurants that are not too expensive - I’m addicted to bubble tea and dumplings so I always head to a place called Tkettle!
Q: Tell us about an interesting moment you have experienced during your program.
I have been blessed to have met some amazing people. You never know who you may bump into in NYC. I met Gok Wan, a UK fashion stylist, whilst on an errand at work and got a photo with him. I also made great friends outside of work and we bonded like glue. We even went to a Brooklyn Nets game and saw Rihanna! I have made the closest friend for life that I will stay in touch with forever, despite being on the other side of the world.
Q: What is your favorite new food you have tried in New York?
I’m not too adventurous when it comes to trying new foods as I’m a vegetarian! But I found an amazing restaurant called Westville that is known for healthy and tasty vegetarian meals. They make vegetables taste really good with their seasoning from oyster mushrooms with garlic and herbs to kale with shallots - I will be making a trip back!
Q: What has been your favorite cultural activity so far?
I visited the “Ai Wei Wei: According to What?” exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum which was powerfully moving. I also went to the “Charles James: Beyond Fashion” exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Modern Art which allowed me to see the sculptural, mathematical and scientific methods of constructing his gowns from sketches and pattern pieces to completed works.
Check out some collections Katherine worked on:
- Vera Wang WRTW Fall 2014
- Vera Wang Bridal SPRING 2015
You can also connect with Katherine on LinkedIn.