BEHIND THE SEAMS
19 REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T DROP OUT OF DESIGN SCHOOL 15
BEHIND THE
INTERVIEW
WITH A SWIMWEAR DESIGNER CLASSROOM TO CAREER: THE UNIVERSITY EXPERIENCE THAT SHAPED MY FUTURE
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In the world of swimwear design, creativity and adaptability are key. I spoke with a Senior Designer at A & H Sportswear Co., Inc., who shares insights into their daily routine, career advice, and the evolving fashion landscape.
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“All of it!” she said, recalling her college days at CSU Long Beach. Double-majoring in Fashion Merchandising and Design, she added an extra year. “I didn’t know how to sew before the program but learned so many techniques, and my merchandising courses really taught me the business side—like customer behavior and retail dynamics. One class required working a retail job, which grounded me in understanding real customer needs. I even stayed in retail for four more years, so I really get what resonates with our buyers.”
...you have to understand that you are not designing for yourself... “ “
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Her biggest advice for current design students is to stay open to feedback as well asto never take it personally. The design world is filled with constructive criticism that helps you grow. She additionally said to remember, school isn’t a walk in the park—there will be late nights and tough challenges, but it’s all part of the process.
She emphasized the importance of persistence and hard work in the fashion industry, noting that immediate success is rare. If your first job doesn’t meet expectations, it’s essential to view it as a learning experience rather than a setback. She also pointed out that while personal style is important, great designers need to understand their customers and the market.
Additionally, she emphasized the importance of not taking fashion movies or TV shows too seriously, reminding aspiring designers that they are created for entertainment purposes rather than as real-life inspiration. Her journey in swimwear design stands as a powerful reminder of the significance of continuous growth, learning from mentors, and staying adaptable in the ever-evolving as well as competitive fashion industry.
In the competitive world of swimwear design, this designer’s dedication to their craft and thoughtful advice offer invaluable insight for anyone looking to break into the industry. Whether through hands-on experience, learning from mentors, or embracing new technology, their journey is a testament to the importance of growth and resilience in the world of fashion design.
VITAL ADVICE FOR ASPIRING DESIGNERS
THE SEAMS
WHY A & H SPORTSWEAR CO., INC HER FAVORITE PROJECTS SHE HAS DONE
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A former boss of hers reached out with a job opportunity right. “The chance to work with someone I had a strong professional relationship with felt like the perfect fit,” she explained. She was then hired as a swimwear Designer.
WHAT’S A DAY AT A & H SPORTSWEAR
Her workday kicks off around nine or nine-thirty AM with emails, then shifts to tasks like swimsuit fittings with the technical design team, fabric reviews with product development, and virtual meetings with teams across states—and sometimes late night fittings with China.
“Flexibility is key,” she noted, as each team needs her focus. Most projects are assigned based on account needs, covering various brands.
With a trend trip to Italy this upcoming year as well as previous inspiration trips to places like Colombia, she loves drawing from global markets to inform her designs.
Her favorite project was designing for the Amazon x Sports Swimsuit collection, for the magazine’s 60th anniversary. She loved working with editor MJ Day, known for her diversity, and was thrilled to see Chanel Iman wear her designs.
designs.
IS DESIGNING STILL YOUR CHOICE TODAY?
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She’d still choose the same path, but now feels more prepared. While sustainability and ethics can improve, she finds it rewarding to design swimwear that boosts confidence, especially in a vulnerable category.
She explained that inspiration can come from anywhere, like social media, street style, or just running errands. To stay ahead of trends, she typically uses forecasting tools like WGSN as well as Fashion Snoops, helping her design pieces that will resonate with customers and stay up to date with current trends.
SWIMWEAR DESIGNER
PRISCILLA KHEK
BY THERAMENA FERNANDEZ
