Meet our alumni

Christina McFaddin - Fashion Marketing & Merchandising

Original program: Fashion Marketing & Merchandising

Alumni Information
School: LaSalle College Vancouver
Grad Year: 2011
Program of Study: Fashion Design & Merchandising
Degree: Diploma

Employment/Professional Information
Company Name: Swoon Intimates
Location: Vancouver
Job Title: Design Assistant
Primary Responsibilities: Create illustrator drawings for spec sheets, Spec sheet development, Sample cutting, Sample measurements, Minor pattern alterations, Design Input.

Describe a typical work day:

Creating technical drawing for our client Naked Princess. Creating salesmen samples for Spring 2013, cutting fabrics, lace and trims and creating sample packages for each new style for our sample sewer. Also, I record measurements, check quality and pack them up to send to our head office in LA and work with the designer during fittings, recording pattern changes to be made at a later date. Researching fabrics and ordering lab dips. Keeping track of our database of clients and suppliers and making sure our design studio is organized to increase productivity. I record all comments and test the products out myself.

What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of?

The independence and amount of experience I have gained in the past three years and how much I have grown because of it.

What are your creative inspirations or influences? Who are your heroes?

I am constantly being influenced, but find the majority of my inspiration comes from the unique and diverse works of other designers/artists.

What do you enjoy the most about your career?

The fact that I don’t consider what I do “work”. I am enveloped in a career full of passion that will never diminish.

How did your education at LaSalle College Vancouver help prepare you for your career?

LaSalle College Vancouver not only introduced me to amazing students and faculty, but it has also given me the connections necessary to start a future in this industry.

What advice do you have for people beginning their careers in your profession?

Make sure not to take any of the advice given for granted. Everyone wants to help you succeed, so let them. And above all, make sure that you are passionate in whatever it is that you choose to do.

Your profession is constantly evolving, from the technology you use to new career opportunities that didn’t exist five years ago. What trends do you see on the horizon that will affect how you do your job or your profession at-large?

I believe we have come a long way in terms of sourcing and manufacturing. Environmentally-friendly production methods are the way of the future, not only are they beneficial to the planet, but they will also help ensure new and creative thinking styles/trends.