Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Message from Christine Porter, President of Design Dallas

Hello everybody!

Just a reminder that tomorrow is our Halloween Mixer with Design Dallas and GLAM, it's a great opportunity to branch out to our sister program, and make some connections and friends.
There will be snacks, games, and prizes! Wear your costume just for fun!

Thursday, October 29th!
7pm in room 309!!

It is for members, and we will be asking for dues tomorrow if you haven't paid, so bring two bucks and join the party!

Friday, October 23, 2009

DO NOT MISS THIS EVENT!

Nicole Williams, author of Girl on Top (which teaches you how to use tried-and-true dating rules when you are searching for a career) will be in Dallas on October 28 and 29. Click on the invitations below for more information and RSVP HERE . Also, read more about Nicole after you view the inviations...

October 28:


October 29:
Nicole Williams is your tell-it-like-it-is big sister who happens to be an expert in all things career. Through her work as a best selling author, speaker, editor-in-chief of the go-to online destination for working women, and as founder and CEO of WORKS by Nicole Williams, she provides honest life-changing advice to women who want to take control of their careers.

Nicole is the author of Wildly Sophisticated: A Bold New Attitude for Career Success and Earn What You’re Worth, and the founder of WORKS by Nicole Williams, the first media and content company marketed toward young professional women. Her advice is featured regularly in major media outlets including Elle, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Marie Claire, The Wall Street Journal, and The Financial Times. Nicole also regularly appears on The Today Show, ABC’s Primetime, Good Morning America, The Big Idea with Donny Deutsch, Fox News, and CNN. Visit her website at
http://www.nicolewilliams.com/.

The Campbell (soup) "adDRESS your heart" Design Contest!


Every dress tells story. It's time to tell yours.
Design an original Campbell red dress and tell us about the female heart-health hero who inspired you. The winning dress, designer, and hero will be showcased at the Woman’s Day Red Dress Awards!
See Details and Entere HERE.
Advising this year’s Campbell red dress contest is fashion expert and heart-health advocate Tim Gunn. Read his story HERE.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Design Dallas says, "Get Caffeinated"

Wednesday, October 28 from 7am to 10am, Design Dallas (the student club for fashion design students) is hosting a Coffee Couture fundraising event...

Look for more information about the event, and GET INVOLVED with the club. Organization membership looks great on a resume!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Book Signings and Job Leads, Oh My!

Jason Sheehan, writer for F!D Luxe, has posted a blog entry about a FUN event on Tuesday, October 20: Photo blogger captures portraits of on-the-street fashion. Wanna meet the author of this crazy street-fashion book along with Jason Sheehan?
Meet Scott Schuman Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble (7700 W. Northwest Highway, 214-739-1124) for a book signing and Q&A with Dallas Morning News style writer Jason Sheeler.

Also - maybe you need a job....
Job Fair is on Tuesday, October 20 from 11:00am to 1:00pm. 8th floor. 20 employers and 9 student organizations will be there for your networking delight!
We're posting jobs like crazy on our job board. Check it out HERE!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Dressers Needed for Event on WEDNESDAY (tomorrow)!

Two dressers are needed for a fashion show tomorrow evening that features our own graduate, James Martinez of Barron & J. You will be needed at 5:00pm. PLEASE EMAIL ME IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE! The details about the event are included in the invitation below (click on the invitation to enlarge).



If you can't be a dresser - NO PROBLEM! Attend the event, and please plan to go to the Barron and J. trunk show on Thursday 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Wanna Be a Buyer? Natasha Rich is "Living the Dream"!

Natasha Rich graduated from The Art Institute of Dallas with an Associate of Applied Art in Fashion Design in 2007. she currently works as an Assistant Buyer at Haggar Clothing Co. She sat down for an interview with us. Enjoy!




Why did you choose to pursue a degree in Fashion Design?
I have always LOVED clothes, and reading my favorite magazines… Such as Vogue, WWD, and Harpers Bazaar. They truly inspired me, when I would look and see all of the amazing creations I knew exactly what I wanted to do. Turning your passion into your work, makes a world of difference!

Natasha, you worked in retail for many years prior to graduating from college. Do you recommend that students work while they are in school (in the industry)?
This is a MUST! You always want to be willing to know how things work from beginning to end. From production, all the way down to where it goes in a retail chain. It helps you in the long run to have a better understanding of how things TRULY work! DO IT! No matter what! Even though School is tough and takes up a lot of time, gain the experience! It is essential!

What skills did you learn from your early years of working that you now apply?
All of the little things you need to know that will take you a long way in your career – Trying to learn everything is Crucial. I learned selling techniques, customer base (understanding who your customer truly is) , understand competitive shopping, marketing strategies, markdowns, season changes, following up, always asking questions, constructive criticism… Remember – It is a LEARNING TOOL!

What do your hiring managers look for when evaluating entry-level job candidates?
Passion. Dedication to their future career, eager to learn, great communication and a positive attitude!

During a recession, how can candidates look more desirable to employers who are hesitant to hire anyone?
Minimum starting salary and understanding that entry level is to gain experience… Persistent in following-up with potential employers.

After college, you took another design-relatedbefore the Haggar position came open. What are the pros and cons of design vs. the "business" side?
Personally I really enjoyed both: Working with design really helped me shape a better outlook on how things really happen… From design all the way to production. I am REALLY enjoying buying – I work a lot with numbers and selecting product makes it so much FUN! I guess it depends on your preference!

What are the most challenging tasks in your job?
Time consuming data-entry. You are constantly in 4 seasons, so you are maintaining QUICK change! Right now we are marking down SP09, Rolling out FA09, just bought SP10… Now we are starting to buy FA10. It is FUN – but can be very challenging with all that is put into the change.

What are the most fun parts of your job?
Product Selections, Season colors (Pantones), Trend Forecasting, there is something NEW going on daily – so it never gets old! Also, the marketing and Visual Merchandising, Fast-Paced Environment! I absolutely LOVE my job – I couldn’t be more blessed!

As a buyer, how important are things like organization, time management, and administrative skills?
VERY important! I cannot stress that enough!
· Time Management – Prioritizing, Meeting Deadlines, Dependable
· Organization – Dating Items , Filing Properly for QUICK reference
· Administrative Skills – Follow-Up, Vendor Communication, Double Checking to ensure accuracy

So, your last name is "Rich” - like "Richie Rich." Any relation? Have you been able to capitalize on such a cool name?
Ha-Ha, Not yet… but I hope ONE DAY that the term matches my bank account!

If you had to wear the clothes of only one designer for the rest of your life - including shoes and accessories - whose clothes would you wear?
Definitely Balenciaga! I absolutely adore Nicolas Ghesquière … the sleek silhouettes, pairing high waisted skinny pants with a voluminous blouse, or a tightly cut wool jumpsuit with billowing sleeves. It is simply AMAZING! Need I say more…?