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| Briggith Ripamonti Interview |
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| Interview on: Briggith Ripamonti Interview by: Ali Willard Date of Interview: March 18, 2003 |
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| Ali: What is your full name? Briggith: Briggith Ripamonti www.manginidesign.com Ali: Where were you born? Briggith: In the beautiful country of Columbia. Ali: Where do you live now? Briggith: I moved from Columbia to NYC in 1994 and 4 years ago I call Miami home. Ali: What do you do exactly in your job? Briggith: I do a wide array of tasks, from designing my ready-to-wear, evening and bridal gown collection to choosing the fabrics, the colors, cutting new patterns and meeting with my marketing/P.R people. I would seem like a one woman team... it really is for me as like to be on top of all, that gets done as long as I am able. I believe in giving 200% in order to succeed, but I always thank my team, they are a great compliment to my career. Ali: What is a typical day on the job for you like? Briggith: Being independent, I set my own hours, so I choose to work when my inspiration is the greatest rather than when the clock dictates that I should. Usually in the mornings I check and respond to messages and emails and surf the web for fashion news and new trends. During the day, I spend some time on the phone with my marketing people and discuss ideas with my team in N.Y. I believe that everything that surrounds ourselves, can act as our focus of inspiration. I do my best work at night. I find the quite of the night and the subtle reflection of dim lights to be a most relaxing and inspiring environment. I can sketch for hours, sometimes even until dawn. Ali: What kind of schooling did you go through, and where, to become what you are today? Briggith: I attended Esmoda in Columbia where I studies fabric merchandising and development later at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, where I was able to enrich my passion and creativity for fashion design. Ali: How long was your training/education? Briggith: I have been training myself my whole life, since I saw for the first time my grandmother sewing on her 1950's Singer machine, I decided to follow her steps and create my own costumes, I was training myself to become a designer one day. Eduication is very important but should always be complemented with on hand training. From the moment you start, you never stop learning new methods and techniques. Fashion is a lifetime learning experience. Ali: How much money do you make a year in your job? Briggith: I don't measure success by the dollars that I make, but rather by the creations I produce and the lives it reaches. Ali: Do you have any past jobs in this field? If so- what? Briggith: I was fortunate to grow up in a very creative household. My grandmother was a designer, my mother enjoyed painting and writing poetry, and my father was a singer and song writer. All of them contributed to who I am today. I broke into the field of fashion through owning a textile wholesale/ retail company in Cali, Columbia. In that business I learned everything there is to know about fabrics, textures, and color trends. Ali: What is your favorite thing about your job? Briggith: Definately, the favorite thing about my job is the satisfaction of seeing my creations complement the natural beauty of women. It makes it all worth it when I can see a simple drawing become a real dress. Ali: What is your least favorite thing about your job? Briggith: Sometimes, I get frustrated when I find myself waiting for a season to start to see a project finished. Then time runs out and seasons change so fast having to leave that excitement aside to start all over again. Ali: If your could go back, would you do this again? Briggith: Would not think it twice. Ali: What are working conditions like for you and what are the physical demands? Briggith: I have set up a part of my home in Miami Beach as my studio which allows me to spend time with my family to compensate the time I am traveling or in my N.Y. studio. Ali: What mental characteristics are needed for your job? Briggith: You must be creative and passionate. Your imagination will lead you to finding in every aspect of your life new ideas for your designs. A little bit of business sense is always helpful, but dedication and commitment is a must. Ali: How many hours a week do you work? Briggith: My work week is flexible but demanding. I don't have a schedule so basically I can work 24 hours a day. I may work 60 hours one week and work 90 hours another week, even Saturdays or Sundays, depending on the season. Ali: What part time jobs help gain experience? Briggith: Any jobs related to fashion, textile or garment industry would be most useful. If you are surrounded by a profession that you are passionate about, you should do anything related to it. Ali: What college/school courses did you take to get you where you are today? Briggith: Everything from drawing to pattern making, sewing and molding. "If you are dreaming about becoming someone unique in your profession, always dream to become the best, then your will become someone special." -Briggith Ripamonti |