| Willard: What's your name? Perrin: Christina Perrin Willard: Where were you born? Perrin: Cincinatti, Ohio Willard: What is your job exactly? Perrin: Fashion Designer / Entrepreneur Willard: Where do you live now? Perrin: In a loft Tribeca in New York City Willard: What is a typical day at work for you? Perrin: It is very, very different each day. Nothing in this industry is typical!! That's what is so exciting. But, to break it down, it consists of coming into "the office" - which is comprised of 1. My Showroom where my latest collection is displayed for store buyers, editors, stylists, and celebrities to see. 2. The design room, 3. The production room (where samples are made), 4. Public Relations office, 5. Sales Office, 6. and many other offices that include accounting and the CFO, etc, 7. My office. I split my day up between designing for an upcoming collection- I sketch out ideas and meet with design team to flesh it out. I also design for specific occasions - if the emmys, grammys, oscars, etc are coming up or if a celebrity has a request for an event. So, in summary there is a part of the day that is purely creative. But I also meet with the sales team to know reactions from buyers so I can tweak the collection or understand the direction consumers are going - this "business" aspect of it - understanding the market and trend curve - influences the "creative" aspect. They are both important to have a handle on to make this company succesful. I also meet with editors and stylists on occasion if my publicist asks me to - for interview or just to pick their brains, again. My publicist and I spend a great deal of the day together figuring out "imaging" - how we want to go forward with the brand image, how we are being effective and really analyzing and strategizing the direction we are going in. In other words, if we are reaching our costumer and if the clothes are making women happy! Willard: What kind of schooling did you go through to become what you are today? Perrin: I have an unusual background for fashion. I graduated from Babson College with a B.S. in Business Communications and Entreprenurial Studies. But always wanted to be a fashion designer so I then want to University of Cincinnati School of Design in my hometown. I then moved to New York City in 1996. Willard: How long was your training / education ? Perrin: 4 years for my B.S. and two years for fashion Willard: What's your salary? Perrin: I own the company independently - I don't have a salary per se Willard: Do you have any past jobs in this field? If so- what? Perrin: Always worked for myself Willard: What is your favorite thing about your job? Perrin: Doing something to make people feel good about themselves. When I design a dress or something that a person wears and they tell me how amazing it made them feel that is the greatest reward. It's frivilous and trivial - but we all need to be a little frivilous and trivial in life just to have fun sometimes. Willard: What is your least favorite thing about your job? Perrin: This is a tough, tough, closed and competitive industry. As an independent designer ( I am not owned by some big money corp) it is very difficult to keep going and fight for the due acknowledgement. But it's worth it. Willard: If you could go back, would you do this again? Perrin: Yes!! Willard: What are the working conditions like? Where do you work? Are there any dangers or hazards for your job? What are the physical demands? Perrin: The building I work in is beautiful - it is an art deco building on 7th Avenue between 39th and 40th streets in NYC's garment district. I share the building with Ralph Lauren, Donna Karen, Micheal Kors, and Oscar de la Renta. The only physical demands are having to wear heels every day! Willard: What mental characteristics are needed for your job? Perrin: You must be creative and open minded. Imagination and flexibility so you are always coming up with fresh, exciting ideas. Yet it must be balanced with a good business sense - savy knowledge of what is going on in pop culture and politics. Strong willed and diligent. Willard: How many hours do you work per week? Perrin: 60 or more Willard: What part time jobs help gain experience for your job? Perrin: Anything from working in a boutique to working for a designer or a magazine. Willard: And finally, what college/school courses did you take to get where you are today? Perrin: Again, it is so varied. But both intense business courses and many, many design courses. |
| Interview on : Christina Perrin Interviewed By : Ali Willard www.christinaperrin.com |
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| Christina Perrin Interview |
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