Office Style: Meet Katherine

Calm, cool, confident…  and a keen fashion sense, to boot. This is Katherine…

This post comes from our Junior Art Director, Stephanie!

Describe your position at Free People.

I am the Jackets & Outerwear Designer on FP’s Structured team. My process consists of researching the market with shopping trips and gathering inspiration, sketching ideas, mocking designs by sewing and/or draping, researching and develop fabrics, trims and prints, fitting the clothing, working with patternmakers, thinking about costing and the trend, — then! I work until I’ve achieved the ideal final product! It’s really everything from A to Z.

3 words to describe your personal style?

Masculine. Proportion. Functionality.

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Marbella One Piece, West Side Clubmaster Sunnies, Mono Leather Lace Up Sneakers

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Where have you lived and how has it affected your personal style?

I’ve lived in Japan, London, Florence, New York and, now, it’s my 2nd year in Philly! The biggest influence on my style came from living in Japan. My mother was a designer there so she sewed my clothing as a child and handed down a lot of amazing pieces she wore when she was younger (that I still wear today). My grandmother gave me a lot of incredible kimonos, as well. I went to fashion school in Japan so I really appreciate having such an avant-garde background. It’s inspiring to have that root in me.

What’s your favorite part about your job?

I love the freedom to be creative as well as the ability to always work with my hands…whether that be sewing or sketching.

Most challenging?

It’s difficult to constantly have energy to be creative. Sometimes you get burnt out so, when you feel that exciting feeling again, it’s very refreshing.

What is your favorite season to dress for?

Winter — I love layering clothing, color and texture.

Do you plan your outfits the night before or morning of?

Night before, because I wake up at 5:30 every morning and do Crossfit 5 days a week! My process includes looking at the weather and planning accordingly because I bike to work. Functionality!

Have you ever had to fix a fashion mishap at work?

Yes! I’ve had a few times where I bike to work and it randomly starts raining. I’ll borrow a Free People sample to wear for the day and dry my clothes in the window. It’s happened many times. I try to prepare but, sometimes, you never know!

What’s your go-to work outfit and why?

Mostly pants and jeans because I bike. I do love a good jumpsuit as you can see. Keeping with the theme of functionality!

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Ev
7 years ago

Tattoo <3

Dianne
7 years ago

agree – LOVE the feather tattoo!