Polartec

Chronicle of the comings and goings of the world's premium producer of innovative textiles.

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American Field: Boston

American Field is a pop-up exhibition & market that features the best of Made in America goods. It’s a place where people can get together and celebrate Made in America products, as well as the people and companies behind them. With four different locations, Boston is home to the first event on September 12th and 13th. We’re excited to announce our sponsorship with this great event for the first year. Polartec will be exhibiting alongside our American-made customers Ragged Mountain Equipment, Skida, Beyond Clothing, Choucas Hats, and American Roots.

The American Field: Boston event will take place at the Innovation and Design Building in the Seaport district. Entrance is completely free of charge and will be open to the public from 10-6PM.

For more information on the Boston exhibition, click here.

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Road to Russia: Work Hard, Train Hard

Polartec is proud to sponsor the first-ever all female team and the first American team in five years to compete in the 14th annual Red Fox Adventure Race. Jimi Alida, Shawnie Mulligan, Kathleen Wickam, and Amy Caldwell tell their story on the Road to Russia blog.

Amy Caldwell May 21st, 2015:

I met up with my husband for a work trip this past week in Norway. We own a small specialty Nordic race business and we go to Norway to pick skis at Madshus 1-2 times per year. The spring can be a pretty chilly and wet time of year to visit Norway, but we were lucky and enjoyed a great week of weather in Lillehammer.

We went on 2 fantastic hour and a half runs navigating the trails around Lillehammer during our stay. Lillehammer has some of the most extensive trail networks that I have ever seen anywhere. In the winter, many of the trails are used as ski trails which are also endless and amazing. That said, some of the smaller trails are quite rugged – containing a ton of rocks, bogs and slippery roots. I am hoping it will get me geared up for the trekking sections of the Red Fox Adventure Race. Actually, I have no idea what the trekking sections will be like, but I would like to be prepared for anything.

On Thursday and Friday morning, we were able to borrow a vehicle to go crust skiing up in Sjoeson, Norway. It is only about 15km away from Lillehammer but the added elevation makes it hold snow much later into the spring. The crust was excellent for skate skiing so we could go just about anywhere. And we did. It was some of the best spring skiing I have ever had.

After our ski on Friday morning, we took a train to Oslo and then flew to Munich. We usually spend our “free” weekend hiking in the Austrian Alps but figured there would still be too much snow to get very far into the mountains. So, we ended up going to Duggendorf, Germany for the weekend. We spent all day Saturday doing lift-service downhill mountain biking. It might not have been the best cardiovascular training but it is something both my husband and I have wanted to do for a long time. We had a blast and will definitely do it again soon. On Sunday, we went on a really nice three and a half hour run through the forest around Duggendorf. The trails ended up being perfect for running and we enjoyed checking out some new territory.

After our run, we drove to Ried, Austria where we will work picking skis at Fischer until Friday when we head back home again to the States.

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CX Life

We sit down with our sponsored Cyclocross athlete, Dylan McNicholas, to gain insight into his CX lifestyle. 

How did you get into cyclocross? I got into cycling after joining some motocross buddies on their training ride. I enjoyed cycling, so I started road and mountain bike racing, which eventually led to CX. Cyclocross instantly became my preferred discipline.

Which race is your favorite? It's hard to choose a favorite race. If pressed, I'd pick Providence CX Festival or GP Gloucester.

How do you stay in shape? I stay in shape during the "off season" by road racing, mountain bike racing, and cruising with friends. After CX wraps up in January, I do some gym work and also like to get a bit of winter hiking in.

How does Polartec affect your performance? Polartec's effect on my performance is largely related to the technical fabrics used in many of my preferred cold weather garments. It's these products that allow me to continue training and remain comfortable during harsh New England winters. I hate stationary trainers, so I've got to be able to get outside regardless of weather.

What has been your biggest career challenge? While the sport can create some unique challenges, I'd say my biggest are very much like those faced by the majority of athletes - balancing work, training, family, and other hobbies/interests. I'm fortunate enough to get to focus on the racing/training more than most people due to the incredible support of my sponsors and family, but I'm also raising a sweet 6 year old girl, so I definitely stay busy busy!

What would your advice be to someone just starting out in the sport? Take a clinic, find a mentor, ask questions, have fun!

Happy mind= happy legs.

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Tell us how Polartec NeoShell has or will affect(ed) your cycling lifestyle for a chance to win a Sugoi NeoShell cap! 

Be sure to mention @Polartec and #BikeMonth. We’re giving away 5 hats, so spread the word! 

Here are the rules: 

1. Follow Polartec on Twitter 2. Tell us how Polartec NeoShell has or will affect(ed) your cycling lifestyle. 3. Share the contest-- we’ll direct message you if you win! 

The contest starts Monday, May 18th and ends May 25th. We will announce the winners on the Polartec Twitter page on May 26th. 

Good luck, and happy tweeting!

Official Rules:

Tell us how Polartec NeoShell has or will affect(ed) your cycling lifestyle for a chance to wine a Sugoi NeoShell cap!

How to enter: Follow Polartec on Twitter.  Tell us how Polartec NeoShell has or will affect(ed) you cycling lifestyle.  Be sure to mention @Polartec and #BikeMonth.  Share the contest on Twitter and we will direct message you if you win.  The contest starts Monday, May 18, 2015 and ends Monday, May 25, 2015.  Winners will be announced on the Polartec Twitter page on May 26, 2015.   Winner qualifications: -Must be 18 years or older to enter. -Must be a U.S. resident. -Must not have won a Polartec contest within the past 30 days. -Must be a follower of @Polartec Twitter account. -One entry per person, unless specified in contest details. Winner Selection: -Winners selected randomly from all qualifying entries. -Winners are selected at our discretion. -Five winners will be selected to receive a Sugoi NeoShell cap. - Polartec’s decision is final, therefore no sniveling about our selection. Claiming a prize: Polartec will direct message the winners on Twitter.  The winner will need to email the following information to the appropriate address, specified in the contest details: name, daytime phone number, shipping address, Twitter handle, and prize awarded.  Please use the Polartec NeoShell Contest in the subject line. You will be emailed a confirmation of receipt of your email.  Prize fulfillment will take between 4-6 weeks. Polartec Main contests: [email protected] Polartec contests: [email protected] Prize forfeiture: You have 24 hours from the time of the Winner Notification post to claim your prize.  If you exceed that time frame or do not submit all the information as we have requested it, then you will forfeit your prize. Shipping Costs: In general, Polartec will ship prizes to U.S. destinations for free, unless otherwise specified. Usage of content: You agree that by submitting an entry into our online contest that the content of your entry becomes the property of Polartec.  Polartec may use your images and text to share publicly for marketing purposes without your written permission, a photo credit or further compensation, monetary or otherwise.

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ROAD TO RUSSIA: HEALTHY RELEASE

Polartec is proud to sponsor the first-ever all female team, and the first American team in five years, to compete in the 14th annual Red Fox Adventure Race. Jimi Alida, Shawnie Mulligan, Kathleen Wickam, and Amy Caldwell tell their story on the Road to Russia blog.

Amy Caldwell May 12, 2015:

This past week hasn’t quite turned out exactly like I was hoping it would. I had planned on doing some easy early sessions followed by some harder/longer sessions later in the week. I was also planning on leaving for Norway and Austria on Saturday to go on a work trip for our business with my husband.

My week started out with some easy sessions in order to recover from some hard training at the end of last week. This included a run, mountain bike ride with the TGS kids, and my first introduction to orienteering.

I had reached out to the New England Orienteering Club a bit ago and it turns out they have weekly training events every Wednesday. I asked if they would mind if I showed up to learn how to do this and they were incredibly inviting. My friend, Tom Wisdom (ex- Cobra helicopter pilot for the Marines), and my son, Gunnar, came along to help. It was a lot of fun and a bit harder than I was expecting. There were 11 controls that were spaced out in about a 5km loop. The hard part was that most of the controls were placed about 100m off of any really obvious trail or landmark, so it took some serious map reading to figure out where they were. After doing this, I realize this is a learned skill and I will definitely come back and try to get better at this and make sure to keep having Tom help me until he tires of it.

Midweek, I unfortunately got some very sad news. My uncle who has been battling pancreatic cancer took a sudden turn for the worse. He was diagnosed about a year ago and as most people know, it is one of the worst types of cancers to get diagnosed with. 

That said, he has been leading a remarkable life this past year and has not let it alter his lifestyle. He has continued to work and has played an amazing amount of golf, some of his favorite things along with his family and friends. I had just seen him 2 weeks ago in Florida when he was just getting back from a golfing vacation in Arizona and thought he looked good. Unfortunately, his type of cancer can move incredibly fast and all of a sudden things were looking very grim.

He had been one of my favorite relatives, so I really felt that I needed to go out and see him one last time. I rearranged my travel and flew out to Minneapolis on Saturday instead of Oslo to spend a couple of days with my uncle and my close family. It was totally worth it. Both my father and younger brother in-law both died of cancer last spring and I know how important it was for both me and hopefully them to have close family around them to help them on their way. 

That said, exercise is also a very nice, healthy release, so we did plenty of mountain biking at home. I was happy to be able to go on a run with my twin sister and attended a spin class with both of my sisters in Minneapolis.

I am now at the airport in Newark, NJ on my way to Oslo, Norway. Tomorrow I will take a train to Lillihammer and meet up with my husband in the Madshus ski factory for some ski picking.

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5 Things CX'ers Should Know:

Polartec’s sponsored Cyclocross athlete, Dylan McNicholas, shares 5 things he thinks CX'ers should know:

Run what you've got. You don't need to run out and buy a brand name bike or gear. A used CX bike is perfect to start with. As a beginner equipment is the least of limiters of performance. 

Have fun. Keep pushing 100%. There are numerous races within the race.

Go race. Nothing improves performance and skills like participation. A good clinic is also an excellent investment.

Dress/prepare for the conditions (bring more than you think you'll need). The weather in many races during fall and winter can be wet and cold. Proper gear is the difference between having fun and staying focused on the race, and being cold and miserable. 

Take an opportunity to introduce a kid, family, or friend to the sport. CX races are great events to support one another and have a great day of fun and camaraderie. 

ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET.

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Road to Russia: Start Pedaling

Polartec is proud to sponsor the first-ever all female team and the first American team in five years to compete in the 14th annual Red Fox Adventure Race. Jimi Alida, Shawnie Mulligan, Kathleen Wickam, and Amy Caldwell tell their story on the Road to Russia blog.

Amy Caldwell May 7th, 2015:

Originally, my spring plans had been pretty simple. Start pedaling so I can race a bunch of fun regional mountain bike races. Now my plans have changed. I recently found out that I will be racing for the Polartec Sponsored, Red Fox North American team in an upcoming adventure race in Russia. I am very excited and also quite nervous. I now somehow need to get into great cycling, running, and paddling shape not to mention figure out how to orienteer. Oh well, it is hard to turn down a good challenge and a once in a lifetime experience!

My main training and recovery tool so far has been my Suunto Ambit 2 synced with the Firstbeat Software. This combination helps me track my training and recovery. It helps me identify when I am recovered from a hard workout and can handle some more hard training.

For biking fitness, I have focused my workouts on very hard workouts that are increasing in length. I figure for me, bike fitness should be the easiest to come by. I have been riding with one of the top local riders to accomplish this. So far, I think this is helping. I put in a solid 4 hour session over the weekend with no issues.

I have fallen out of any sort of running shape over the last couple of years so this is where I am focusing my attention. I have had the help of my good PT friend give me a bunch of daily exercises to help reduce the chance of injury. In addition, I am focusing on 3 quality runs a week, 2 at a relatively solid pace and the third workout pushing both the pace and distance.

For paddling, I have spent a few hours doing this so far and find it to be a great way to tax some different muscle groups. All in all, I am using my previous triathlon training knowledge to tackle the upcoming race. I am hoping that will be enough to keep up with my teammates!

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The details: Chambray and Polartec with this week’s outfit selections from @norseprojects and @uptherestore

www.uptherestore.com/blog

#upthere #uptherestore #snobshots #outfit #outfitoftheweek #wdywt #norseprojects #rokvvi #neoshell #polartec #corduroy #aroschino #chambray #madeinjapan #shirting

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Polartec Sits Down with Ed Viesturs

What inspired you to climb without oxygen in the first place?

The challenge and respect of the mountain. 29,000ft is truly 29,000ft without oxygen. People like to get to the top to accomplish that, but I wanted to experience the whole mountain.

Which mountain took the most attempts to summit?

Everest took 3 times, and so did Anna Purna.

Which was harder?

Everest was more challenging physically, but Anna Purna was more risky.

What was the most challenging moment in your climbing career?

When I made the decision to go back to Anna Purna for the third time. It was the last of the 14 peaks. I committed to the trip to just go see it, and decide if I would attempt. When I got there, I listened to the mountain and it felt right.

What are your next goals to accomplish?

I would like to raise money to support Big City Mountaineers, hang with my kids, and be a good dad. Also, do some small adventures and guiding.

What is your favorite trip you’ve been on?

Antarctica. It is completely different than anything I’ve seen. There aren’t many living things and it’s mostly white, cold rock. It is still untouched, and beautiful.

What are your thoughts on what Killian Jornet and company is doing for the sport of trail running and how is it affecting mountaineering?

He’s innovating and pushing within his comfort zone. Everything has to be perfect for that type of success. It is an extreme that not many people can pull off.

Why do you like to identify with a brand like Polartec?

Because they make fabrics that I use, trust, and believe in.

Do you have any predications for the next big technical innovations in alpine climbing?

A skintight suit with a built in thermostat. You would be able to dial it up for comfort and live in it.

What is the most dramatic rescue you have ever been involved in?

Assisting bringing Beck Weathers down from Everest in 1996.  His hands were frozen and the terrain was rough.

What do you do to keep in shape off the mountain?

Trail running, mountain biking, back country skiing, hiking, and climbing.

What has been your biggest challenge in life off the mountain?

Making a living by doing what I love. It’s challenging, but fun.

You’re a living legend in alpine climbing. What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done that didn’t involve pulling yourself up a mountain?

I recently swam with Reef Sharks in the Bahamas.

Would you do it again?

Yes. 

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“Getting to the top is optional, getting back down is mandatory. A lot of people forget about that.”

Ed Viesturs

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We’re taking you inside our plant in Lawrence, MA to show you step-by-step how Polartec Fleece is made!

7th step: The fabric is dyed! 

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Apex Award Designer Profile: Mountain Force

Christine Hawthorn and Brigit Dubacher Apex Award Winner Mountain Force

How did you get your start in design?

B. Dubacher: I worked closely with experienced designers and learned a lot on the daily job.

C. Hawthorn: I have always been creative and drawing for as long as I can remember!  I studied Illustration at University and after graduating, I realised I wanted to expand my creative knowledge onto apparel and textiles. I began putting illustrations and graphics onto apparel and gaining knowledge about textiles and technical apparel design, eventually landing myself a freelance role at a skiwear company.

How would you describe your design process? Where do you get your ideas?

B. Dubacher: Our design process is very well organized and we develop the collection with mile stone meetings and precise responsibilities for the design and development team.

C. Hawthorn: I get design inspiration from everywhere... of course looking at fashion trends, but also interior design, architecture, music and other cultures. I am always collecting images, whether they are inspiration for style, print and pattern, colour, or which simply evoke strong emotions. Then I arrange my collected research into common themes and work out how to apply them to a project or collection.

What was it about this specific Polartec fabric that intrigued you? What problem did it solve? What role does performance and quality play into your process?

B. Dubacher: We loved the wool surface and the cozy back side. We were looking for a fabric which keeps warm and does not scratch on the skin.

C. Hawthorn: We were looking for a warm cosy stretch fabric which could be used both as a midlayer item in our Ski Collection, and that could also be used as a casual style off the ski slopes. This was a perfect 'crossover' fabric for us. Performance and quality are extremely important for us as Mountain Force only uses high quality materials, and working with a well known name such as Polartec helps us grow as a brand.

How did you decide you needed to work with Polartec?

B. Dubacher: Using a brand like Polartec helps to get trust of the end customer. It is not just a great looking fabric, it is also a great function behind the fabric which we were seeking for our brand and products.

What did you think when you won the Polartec Apex Award?

B. Dubacher: I was totally happy to know that the Polartec Apex Award Team judged the product in same way. The product was already one of my favorite items in our collection as it is extremely versatile. It can be used for many kinds of sport activities and looks also great worn with a denim pants.

C. Hawthorn: It was so nice to receive an award and celebrate our teamwork, especially when up against so many successful brands!

What are the current trends that you’re seeing in your industry?

B. Dubacher: More and more customer want to wear unique styles but many brands offer exchangeable products. The customer looks for innovative fibers and material compositions with maximum comfort and function. Another big topic is sustainable production of fabrics and the garments. We are a Fair Wear Foundation Member and care a lot about the relationship with our suppliers. We visit our factories regular, discuss questions during the design, development and production process and find solutions together.

C. Hawthorn: In our industry the customer wants to feel like they are buying something special and unique with high quality and workmanship, which is why traditional craftsmanship and service are huge parts of Mountain Force. I think heritage and tradition are as important as new technology and innovations.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job? Most exciting thing about designing?

B. Dubacher: The starting point of a collection is very special. I enjoy the exchange of ideas to find out the right direction for designs, fabrics, shapes, prints, trims, etc. but it is also great to see the  realization of the colors on the fabric, to fit the samples with the selected fabrics, to confirm trims developed from a given sketch and very special to see at the end the ready-made product.

C. Hawthorn: It's especially exciting at the beginning of the season when we brainstorm ideas and compare our research and ideas within the design and development team.

I love working with colours and prints, and as a designer it's always rewarding seeing the artwork appear on a fabric, or seeing a finished jacket which started as a sketch or moodboard.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming designers?

B. Dubacher: Be open for new tasks – I have learned a lot by developing collections for different target groups.

C. Hawthorn: Be open-minded, flexible and look for inspiration EVERYWHERE!

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Apex Award Designer Profile: Mountain Force

Birgit Dubacher Apex Award Winner Mountain Force

How did you get your start in design?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: I worked closely with experienced designers and learned a lot on the daily job.

How would you describe your design process? Where do you get your ideas?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: Our design process is very well organized and we develop the collection with mile stone meetings and precise responsibilities for the design and development team.

What was it about this specific Polartec fabric that intrigued you? What problem did it solve? What role does performance and quality play into your process?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: We loved the wool surface and the cozy back side. We were looking for a fabric which keeps warm and does not scratch on the skin.

How did you decide you needed to work with Polartec?

Using a brand like Polartec helps to get trust of the end customer. It is not just a great looking fabric, it is also a great function behind the fabric which we were seeking for our brand and products.

What did you think when you won the Polartec Apex Award?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: I was totally happy to know that the Polartec Apex Award Team judged the product in same way. The product was already one of my favorite items in our collection as it is extremely versatile. It can be used for many kinds of sport activities and looks also great worn with a denim pants.

What are the current trends that you’re seeing in your industry?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: More and more customer want to wear unique styles but many brands offer exchangeable products. The customer looks for innovative fibers and material compositions with maximum comfort and function. Another big topic is sustainable production of fabrics and the garments. We are a Fair Wear Foundation Member and care a lot about the relationship with our suppliers. We visit our factories regular, discuss questions during the design, development and production process and find solutions together.

What do you like about your industry? Dislikes?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: I do not like the trend of low priced or discount products which are only worn for the short time. I am very happy to see that the mind of the customers is changing and the value of the single product gets more important.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job? Most exciting thing about designing?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: The starting point of a collection is very special. I enjoy the exchange of ideas to find out the right direction for designs, fabrics, shapes, prints, trims, etc. but it is also great to see the  realization of the colors on the fabric, to fit the samples with the selected fabrics, to confirm trims developed from a given sketch and very special to see at the end the ready-made product.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming designers?

Product Development/ B. Dubacher: Be open for new tasks – I have learned a lot by developing collections for different target groups.

Christine Hawthorn Apex Award Winner Mountain Force

How did you get your start in design?  

I have always been creative and drawing for as long as I can remember! I studied Illustration at University and after graduating, I realised I wanted to expand my creative knowledge onto apparel and textiles. I began putting illustrations and graphics onto apparel and gaining knowledge about textiles and technical apparel design, eventually landing myself a freelance role at a skiwear company. 

How would you describe your design process? Where do you get your ideas?

I get design inspiration from everywhere... of course looking at fashion trends, but also interior design, architecture, music and other cultures. I am always collecting images, whether they are inspiration for style, print and pattern, colour, or which simply evoke strong emotions. Then I arrange my collected research into common themes and work out how to apply them to a project or collection.

What was it about this specific Polartec fabric that intrigued you? What problem did it solve? What role does performance and quality play into your process? How did you decide you needed to work with Polartec?

We were looking for a warm cosy stretch fabric which could be used both as a midlayer item in our Ski Collection, and that could also be used as a casual style off the ski slopes. This was a perfect 'crossover' fabric for us. Performance and quality are extremely important for us as Mountain Force only uses high quality materials, and working with a well known name such as Polartec helps us grow as a brand. 

What did you think when you won the Polartec Apex Award?

It was so nice to receive an award and celebrate our teamwork, especially when up against so many successful brands!

What are the current trends that you’re seeing in your industry? What do you like about your industry? Dislikes?

In our industry the customer wants to feel like they are buying something special and unique with high quality and workmanship, which is why traditional craftsmanship and service are huge parts of Mountain Force. I think heritage and tradition are as important as new technology and innovations.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job? Most exciting thing about designing?

It's especially exciting at the beginning of the season when we brainstorm ideas and compare our research and ideas within the design and development team.

I love working with colours and prints, and as a designer it's always rewarding seeing the artwork appear on a fabric, or seeing a finished jacket which started as a sketch or moodboard.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming designers?

Be open-minded, flexible and look for inspiration EVERYWHERE!

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We’re taking you inside our plant in Lawrence, MA to show you step-by-step how Polartec Fleece is made!

6th step: After the fabric is knitted, it is rolled up to be be transported to the dye machine.  

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Apex Award Designer Profile: Athleta

Nancy Taylor Apex Award Winner Athleta

How did you get your start in design? 

All of our team is passionate about fashion and the creativity of design. Many of our designers started with us right out of design school.

How would you describe your design process? Where do you get your ideas? 

We start on many levels by usually draw our inspiration from the fashion market and see how we can interpret the trends into performance fabrications.

What was it about this specific Polartec fabric that intrigued you? What problem did it solve? What role does performance amd quality play into your process? How did you decide you needed to work with Polartec?

The  idea of giving her a water proof fabrication that can breath is such an innovative story. In the past if she wanted to stay dry, it also meant that she felt as if she was wrapped in a plastic bag. The elevation in the look of the fabrication and the breathability that it offers was a win  for us

What did you think when you won the Polartec Apex Award?

 It was a wonderful award for the Athleta team and we were proud to be acknowledged for the design style that marries fashion and function

What are the current trends that you’re seeing in your industry? What do you like about your industry? Dislikes?

We're seeing a trend to urbanization and a more versatile product. Our customer wants to buy clothing that will perform for her and will look good walking down the street.

What’s the most exciting thing about your job? Most exciting thing about designing?

The creativity in designing clothing that works for her busy active life. Actually solving problems for her and her wardrobe.

What advice do you have for up-and-coming designers?

Always remain creative and inspired. Try to carve out the space for this as life and work become even more demanding.