Effective time management skills are essential when preparing for fashion week, along with having a good pair of sheers. Proper time management is critical as the event nears, as poor management can result in escalating chaos and stress, diminishing the overall experience. In this blog post, I will discuss how I manage my time effectively while juggling a full-time job and a social life.
As I write this blog post, it's currently 8:22 am, and I'm enjoying a smoke on my balcony. I've already dedicated my initial three hours to planning and preparing my tasks for the day, ensuring I have a substantial workload ahead. Effective planning and preparation are crucial in time management. Throughout the workweek, I allocate my time to tasks such as cutting and drafting patterns, testing fabrics, laying out patterns, and, if time permits, cutting the fabric. This strategy allows me to focus more on sewing during the weekends, as I prefer to begin early in the morning to simulate a typical work or school day.
During my time in college, I learned valuable time management skills. As an art student, I had multiple classes lasting 2-3 hours each. Through this experience, I have become adept at working within this time frame, taking breaks in between. A typical school day would consist of two 3-hour classes, with breaks in between where I would take time to relax, perhaps have lunch, and socialize with friends before returning to my work. This routine remains consistent even now, as I have already completed all the tasks I had planned for the week. I dedicated the first 3 hours to preparation and planning, cutting out patterns, and assessing my remaining fabric. After the break, I will spend several hours finishing the tasks I had set out to do. Following this, I will likely take a nap, review and plan for the next day. This approach to time management enables me to work efficiently without becoming exhausted or overwhelmed. If something is not progressing as expected and disrupts my schedule, I am comfortable pausing it, knowing that I can return to it later or reevaluate my approach.
Work smarter, not harder! This was a valuable lesson I picked up during my time in college when I was involved in creating costumes for AbstraKt Ent., a dance group. When preparing for performances, I often had to produce multiple versions of the same garment in various sizes. This required careful planning in terms of what to create and the sequence in which to create them, which was an integral part of the design process. When working on designs for Josway, I prefer to improvise while utilizing just two patterns - a body-con dress and a flared pant pattern. With these two patterns, I am able to create a wide range of pieces for a collection!
My design process always begins with plus sizes. Starting with larger sizes when adjusting patterns and selecting fabrics is more practical, as it prevents the issue of having leftover scraps for the plus size garments. In the case of Josway, I prefer the plus-size looks to be both wearable and functional. Even though Josway creates intricate and stunning pieces, I aim for the plus-size models to feel integrated into the collection, providing them with a sense of self-assurance and confidence. It is important that plus-size models are not treated as a mere novelty!
Practice patience towards yourself and those around you in the fashion industry, where stress and pressure are common. Show kindness to yourself and others by setting realistic expectations for yourself, your models, and anyone assisting or participating. Effective communication is key, although its form may vary. For instance, before NYFW, I was overwhelmed with work, so it was crucial to inform Josway that I wouldn't meet his deadline and would bring my progress to NY instead. By addressing the issue promptly, I avoided any problems that could have arisen from unmet promises. In the unpredictable fashion industry, communication is vital to mitigate challenges. During fashion week and shows, mishaps are inevitable - it's all about how you manage them!
Here are some additional tips for fashion week!
-Opt for comfortable footwear: When designing your fashion week outfits, prioritize functionality and choose a comfortable pair of shoes
-Carry a sketchbook: Having a sketchbook not only adds a stylish touch but also allows you to jot down new ideas and keep a record of previous ones
-Camera: Whether using an iPhone or a DSLR, capture as many photos as necessary to document your creations and the city's attractions
-Nutrition: Remember to eat well and stay hydrated
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