Believe in Yourself

Katherine Lieu is a native New Yorker who grew up in the suburbs of Brooklyn. She has worked in the NY fashion industry her whole career. She is a well-rounded fashion professional having worked in different sectors of the industry. She is truly knowledgeable of a product from conception to production. She has experience in designing womenswear and merchandising footwear. She is currently residing in San Francisco and is expanding her skill set by learning the e-commerce business. She is open to opportunities in the US and abroad.

What should everyone know about you?
KL: I have worked in the fashion industry for 11+ years. In that time, I have worked in different sectors of the industry ranging from retail to design to production to merchandising.

What sparked your interest in design?
KL: It actually happened by accident. I had studied art my whole academic career until a project in my high school art changed my path. We were learning how the draw the human body which included sketching clothing. From that day on I started sketching as a hobby.

If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
KL: I would be a food critic. I love food! Food is comfort and it’s the thing that unites us all. I love learning how to make my favorite dishes, where our food comes from and new innovations in cooking.

Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
KL: Yes. I wouldn’t say avoid but couldn’t bear to wear. To this day I still can’t wear a dress shirt. I find it to be too stiff or restrictive to me. I’m more of a sun dress – flip flop kind of a girl. However, I have come to learn that there isn’t any article of clothing, footwear, or accessory you can’t wear. It’s more about finding the version that speaks to you. I have never liked boat shoes as I feel it was too manly but one day I found a pair that were feminine in design hence more to my liking.

What advice would you give to young designers?
KL: You have to believe in your product. I’m not talking about your designs but yourself. You are the product. If you don’t believe in yourself no one else will.

What would you like to achieve by the end of the year?
KL: I would like to start my own fashion line. I have been wanting to do this for a while but I have been afraid to take the leap.

Learn more about Katherine on StylePortfolios, Instagram and LinkedIn.

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