Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to LISA MCFADDEN. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
LISA, appreciate you joining us today. What was the most important lesson/experience you had in a job that has helped you in your creative career?
Freelancing in fashion was the best experience that helped shape my career in the industry. I worked through agencies as a designer, illustrator and technical designer at various apparel firms, large and small and on various product categories. Broad exposure to the interior landscape of fashion taught me more than one can imagine. Firstly, it takes a vast and multi-level village to get that jacket on a hanger. Secondly, what I learned in design school was very useful including but not limited to portfolio presentation, CAD, patternmaking, costume history, textiles, and how to spec a garment. This knowledge enabled me to adapt to different environments and get a feel for each company’s culture; some of which turned into permanent positions. Thirdly, what I consider the most important lesson is not to let anyone define your abilities. Once I added a few technical design jobs to my resume, some of those agencies put me in a box and I allowed it because there was an abundance of well paying jobs under that title. Fostering relationships along the way was helpful in eventually contracting my own job leads. There was also a great sense of freedom from conventional work routines and schedules. The downside is that it lacked creativity which I grew to miss as the years flew by. I managed to get back to my design roots between gigs, but if asked what I would do differently, I’d say stay focused on your passion. Your pocket will follow.
LISA, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
After more than 20 years of experience working in the New York City fashion industry as an illustrator, fashion designer and technical designer with companies such as Ann Taylor, J Crew and Gap Inc. I founded LISAMCFADDEN MILLINERY out of my Bronx atelier in 2014. I studied millinery while earning a BFA in Fashion Design from American Intercontinental University in Atlanta, Georgia graduating with top craftsmanship honors. My headwear company’s mission is to encourage wearers to express their own creativity while solving a few needs….versatility and special sizing. My designs fuse contemporary style with vintage inspiration. The brand’s signature CRUSH collection allows the wearer to sculpt the hats each time they’re worn – going from casual to dramatic in moments. They are catalysts for bringing out one’s inner artist. LISAMCFADDEN MILLINERY tutorial aids are available on my YouTube channel. In person and virtual shopping experiences and assistance are also available to clients looking for handmade millinery. These one of a kind headpieces are what I call confections. Just one look and you’ll know why.
‘Golden Child’ and ‘Bird of Paradise’ were in special exhibitions of couture headwear at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Media coverage includes VogueRunway.com, GoldenGlobes.com, CFDA.com, The Hat Magazine, National Geographic Your Shot, Hatalk, and the cover of Fault Magazine. Collaborations with designers include Stephen Burrows, Byron Lars and Sheila Gray, as well as the textile designers at Savel, Inc. Most recently, my fashion film short Journey Cuba was selected for Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival and Lecture Series in NYC. The project was supported by a super talented crew. Serving as Executive Producer, Creative Director, Producer, and of course, Milliner was truly a labor of love. This film is among many passion projects I plan to pursue for the brand and to stretch my creativity.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
During the time leading up to my shift to entrepreneurship I revisited a book I’d had for decades. It regresses you to your creative beginnings and helps you reassess your purpose going forward. It’s called The Artists’ Way. Exercises are at the end of each chapter to help you refocus and uncover creativity that’s been ignored or untapped. The other book is Be a Free Range Human. This was a new title for me and very helpful for transitioning out of a 9 to 5. It really opened my eyes to possibilities and how to get out of my own way.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative person is witnessing how my art makes others feel. During the darkest days of the pandemic I questioned how making hats was important. With so many pressing, life threatening issues in the world everyone’s priorities shifted, including mine. Initially, I did research on what kind of masks were needed and what I could actually provide. I began making them from stock fabrics in my studio. People were happy to receive something necessary yet in colorful prints to brighten their day. Pivoting the business crystalized for me just what art can do in the world.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lisamcfadden.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisamcfaddenmillinery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/LISAMCFADDENMILLINERY
Image Credits
Clockwise from top left: Blue CRUSH Cap: Philippe Rohdewald Victor Mirontchuk Victor Mirontchuk David Genik David Genik Mark Elzey Victor Mirontchuk Red Floral comb with veil: Claudine Fong