We recently connected with Krystal Fortune and have shared our conversation below.

Krystal, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen?

From as far back as I can remember I have always had an interest in the blending of music, culture and art. These three forms of creation have always been a source for my personal motivation to innovate and create with intention and impact. The desire to transform my ideas into reality led me to start sewing at 11 years old. In middle and high school I was able to constructively and successfully create garments from my budding imagination which was instrumental for me in finding what my life purpose and future career goals would be.

While my peers were decompressing from the stresses of high school life, I was so determined to achieve my dream of becoming a fashion designer that I started classes at the Art Institute of NYC two weeks after my graduation in 2007. While at the Art Institute of NYC I went above and beyond to make sure I took advantage of all the knowledge presented to me. My time management skills led me to effortlessly balance school, working part time and internships simultaneously.

At the Art Institute it was required that I successfully complete at least one internship so I applied directly to Tommy Hilfiger for a Color Services position and was quickly accepted. This was the first time I was exposed to a global branded corporate environment. I learned the importance of team work with so many departments working side by side simultaneously to make sure product was produced perfectly.
Although only one internship was required to graduate, I decided to go above and beyond and successfully landed an amazing opportunity as an NYFW intern where I was able to shadow the very talented Thuy Diep during her entire process of preparing, managing and ultimately showing her collection at the Tents In Bryant Park. It was there that I was exposed to the fast paced product development process and how to strategically plan and organize multiple tasks using PLM. To be involved and help with so many projects was an amazing learning experience. With a tight knit team we were able to multitask and reach a deadline which was ultimately a successful highly publicized fashion show.

After graduating from the Art Institute of NYC in 2009, I continued to quickly progress my career by designing professionally for different manufacturing companies. I have designed for multiple categories including denim, hosiery, accessories, outerwear and footwear. While working in these manufacturing settings I have become comfortable designing with price point and distribution channels in mind at all times. Throughout the years I have been fortunate enough to head design for multiple well known licensees while making sure their brand integrities stay intact. Some of those well known brands include Tretorn, Eddie Bauer, Nicole Miller, Lands End, Jockey, Izod, US POLO ASSN, Hawaiian Tropic, Totes, Sporto, Weatherproof Vintage, Khombu Dickies, Dockers, Nautica and Saucony. I have also designed successful products for private label lines for JCPenney, Kohls, Costco Macys etc.

Apart from my design knowledge, a large part of where I absorb inspiration comes from travel. While at my current employer it has been required that as Head Designer that I travel to different cities both stateside and internationally to constantly refresh product assortments. Prior to the pandemic I was traveling to China at least four times a year to watch over development. In addition I have also had to book emergency trips when necessary if a major production problem arose. I am comfortable traveling on my own to multiple provinces in China. I have met and collaborated with different factories in Dongguan, Guangzhou, Jinjiang, Ningbo, Shenzen, Putian and Nanjing just to name a few.

I feel strongly about constantly looking for new opportunities to upskill, network and tackle new challenges. In the past year to fulfil my personal need of upskilling I applied for and successfully landed a scholarship for the FIT X COMPLEX Sneaker Essentials certification online course. I am currently still taking these classes in my free time and I am hoping to complete and receive my certificate by the end of this year.
I also actively make it a habit to network as much as possible and have been fortunate enough to be invited to multiple events by members of Footwear News and the FDRA that have opened my eyes to the importance of collaboration to tackle new challenges. In my opinion the largest problem the apparel and footwear industry needs to find a solution to is sustainability and impact.

Knowing what I know now every step in my journey was necessary for my personal growth and I wouldn’t change anything in my path. I do have a wish though which is that I had more mentors to guide me along the way when I had to make important career decisions or conquer certain obstacles. Because of that wish I am actively doing the work to make sure I am available to women in the footwear industry or would like to be introduced to it so that they don’t feel alone and are introduced to a welcoming community of support.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Krystal Fortune, and I am an Afro Latina designer hailing from the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York. Growing up in a cultural melting pot filled with fashion, music, and art, I discovered my love for footwear as a medium of self-expression at a tender age, eagerly sketching my design visions with a marker in hand. With an unwavering determination, I embarked on a journey of dreaming big, conceptualizing ideas, and transforming them into living, breathing realities. As a seasoned footwear designer, I have honed my craft over the course of 10+ years, specializing in creative direction and line building. Throughout my illustrious career, I have had the privilege of collaborating with esteemed brands such as Tretorn, Eddie Bauer, Nicole Miller, Lands’ End, Jockey, Izod, and US Polo Association. Working tirelessly, I have overseen the creation and production of countless market-ready products, catering to diverse consumer demographic channels. Adaptability and innovative problem-solving have become second nature to me, allowing me to navigate any obstacle that crosses my path. Witnessing my footwear designs come to life online, in-stores, or adorning the feet of strangers on the subway never fails to elicit a profound sense of fulfillment. Recently, I found myself at a pivotal moment in my career, prompting me to join the Black Footwear Forum. This transformative experience has opened my eyes to the incredible power of community and mentorship .Driven by a deep-seated desire to empower and support women of color in their pursuit of breaking into the footwear industry, I have made it my mission to provide guidance and mentorship. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by women of color within the industry, I am dedicated to helping them overcome these barriers. My ultimate aspiration is to witness a proliferation of BIPOC-owned footwear brands and foster a truly diverse and inclusive environment within the industry. It is my fervent hope that by sharing my expertise, I can play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of the footwear industry, making it a place where everyone’s voices and talents are celebrated.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I am currently in the beginning stages of my career pivot. I am still currently employed full time as a footwear designer but am beginning to open my mind to the possibility of lending my talents to different parts of the industry outside of design. At this point of my career I am passionate about giving back to the next generation and am doing everything I can to network and upskill whenever possible to make that happen.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I wish I had access to a community of footwear professionals when I was starting my career journey. From a young age I knew I wanted to study footwear but there were not of options in nyc for me to do so without going across or out of the country to do so. Being the first born daughter I grew up a bit sheltered and did not feel that my parents would let me go to school so far away. Settling for a fashion design degree instead of a footwear/accessories degree was a decision I had to make to get my foot in the business and it turned out being a footwear designer was always going to be my destiny. I recommend anyone looking to get into the footwear industry to look into pensole Lewis college which is based in Detroit or  Solecial Studies Program located in Dumbo Brooklyn.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.fortunefootgear.com
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krystalivelisfortune/