My Life In The Fashion Industry

1. My Life In The Fashion Industry Daniel C. King MAEd

2. Daniel King The following is a summary of my journey in the fashion industry from college to today

3. I graduated from Florida State University with a double major in Fashion Design and Merchandising. A fashion show was not part of the curriculum at Florida State University. I took it upon myself to work with a well known hair salon in Tallahassee to include the top students from my class in a hair and fashion show benefiting the American Cancer Society.

4. I continued to develop my design skills at Florida State University by participating in additional fashion shows.

5. Following Graduation • Interned at Jordan Marsh • Accepted into JM Management Program • Worked at several JM stores in S. Florida

6. While living in South Florida I continued my educational journey at Sheridan Vocational Technical Center. This program helped me hone my skills in pattern development.

7. While at Sheridan Vocational Technical Center I participated in extracurricular fashion activities.

8. Merchandise Manager • I joined Burdines as the Merchandise Manager at the Dadeland store • In 1992 I took a position at Rich’s Department Store in Atlanta, Georgia

9. Retail Management in Atlanta Me and my department were featured in WWD Women's Wear Daily 1994

10. While I was working at Rich’s I was part of a cooperative project involving a hairstylist, photographer, model, and myself; resulting in fantastic portfolio material. Below are the final results of my designs. Apparel Design is still part of who I am

11. Fashion Shows In Atlanta that I designed for

12. Fashion Show Editorials My designs were published in both the Atlanta Journal and Women's Wear Daily 6/1994

13. Striking Out On My Own

14. My Line was featured in Atlanta Fashion Shows

16. Keeping Up With The Fashion Industry… • In order to keep up with the fashion industry I wanted to learn how to design and make patterns on the computer • In 1995 I took several CAD (computer aided design) courses at Southern Polytechnic State University in Marietta, Georgia

17. I was a fast learner!!! • I really loved the CAD courses and picked it up very quickly • I was asked by the department head to assist on a government project the school had been awarded

18. The Project • The goal of the project was to compare the MTM (Made-To-Measure) CAD programs from the top 4 software vendors • In addition to Gerber, I work with Polygon, Lectra, and Investronica • I also oversaw the CAD classes when the instructor was away

19. Lectra • As the Project was coming to an end I was offered a position as CAD software trainer with Lectra Inc. • While at Lectra I discover my true passion…Teaching! • I taught over 1200 designers and pattern makers to become better software users and maximize their production output

20. As a trainer for Lectra I was certified in all Lectra Design and Production software as of 2007

21. Area of Expertise: MTM and Body Scanning • Audited and trained all Lectra North American clients who use the Made To Measure software solution • Assisted all Lectra North American Clients with implementation of the software • Clients include as Martin Greenfield, La Camicia, Jack Victor, and Ike Behar • Learning institutions include Cornell, University of Central Michigan, and the University of Minnesota • Attended trainings, seminars, and conferences including the D13.66 Task Group: Body Scanning Data at North Carolina University

22. Working with other Industries • In addition to training all areas of the apparel industry I also worked with other sewn product industries such as the furniture industry • Clients include Ashley Furniture, Hickory Hill, Laz-Z-Boy, Nemschoff, and King Hickory

23. Lifelong Learner • As a result of my software expertise I was appointed the Call Center Leader overseeing all production software at Lectra • I worked closely with a number of Universities that include Florida State University, Atlantic International University, Moore College of Art and Design, and Bauder College that use Lectra Software in their academic programs • I also received my Master’s of Art in Education

24. Next Steps: • I left Lectra in 2007 and returned to designing and pattern production • I worked with several Atlanta designers • I took on the role of Pattern Department Manager at a medium size active sportswear manufacturer

25. Expert in CAD Product Development and Custom Fitting

26. Auditioning for Project Runway • Bravo Casting • OPEN CASTING CALL FOR SEASON 4 OF "PROJECT RUNWAY"! • Fashion designers, do you have what it takes to make the cut on the next season of "Project Runway"? Well, grab your portfolios and get ready to prove it, as former cast members and "Project Runway" producers head across the country to judge the next crop of fashion hopefuls! • Open casting calls will be held on the following dates in the following cities: • · MIAMI, FLORIDAThursday, April 5, 20079am to 6pmThe Westin Colonnade Coral Gables180 Aragon Ave.Coral Gables, FL 33134 I was not selected as a finalist but did learn a lot about the process!!

27. GK Elite Sportswear • I wanted the experience of working in a manufacturing environment • Another great learning experience

28. Current Goals • Pass on my design and pattern development expertise to a new generation of designers • Mentor those who are entering the fashion industry • Continue to grow as a designer and artist Daniel King dking96@hotmail.com