Willie Hall
The Art Institute of New York City
A.O.S. Fashion Design Graduate 2005

Freelance Designer
Formerly part time assistant to Andre Van Pier,
Fashion Designer to A-List stars (Liz Taylor, Diana Ross, Madonna)

Inspiration
'My father was a hard working man who said to do whatever makes you happy. I went back to school to study fashion, and I’m so pleased with that decision.'

History
Willie attended a fashion vocational high school. After a detour into another field, she knew it was time to follow her heart. She was so successful as an Olympus Fashion Week volunteer, she was asked to volunteer at Fashion Week in Los Angeles.

Memories
'I loved all my instructors—they were great and talented individuals who showed love for their students.'

Personal Quote
'I love fabric and fashion and the joy of watching people wear what I have created. My life has changed so much since I left school, it’s greater than great. I hope I have a lot more years to do what makes me happy.'

 
Lillian Kutzuba
The Art Institute of New York City
Fashion Design graduate 2006

Pre-production Assistant

Career Path
'My career was a chance happening. Before my current job, I had worked in restaurants without even thinking about having a career job. I got this job through a friend who thought I was the right person for the opening.'

Describe Your Duties
'My company mainly works in leather. I create technical sketches & flats, work with shipments to overseas factories, help fit garments and correct the fit if necessary, email buyers.'

Personal Quote
'My education at The Art Institute of New York City taught me that not everything in life will be easy or fit my view of the world, but change can be for the better. Once you look at all the angles, views and options, you realize that life inside the box can be just as nice as outside it.'

 
Bonnie Geronimo
The Art Institute of New York City
Fashion Design graduate 2006

Assistant Designer

Inspiration
'My influence and inspiration is my grandmother. She was a seamstress for many years, but never got to expand and live her dreams. I want to live that dream for her.'

Memories
'At The Art Institute of New York City, Monica Spence was a genuinely special person who, from the first day in class, inspired me to continue with whatever it was I wanted. She taught me to focus, because dreams do come true.'

Current Position
'At my job as Assistant Designer at Francis Hendy, Inc. I touch on every aspect of fashion; patterns, flat sketching and clothing construction.'

Personal Quote
'My long term aspiration is to continue doing what I live for – fashion. Loving what you do is the greatest gift and passion one can have.'