Trained in the conceptual and technical aspects of fashion and product design, I bring a holistic approach to each project I undertake. I studied fashion at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where I learnt the fundamentals of designing a garment from conceptual illustrations to construction, draping, pattern making and embellishment. During that time, I worked under the mentorship of award-wining artist/designer Nick Cave, where I gained an appreciation and understanding for sculpting fine and unconventional materials into inspiring forms. My two years working in his studio taught me to push the limits of conceptual design in terms shape and embellishment, as I was tasked with producing the intricate embroideries for his Soundsuits.

 

Shortly after graduating I launched my women’s luxury ready-to-wear and accessories label, SERPICO, (2006-2011). Featuring meticulously made garments with strong graphic lines, color blocking and hand embellishment, the collection was shown twice a year in New York, where it was sold to retailers in the US, Europe and the Middle East. In addition to opening a flagship store and custom department for private clients, I was involved in every aspect of running my label from design to marketing and working with Italian, Chinese and US factories. Producing 2-3 collections per year, I worked directly with mills in France and Italy to source specialty fabrics as well as create exclusive prints for my designs. I also have experience as a retail and design consultant. Among the projects I worked on was a collaboration with Toyota Japan in (2012), designing prototype vehicles, clothing and showrooms for their Concept Vehicle Department in Toyota City, Japan.  

 

These professional experiences have lead to my current passion and commitment to establishing a sustainable and ethical label. In 2019 I launched ALIKE, a gender-neutral line of children’s wear. Manufactured in the USA, ALIKE’s designs are made from GOTS certified cotton and feature colorful digital prints using non-toxic dyes. Every aspect of the design and production is taken into consideration to minimize waste. Repeat prints were developed to minimize fabric waste, with garments traveling no less than 20 miles from the mill to the printer. In addition to eliminating plastic packaging, the ALIKE line is produced in factories providing fair wages to their employees. This commitment to sustainability has also lead to the development of a limited edition collection of up-cycled denim made from materials destined for the landfill.