Drea Jossell’s path to becoming the Showroom Coordinator at Rick Owens started early, influenced by her grandmother’s seamstress skills and family gatherings filled with stylish outfits. As she interned at places like Interview Magazine, she honed her time management and industry knowledge. Despite being the only person of color in every role, she faced challenges with resilience. Jossell advocates for more diversity in fashion, pushing brands to genuinely embrace inclusion. Her journey highlights not just her personal struggle but also the broader need for change in the industry. Keep going to discover her insights on fostering a more inclusive fashion landscape. After gaining valuable experience at Interview Magazine, Drea Jossell continued to push for change in the fashion industry as she took on a fashion assistant role at Elle. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to amplifying the voices of underrepresented communities and breaking down barriers to create a more inclusive and diverse fashion landscape. Her determination and passion have made her a powerful advocate for change, inspiring others to join the movement towards a more equitable industry.
Key Takeaways
- Drea Jossell's passion for fashion was inspired by her family's stylish background and her grandmother's work as a seamstress.
- Her education at the Art Institute of New York City laid a strong foundation for her career in fashion.
- Drea developed essential skills through internships at Interview Magazine and Mara Hoffman, leading to her current role at Rick Owens.
- She faced challenges as a person of color in the fashion industry, often being the only one in her workplaces.
- Drea advocates for diversity and inclusion, highlighting the need for systemic change within the fashion industry for true representation.
Early Interest in Fashion
From a young age, Drea Jossell's fascination with fashion was deeply rooted in her family. You could see how her mother, a high school administrator, influenced her style through her stunning wardrobe. Drea often borrowed pieces, trying to capture the essence of those power suits and monochrome outfits that defined her mother's daily looks. Her aunts, too, dressed with flair, providing another layer of inspiration.
But it was Drea's grandmother, Cordelia Jossell, a seamstress from Mississippi, who truly ignited her passion. The stories of Cordelia creating beautiful wedding dresses motivated Drea to appreciate the art of fashion. Family gatherings became vivid lessons in style, with each member showcasing their unique fashion sense and attention to detail. Drea's early experiences included her grandmother's influence, which solidified her desire to pursue a career in fashion.
These experiences weren't just fleeting moments; they crystallized Drea's desire to pursue a career in fashion. From her early days, she mapped out a path, dreaming of transitioning from Chicago to New York City.
Her love for fashion grew stronger, ultimately leading her to join the Art Institute of New York City, setting the foundation for her future career in the industry.
Internships That Shaped Her Career
Throughout her journey in the fashion industry, Drea Jossell's internships played a crucial role in shaping her career. Starting with her internship at Interview Magazine, she faced anxiety due to her lack of experience in New York. After two interviews, she landed the position and juggled an intense school schedule alongside her internship. This experience taught her time management, resourcefulness, and attention to detail, all essential skills for her future roles. Additionally, mastering these skills is vital for creating a unique atmosphere that fosters success in any professional environment, as effective time management can significantly enhance productivity. Engaging in mindfulness practices during her hectic schedule helped her maintain focus and balance. Moreover, developing these skills is akin to the way cold medications are selected to address specific symptoms for optimal relief. Setting clear objectives is essential for goal tracking to ensure progress and direction.
Next, Drea moved to Mara Hoffman for a three-month internship in the flower district studio. Here, she transitioned to seasonal freelancing, assisting with pattern making, organizing the sample closet, and even participating in New York Fashion Week at the Mercedes Benz Tents. This role solidified her understanding of showroom organization and the intricacies of design and production, similar to how notable producers in the wine industry leverage their experiences to create high-quality products. Recognizing the importance of setting boundaries allowed her to protect her energy and foster a sustainable work-life balance.
Through these internships, Drea developed a strong professional network, gained valuable skills, and built a solid portfolio. Each experience not only provided structure for her career path but also prepared her for her eventual role as Showroom Coordinator at Rick Owens, setting the foundation for future opportunities in the fashion industry.
Journey to Rick Owens
Eager to make her mark in the fashion world, Drea Jossell set her sights on Rick Owens, a brand renowned for its avant-garde aesthetic. After studying Fashion Design at The Art Institute of New York City, she moved to New York to chase her dreams. Inspired by theater and costume design in high school, Drea honed her skills under the mentorship of Kevin Wall, the Technical Director of her theater group.
Her journey began with an internship at Interview Magazine, followed by a role at Mara Hoffman, where she assisted with pattern making and sample organization. Recognizing the importance of internships, she built a solid foundation in various aspects of the industry. The role of the board of directors in organizations like the New Mexico Gay Men's Chorus underscores the significance of strategic planning and community engagement, which can inspire young professionals like Drea. Awareness of small mistakes can enhance personal growth and guide her in navigating the complexities of her career. Drea's creative approach to design reflects a passion for avant-garde aesthetics that resonates with contemporary trends. In the same way that visualization techniques can enhance performance in various fields, Drea visualized her success in the fashion industry. Additionally, understanding the importance of emotional alignment can help individuals like Drea maintain focus and positivity amid industry challenges.
When she applied for an internship at Rick Owens, she knew it was a prestigious opportunity. The interview with showroom coordinator Ola was both enlightening and encouraging. Securing the internship allowed her to learn about showroom organization and market seasons, making it a valuable experience. Understanding retirement savings options for freelancers is crucial for long-term financial stability, especially in an unpredictable industry.
When a full-time position opened up, Drea quickly applied. Her dedication paid off, leading to a freelance contract that eventually turned into a full-time role at Rick Owens. Timing and a willingness to tackle multiple tasks were key to her success.
Challenges of Diversity in Fashion
Navigating the fashion industry reveals significant challenges related to diversity, highlighting ongoing issues that hinder true inclusivity. You'll notice the lack of diverse models on runways and in advertising, even with some recent improvements. Many brands resort to tokenism, using diversity as a marketing tactic rather than making genuine commitments. It's crucial to advocate for authentic representation across various ethnicities, body shapes, and genders.
You'll also see a significant absence of diversity in leadership roles within major fashion houses. Homogeneous boards and executive teams can stifle true inclusivity, emphasizing the need to break the glass ceiling for underrepresented groups. Systemic barriers exist, requiring not just awareness but a culture shift in the industry. Moreover, as the fashion market is projected to grow by nearly 9% from 2024 to 2029, there is a pressing need for brands to adapt and embrace true inclusivity to meet the evolving demands of diverse consumers.
Additionally, consider the ethical and cultural issues at play. Unauthorized use of designs from minority-owned brands shows a lack of respect for intellectual property, while POC designers often struggle for the same opportunities as their white counterparts.
With limited size ranges and age exclusivity, the industry frequently neglects diverse consumer needs. Addressing these challenges is essential for creating a truly inclusive fashion landscape that respects and represents everyone.
Insights on Industry Inclusion
Addressing the challenges of diversity in fashion opens the door to understanding how organizations can implement meaningful inclusion practices. You can start by tracking leadership sponsorship and holding leaders accountable for their Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) goals. Implementing a feedback structure helps you monitor and improve inclusion efforts continuously. Formalizing mentorship programs will also support the development of diverse employees, as emotional regulation can enhance their ability to navigate workplace dynamics. Additionally, fostering cultural intelligence within teams can enhance collaboration and innovation across diverse groups. Incorporating predictive modeling in evaluating employee experiences can provide insights into areas needing improvement, similar to how understanding emotional dysregulation can inform conflict resolution strategies in challenging interpersonal situations.
When it comes to designing inclusive products, prioritize high-quality, flexible materials that accommodate various body types. Integrate inclusive sizing into your core offerings and focus on ergonomic designs. Collaborating with diverse designers enhances product variety and promotes inclusivity. Offering gender-neutral clothing lines ensures accessibility for all.
In your marketing strategies, showcase diversity across multiple dimensions—size, shape, ethnicity, gender, age, and ability. Engage with your audience to refine offerings and use storytelling to challenge stereotypes. Make sure your product presentation reflects this inclusivity.
Collaborating with body positivity advocates and partnering with diverse vendors can bring authenticity to your initiatives. Regularly review your supply chain for diversity, publicly report DEI metrics, and support minority-owned brands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Inspired Drea to Pursue a Career in Fashion?
You might find inspiration for a fashion career in your family's rich history and personal experiences.
Imagine borrowing your mother's power suits or witnessing your grandmother's seamstress artistry. These daily interactions spark your creativity and passion.
Being involved in theater as a costume designer can also shape your skills and perspective.
Embracing these influences, you can carve out a unique path in the vibrant world of fashion, driven by your personal story.
How Did Drea Overcome Her Anxiety About Internships?
To overcome your anxiety about internships, start by recognizing that it's normal to feel nervous.
Focus on your passion for fashion and remind yourself of your skills and experiences. Prepare thoroughly for each interview and visualize success.
Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors who can guide you. Take each opportunity as a learning experience, and don't hesitate to reach out for help when needed.
Gradually, your confidence will grow, making the process easier.
What Skills Did Drea Develop During Her Time at Rick Owens?
During your time at Rick Owens, you'd develop invaluable skills like coordination, communication, and problem-solving.
You'd learn to manage vendor relationships, organize collections, and troubleshoot issues on the fly. Your ability to predict potential challenges before they arise would sharpen, making you more proactive.
You'd also enhance your teamwork skills, ensuring smooth collaboration with various departments, and your attention to detail would help you maintain high visual standards for collections.
What Advice Does Drea Have for Aspiring Fashion Professionals?
If you're an aspiring fashion professional, Drea Jossell advises you to immerse yourself in all aspects of the industry.
Research various fields, seek internships, and build a strong portfolio. Stay updated on trends and be persistent, even when facing challenges.
Network actively, foster relationships, and advocate for inclusion. Keep your passion alive, and don't hesitate to explore different roles.
Continuous learning and flexibility will help you thrive in this competitive environment.
How Does Drea Define Success in the Fashion Industry?
You define success in the fashion industry by embracing growth and adaptability.
It's about building experiences, whether through internships or full-time roles, and finding joy in the constant evolution of collections.
You see value in collaboration, advocating for inclusivity, and contributing unique perspectives.
Success isn't just personal achievement; it's about fostering an environment where diverse voices thrive, enhancing creativity and innovation within the fashion world.
Celebrate each milestone and the impact you can make.
Conclusion
Drea Jossell's journey in fashion reveals the power of perseverance and passion. By embracing her unique perspective as the only person of color in her roles, she's not just making strides for herself but also paving the way for others. Her insights on diversity and inclusion challenge the industry to grow and evolve. As you reflect on her story, remember that every voice matters, and change starts with individuals like Drea who dare to be different.
