DESIGNER PROFILE – Romana Wilson
What should everyone know about you?
RW: My garment education started at a trade high school focusing on education in textiles, pattern making, print design, construction, and sewing. I have since been traveling, studying, interning, and working in the fashion industry in an effort to absorb as much as I can. I received my Master’s degree from the Academy of Art, Architecture, and Design in Prague and have work experiences with Elif Cigizoglu in Istanbul and Oscar de la Renta in New York City.
How would you describe what you do?
RW: I express what I observe in clothes. I see myself as a visual designer with a passion for print design, colors, textures and silhouettes.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
RW: I traveled and learned from wise people. I studied different cultures and I have looked for things to make my life colorful as well as things worthy of sharing with others. If you want to understand fashion, you first have to understand people.
Best/Most Challenging part of your job?
RW: To keep humor and do not take things personally. Clothes should be fun!
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
RW: Graphic and visual web designer.
What do you like about what you do?
RW: Challenge. The industry is changing every day.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
RW: I would like to be wise, sharing good vibes, and influencing people with positive energy.
How has your work evolved since you began your career?
RW: It has naturally developed related to today’s technology. I learned to sew when I was 15 and now I work mostly on a computer.
Are there any types of clothing/footwear/accessories that you avoid wearing?
RW: Probably clothes from an origin I don’t trust.
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
RW: I am fascinated by New York City and its magical energy. This is reflected in one upcoming print collection I am developing now.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
RW: Failure is a necessary part of success.
What advice would you give to young designers?
RW: Patience and persistence.
What would you like to achieve before the end of the year?
RW: Find a great design collective I can fit in. And bring the magical world I have in my mind to the life.
Do you have any rules you live by?
RW: My rule: Be respectful to people and never give up.
What’s your motto?
RW: I always believe, there is a way, even if it seems impossible.
Any final thoughts?
RW: I am still new to New York and I am very interested in meeting other artists/ non-artists and discussing the current design scene over a cup of coffee. Please feel free to contact me!
Romana Wilson’s garment education started early on. She attended high school education focused on textile, pattern making, construction, and sewing. The next step in her education was a bachelor program at the Academy of Art Architecture and Design in Prague. She studied a fashion design under the leadership of Josef Taptuch, who was one of Pierre Cardin’s designers. After graduating Romana moved to Istanbul, where she attended the Mimar Sinan Guzel Sanatlar University. She was offered work as an assistant designer to Elif Cigizoglu, a luxury couture brand in Turkey. She considers this one of the most fruitful periods in her career for expanding her fashion business knowledge. She was introduced to the American fashion industry while working for Oscar de la Renta in New York City. She is currently the RTW designer in Of Whonder, a luxury high-end brand located in NYC.
StylePortfolios: instagram.com/romanawilson
Print Design portfolio: print.romanawilson.com
Fashion Design portfolio: romanawilson.com
Graphic Design and Photography: romiwilson.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/romana-wilson-fashion