DESIGNER PROFILE – Bay Rabin
What is your employment status?
BR: Freelance/Contract/Self Employed
What is your official job title?
BR: Senior Designer/Merchandiser -Cut & Sew Knits
Please summarize your professional career in 1 to 3 sentences; what should everyone know about you?
BR: I started in the fashion industry as an intern 15 years ago. As a Senior Designer/Merchandiser I have spearheaded new brands and licenses sold at: Macy’s, Kohls, Nordstroms, Lord & Taylor, Marmaxx, and Shopbop to name a few.
Throughout my career, one thing I have always been proud of and have been recognized for is my incredible work ethic; my supervisors know if they give me an assignment, the deadline will be met and they will be happy with the completed product.
Describe what you do?
BR: A-Z.
Why did you choose to be a designer?
BR: Ever since I could dress myself I have been interested in how clothes were made and designed.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
BR: I took sewing classes in grade school, made my high school wardrobe, moved to NYC, attended F.I.T. and worked my butt off in the industry.
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
BR: A professional organizer or a solo traveler.
What do you like about what you do?
BR: I truly enjoy all aspects of the design process: from the initial concept, to color/print choice, to working with design teams/production/factories/sales/accounts, to viewing the final product. Every step is vital and exciting!
What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
BR: That designers just draw…we do it all
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
BR: I hope to be working with sustainable or recycled materials, plastics in particular!
How has your work evolved since you began your career?
BR: As an intern and assistant, I took direction from someone with the experience I have now. Now it is exciting to not only be the creative force behind the design but also to lead a team and pay my knowledge forward.
As my experience has progressed, I find that I am more business minded and conscious not only to design beautiful garments but also to make sure they are cost-effective and maximize profit margins.
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
BR: After attending the 2020 Coterie show at the NYC Javits center, I am even more passionate in pursuing recycled materials and being a part of eco-friendly/sustainable brands. The clothing industry is the second most polluting industry in the world; we need to recognize this, change the way we create and consume for our world and the people who inhabit it.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
BR: As I am always saying, “Communication is key”! If expectations, potential problems, cost, and timelines are clearly discussed across all teams (directors, design, sales, marketing, and production) the entire process will run more efficiently and unnecessary stress will be alleviated.
What advice would you give to young designers?
BR: Ask questions, no matter how stupid you think they are, and try to learn from everyone you work with.
What’s your motto?
BR: Treat others the way you want to be treated.
Bay is originally from Chicago. She moved to NYC to attend F.I.T. and has been living there ever since. She has been in the fashion industry designing cut & sew knits for the past 15 years. She is currently a Senior Designer/Merchandiser. Bay is open to opportunities that involve travel (as this is a passion of hers) and is willing to either relocate or work in various locations around the world.