DESIGNER PROFILE – Dana Guglielmo
What is your employment status?
DG: Looking for an opportunity.
What is your official job title?
DG: Senior Designer for girl & boys baby & toddler
Please summarize your professional career in 1 to 3 sentences; what should everyone know about you?
DG: Over the past seven years, I have been designing and developing layette and toddler garments that have been showcased and sold in reputable apparel stores, including Bloomingdale’s, Dillard’s, Buy Buy Baby, Babies “R” Us, Macy’s, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
Describe what you do?
DG: I design girls, boys, baby & toddler clothing from start to finish. I look for inspiration & fabrics and create designs from them.
Why did you choose to be a designer?
DG: When I was younger, my mom used to make my Halloween costumes. I always loved helping and watching her take fabric to create a costume for me. I am still fascinated by the idea that I can create clothing from design and materials. I love seeing my designs come to life.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
DG: I went to SUNY Buffalo College and got my bachelor’s degree, and majored in fashion. SUNY Buffalo had a program with FIT where you can do your internships through FIT. That helped me to get my feet into NYC. My first internship was at a dress company in NYC. I learned a lot in the internship, and once I graduated from college, I got my first position as a CAD artist designing artwork for girls’ clothing.
What do you like about what you do?
DG: I love seeing my designs come to life. It is gratifying to see babies/children wearing my designs out in public or on social media.
What’s a common misconception people have about what you do?
DG: People don’t understand everything that goes into creating a garment. It takes a lot of hard work designing a garment that your customer would buy. Also, dealing with the factories can be challenging, with fabric approvals, testing, fits. There also can be delivery issues when shipping the garments. There is a lot of behind the scenes that people don’t realize.
How has your work evolved since you began your career?
DG: My design has evolved a lot. My sketches now are more complex. Adding shading to my sketches makes the garment look more realistic. My designs also are more sophisticated.
What advice would you give to young designers?
DG: I would tell young designers that they need as many internships and experience as they can get. What you learn in school is essential, but you know more when you are in the field.
Dana is a Senior Girls & Boys Apparel Designer who takes pride in the entire design process, bringing customers the most relevant design trends while maintaining brand identity.