DESIGNER PROFILE – Natella Klycheva
This week’s designer interview is with Natella Klycheva. Natella is a fashion designer based in Manhattan, NYC. Natella studied at FIT and also has a Bachelor’s in Linguistics & Intercultural Communication. She is widely interested in literature, cinematography & music.
What is your employment status?
NK: Designer at Tharanco Group
What is your official job title?
NK: Designer
Please summarize your professional career in 1 to 3 sentences; what should everyone know about you?
NK: I’ve been working in the fashion industry for the last 7 years and got to experience different aspects of fashion business. I worked in product development & production at a contemporary brand Harvey Faircloth. My designs are sold at Macy’s, Nordstrom & JCPenney, I’ve designed best-selling lingerie for Spencer’s Gifts, costumes for Spirit Halloween. In the beginning of my career I interned at Franziska Fox whose garments were worn by Nicki Minaj, Kylie Jenner & Robin Wright; and at the same time at a contemporary womenswear brand Donna Degnan. I have also worked as a wardrobe stylist backstage at fashion shows of such iconic brands as Calvin Klein, Ralph Rucci, Belstaff, Tibi.
Describe what you do?
NK: Currently I am a Designer at Rxb label of Tharanco Group. I work closely with the Design Director on collection development. My work starts from initial research to the end of production. I sketch my designs, choose colors, source fabrics and work closely with factories. I always push myself to deliver interesting ideas and achieve great quality.
Why did you choose to be a designer?
NK: I always enjoyed sewing and making clothes, long before I considered pursuing a profession of a designer. I love the creativity and at the same time pragmatism of the process.
What steps did you take to become a designer?
NK: Obviously I set my eyes on FIT to study fashion design, especially since I took styling classes there prior and really enjoyed the overall experience. To prepare myself for FIT I decided to take sewing class at a Love Sewing Studio. After completing the course I started evening classes at FIT. I completed different levels of sewing/construction, draping, patternmaking.
What is the best/most challenging part of your job?
NK: The best part of the job as a designer is being creative and then seeing your creations on people. And ironically the most challenging part to work around different factors that can limit your creativity.
If you weren’t a designer what would you be?
NK: If I weren’t a designer I would most likely still work in the fashion industry, there are many areas of the business that interest me, such as marketing, advertising, forecast & customer psychology.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
NK: I definitely see myself as a part of a great sustainable fashion brand, where I am a creative director leading an amazing team of professionals.
What are you fascinated by at the moment and how does it feed into your work?
NK: I am fascinated by the wellness & mindfulness practice in today’s world.
It has become crucial and beneficial for me personally and professionally. My workflow and environment around me has improved greatly.
What is the biggest lesson that you have learned since you started your career?
NK: The biggest lesson I have learned is that your team is very important. You have to surround yourself with kind, fair and knowledgeable people.
What advice would you give to young designers?
NK: Be open to different experiences, learn as much as you can, ask questions, be confident
Are you superstitious or do you have any rules you live by?
NK: I believe in being a good person.
What’s your motto?
NK: Be kind and positive.
Natella Klycheva is a fashion designer based in Manhattan, NYC. Natella studied at FIT and also has a Bachelor’s in Linguistics & Intercultural Communication. She is widely interested in literature, cinematography & music. She worked at Donna Degnan, Franziska Fox, Harvey Faircloth, Rxb. Her designs have been sold to stores all over the US and been worn by celebrities. She worked backstage at Calvin Klein, Ralph Rucci, Vivienne Tam, Tibi, Jill Stuart. Natella went beyond her creative endeavor, by starting her Etsy shop, where she sells her original Scarf prints and scouts for new unique fashion accessories. Natella Klycheva has also achieved a Status of Extraordinary Ability in Fashion Design.