In Conversation with Alicia Skehan
Tell us about your background:
I’ve always had a passion for the arts, exploring my creativity, and a curiosity about how things were made. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I enjoyed visiting the Smithsonian museums, and seeing theatrical performances at the Kennedy Center. I was also exposed to fashion through going shopping with my mother, who was a local news anchor, and had an impeccable wardrobe. I used to pick up the straight pins off the floor during her personal shopping appointments. I always wanted to learn how to sew and find out how clothing was produced and made it onto the mannequins in department stores.
Those curiosities led to me earning my B.F.A. in Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design in 2003. Upon graduation, I accepted a position as a Design Assistant for a small womenswear company. While there, I learned more about the development cycle, but my interest in women’s apparel dimmed. I was drawn to accessories, so I reworked my entire portfolio to show handbag and footwear collections.
After about a year and a half of searching, I accepted an Assistant Designer position at Kate Spade. I was really happy to have made that pivot early on in my career— and to have been able to work for a company that had a clear vision of who their customer was. It was a very valuable experience in a fast-paced environment. I traveled to Italy and China to review product with factories and attend trade shows. I saw how my team leaders adapted when confronted with abrupt changes.
I’ve stayed in the accessories space ever since. I designed for several brands -- Coach, Kipling, Juicy Couture, MAC Cosmetics, Cole Haan and more. I've been instrumental in the revitalization of brands through fresh product launches. I've developed top selling, seven figure revenue generating styles, one of which sold through within 24 hours. Most recently, before COVID, I was the Design Director at MZ Wallace for 4 years. I am now a handbag design consultant for emerging brands.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
It’s tough to say. I wish that I had spent more time exploring other creative expressions outside of my full time work. In the past, I’ve given my all to my job, the layered design development schedule, China trips that lasted for several weeks on end… I wish I did more for my own interest and exploration. The 2020 pandemic pause allows me to explore again.
Best career advice you've ever received?
It’s fine to seek and accept input from others but in the end, make your own decision. Don’t allow too many opinions to derail your next step.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
Clear communication, gratitude, and being an active listener. Sometimes being an attentive listener is more valuable and impactful than being the loudest person in the room, the quickest to speak over others.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Figuring out the best way to move forward as a designer who wants to contribute to a more sustainable world. In my role, I have always created newness and evolved product season after season. I am really intrigued by the fast growing secondhand market and want to explore how my expertise may apply in that space.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
Lately, I appreciate comfort, but I also love vibrant color— it lifts my mood. My favorite staple at the moment is my fuchsia sweatshirt by Aliya Wanek, a very talented designer who produces her apparel line in the Bay Area. Lately, I aim to support small designers, BIPOC makers, and of course I love secondhand & vintage!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aliciaskehan/
Instagram: @aliciaskehan
