In Conversation with Kathleen Scully
Tell us about your background:
I am a New York native living in France. I hold a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and a Master of Industrial Design degree from Pratt Institute. I've had the pleasure to work on iconic products for luxury leaders by blending creative vision with practicality and technical proficiency for over 20 years. Early in my career, I worked as Koos van den Akker's design assistant in New York. Following, spent formative years at Ann Taylor as a color/ trend/ print manager on the design team before leaving for graduate school. After a short stint at Movado designing watches, I started designing bags and luggage for Tumi. From there I was recruited to be the Senior designer of rolling luggage for Louis Vuitton in Paris, France.
I am currently launching my own brand of luxury up-cycled hats, and fashion accessories; Made in France that aligns with my core values: rooted in the quality of life the people, who make our products, the environmental impact of production, and keeping a traditional know-how alive.
In parallel, I am working with companies from start-up to major brands, specializing in color and materials, soft goods and hard good fashion accessories, bags and travel goods from concept to production phases.
What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
Fashion is dreams & fantasy, and also a business. It's not just about fancy clothes, runways, and glossy magazines. Livelihoods are made on our decisions. I think I had a healthy dose of naivety when I started, and yet I still can't imagine doing anything else.
Best career advice you've ever received?
Start you own business. Even if it fails, the lessons I'm learning are invaluable. And they are all translatable to any job, corporate - start-up, in the future.
What leadership qualities are important to you?
People who believe in you, even when you don't believe in yourself. I have answered during interviews when asked. "Who was your best manager?" I reference when I was working at a restaurant in event planning. I was young and had no idea what I was doing. My manager simply gave me his trust that I was going to rise to the occasion. And I did.
I thrived, over performed, and made myself and a lot of people a lot of money. The clients had a great time. Forever memories.
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?
Salary negotiation.
And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?
Striped knit tops from Petite Bateau. In the summer - tanks. I have short, long and turtlenecks for all the other seasons. They pair well with jeans and work well under a delicate Louis Vuitton Dress!
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-scully/
Website: https://kathleen-scully.com
Instagram: @sceaux_scully
