In Conversation with Thomasine Dolan Dow

Jul 20

Tell us about your background:

I grew up in Maryland and thought I would pursue graphic design at the MD Institute College of Art; MICA did not offer fashion design then. After that I moved to LA, got a job in advertising...in the research dept. I made a point to meet the art directors and offered my break time and after hours to work on their storyboards. Before long, I moved up to Jr. Art Director and then wanted to move to NYC, naturally. Quickly after moving there I met a fashion designer at a party and all the lights and bells went off in my head. Oh my God. I badgered him for weeks (via phone) to let me show him sketches. He caved and hired me as an assistant; he wisely had another assistant who went to FIT. After that gig, I cold called (showing up at their offices in person) many fashion companies, portfolio in hand, to try and get an interview. Eventually I got a job at Ralph Lauren -- they didn't need a budding designer but they did need someone to make presentation boards for the frequent Ralph meetings. I worked my way up to be a print and trim designer. Since then, I've worked for Armani Exchange, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Sperry and Lemlem. I also had my own collection for a few years. However, most of my career was spent at Banana Republic where I was VP of womens design and accessories. After BR and my own line Thom･Dolan, I had a few mid-life pause moments wondering "is this my life?" I questioned the fashion industry. I got a job working in costume design for a movie. After that year, I came running back to fashion. But some of the lustre had worn off. I started feeling physically repulsed (THAT's a strong word!) by the over-consumption of apparel. Living in Soho, I am bombarded by constant product pushing. I decided to take another turn and learn as much as I could about sustainable fashion. And I feel like this is what I was born to do.

I have 3 daughters,1 husband and 1 dog and live in downtown Manhattan.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?

I wish I had taken the time to finish getting a degree, but I was so panicked about getting a job and earning money I was afraid to lose time and be older than other people starting out. In hindsight, I had time.

Best career advice you've ever received?

I don't recall getting great advice. (I think my path would've been less jagged had I gotten some!) But if I may, I would like to offer some. When your career path seems unclear and you are overwhelmed by how to start, find a company you like, get a foot in the door (maybe it's not the job of your dreams), work hard, have humility and create positive energy. Don't burn bridges.

Lastly, not having connections or a safety net (read: family money) can be the best thing for someone starting out in a new city, as I was, because NOTHING motivates like having to pay NYC rent.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Honesty
Appreciation for time
Motivational and inspirational
Gives you some room to explore
Flexible
Definitive

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

I'm currently living in the biggest challenge of my career. I made a career pivot which took me out of the fashion workplace for a few years and I'm trying to get back in during a pandemic. Many of my strong network connections are no longer in the fashion industry, so my pool of contacts has shrunk.

And for fun, what is your favorite wardrobe staple?

Ay yai yai. Not that I've had occasion to wear these items of late...but my favorite always-looking-fly old Gucci loafers (early 2000, mens) and a beautiful pair of mens superfine wool pleated suit trousers I bought at Housing Works 5 years ago are sharp.

LinkedIn URL: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasine-dolan-dow/

Instagram: @thomdolan1