Jessica Tsu ~ Head of Gerber & Technical Pattern Making
Jessica Tsu is formally trained in British, Canadian, and Japanese pattern drafting which has allowed her to work within a variety of experiences achieving enduring success. She teaches at The Cut Fashion Academy and has worked in the fashion industry for almost three decades for brands such as Karma Athletics, Lotus-wear Designs Ltd., and Design Group—just to name a few. In addition to these valuable experiences, she has been self-employed designing, creating and producing petwear for our little companions, uniforms, and custom formal wear including bridal.
Let’s Learn More About Jessica
Your best piece of advice for students going into fashion school
Let everything around you inspire you, and find inspiration from everything around you at any moment. We need to have big dreams and goals. The imagination is our best companion.
Your best piece of advice for getting into the industry after school
Know your strengths and keep an open mind to learn strength from others. The fashion industry is huge need professionals skilled in fabric, trim & notions, accessories, design, pattern, grading to engineering, marketing, and manufacture. All of these areas are essential for the brand to be successful. The good stuff would come from well-made. Open your mind to learn as much as you can through hard work.
In your eyes what makes a great fashion student?
All the good skills come from hands-on and non-stop practice. What you invest in time and effort will predict your future harvest. Expect many long days and short sleep as you prepare for projects, exams, and fashion shows. These experiences will teach you how to handle the intense and limited time under stress for deadlines. Those who can handle high pressure and make excellent critical decisions will have the best chance to have an outstanding career.
What's a common misconception about fashion schools and the fashion industry?
It is easy to become a famous designer, have a high income, and travel all the time. Fashion can offer a very good and rewarding career, but the truth is that fashion is much more hard work than glamour. It is possible to become a fashion rock star, but it is the exception, not the rule.
What do you love most about being in the fashion industry?
Having the opportunity to create a stylish and well-engineered garment for someone who also likes similar products. I enjoy solving technical problems. Every well-designed garment has its own challenges that need to be overcome.
What was/is the stand-out moment in your career?
As a designer group leader, I designed the whole season concept design and was invited to Macy’s Department Store headquarters for a yearly purchase meeting. I provided and discussed the design with buyers for the coming season. I also needed to arrange 7 sets of salesman’s samples for 30 styles. These needed to be completed 6 weeks after that meeting and included the ordering of all material, trims, pattern making, cutting, and sewing to meet the deadline.
