From the Design Studio to the Classroom: An Interview with Frederick Fung

A seasoned fashion design professional and instructor at the Cut Design Academy, Frederick Fung has worked across the globe contributing to renowned international brands and running his own label. 

With a wealth of experience and a keen eye for industry nuances, in this interview, we sit down with Frederick to share his journey and invaluable lessons learned.

Can you share a bit about your journey as a fashion designer and how you ended up teaching at the Cut Design Academy in Vancouver?

It’s a long story! I originally started as a graphic designer working on advertisements on TV, in magazines, and in books, but it wasn’t my passion. I changed my career a few times and finally, I ended up in Vancouver. When I got here I took some time to think about what I wanted to do. Fashion caught my attention, I could take clothes, tear them apart, and build something new; It allowed me to be creative. 

In the beginning, I never thought about becoming a fashion designer, I didn’t know how to sew. But now, it’s like second nature. 

To share how I ended up teaching, it started in 2005, after my first show at the Museum of Anthropology at UBC. I showed a collection and people really enjoyed it. My friend who was a Director at a school was there and she was teaching some short courses. She asked after the show if I would help teach. A few years later, she asked me to join her at VCAD, and I thought why not? So that is what I’ve been doing up until now.

What are your favourite classes to teach?

I love pattern making. I also love couture which I’m looking to develop a little more to introduce hand-sewing techniques, fabric-making techniques and more. 

As a teacher at the Cut Design Academy, how do you incorporate real-world industry experiences into your curriculum?

Like myself, the teachers at the Cut Design Academy are in the industry or have been in the industry for many years. Before I started to teach, I worked in different companies like; outerwear, fine leather clothing, casual international labels and I owned my own label. I’ve been in so many different aspects of fashion design, like production, design, and sales. Having this real-world knowledge benefits the students and helps them understand what to expect moving into their careers. 

What do you believe are the most crucial skills or qualities for aspiring fashion designers, especially those studying at the Cut Design Academy?

You have to have the drive. It won’t matter if you enjoy drawing or you like to create, you have to be able to apply it and have the drive to work and complete projects; this comes from willpower. As an example, in class, if I give you a task, no matter what, you should work to finish it. Otherwise, your projects won’t ever finish. 

Could you share a memorable success story of one of your former students?

One of my former students works at Chanel, right now. 

What advice do you have for students looking to build a strong portfolio that stands out in the competitive field of fashion design?

When you finish the program, especially the pattern-making program, you will have at least 5-6 different final projects that range from blouses to dresses, skirts and jackets. My advice is to keep practicing, not just sewing but working on the pattern. If you know pattern-making thoroughly and have a certain degree of maturity, you could find a great career. Becoming a fashion designer is easy, but being successful is difficult. A lot of people can draw and make designs, but the difference is being able to create that pattern thoroughly. If you can draw a design, and make a pattern, you’ll be very successful.

Considering the diverse career paths within the field of fashion design, how do you guide students in finding their unique niche or specialization, and what advice do you have for those exploring various aspects of the industry?

That would depend on how their projects are finished during the time in their class, what their skill level what are their designs like. Taking into account all these factors, I would suggest which direction they should go and what would benefit them better. This year's class is great, everything is finished on time, and the patterns are accurate, I think they’ll have a great future in pattern-making. 

Get to Know Frederick Fung

Outside of the world of fashion design, what are some of your hobbies or interests that students might find surprising? 

I swim and hike a lot. This is good for my physical body, spirit and mind. It enhances my energy to think correctly and design great designs. I also love dark chocolate! 

Is there a particular fashion designer, artist, or creative figure who has been a significant influence on your work?

There are too many! John Galliano, Dali, Henry Moore, Vincent Van Gogh, and sometimes Dior. There are a lot of different artists and designers I like. 

What is your favourite project or design that you've worked on throughout your career, and what made it special to you? 

When people ask me to create a collection for them, that collection at that time, is my favourite.

How do you balance the demands of a career in fashion design with your personal life, and do you have any strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance?

Whenever I have time or I feel tired I stop working, get out and go for a hike or swim. When I am in the water, I focus on my breath, I don’t think, it’s like a meditation.