Not only is Kelsey Holden a fashion designer with her own label Metta Lane, but she is also an Instructor at The Cut (Senior Pattern Making & Fashion Design) and former student! Not content to follow the old-school approach of following a single path to a career, Kelsey has veered out of her lane and is now building highways to take her everywhere.

Introduce yourself and share how you got into design.

Hi, I’m Kelsey! I’ve always been very interested in self-expression through fashion and the idea of making my own clothes. I had worked in the fashion industry for a long time and for some really great companies, though always in customer service or clerical roles. I loved the industry and yearned for something more creative but I lacked any sort of sewing or garment construction experience so didn’t think fashion design (which is what I really wanted to do) was possible. I studied graphic design instead and still wasn’t satisfied so I decided to throw caution to the wind, take a couple of sewing classes and apply to school. Low and behold I got in and never looked back.

What's the craziest experience you've had working in the Fashion Industry?

Showing my grad collection to a packed room at Vancouver Fashion Week was a very crazy and exciting experience!

What are your three biggest tips for students trying to break into the industry?

• Go to school and get an education - It’s not impossible to get anywhere without that, but there is so much to learn and it would be tough to do so on your own.

• Be pleasant, punctual and work really hard, especially as a student. This industry is a lot about Who you know so making a good impression right off the bat will open more doors for you down the road.

• Never stop learning. There is SO much to know so always keep up with the quickly-changing industry even after graduating.

What does it take to be a successful fashion designer?

A well-rounded skill set and a lot of heart! Long hours, tight deadlines and a lot of stress are not uncommon as a designer so you really have to love what you do. I also HIGHLY recommend learning Adobe Illustrator. It’s definitely been one of the most useful skills for me in my career - My graphic design education certainly came in handy there!

As you moved through this career journey, what is something you've learned about the industry that was a surprise to you?

The amount of time, work and people it takes to design, develop and produce even the simplest garment. The fast-fashion price tags we were all used to certainly lead you to think otherwise. It was very eye-opening for me to learn the true process of how our clothes are made.

What's one thing most people don't know about you?

I really don’t like avocados ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Check-out Kelsey’s label Metta Lane on etsy and you will find a quirky shop that fits no box. Inspired by vintage fashion and minimalism, the garments are cute, comfy, and functional.

Kelsey Holden’s story isn’t unique! So many desire a career in fashion design but are uncertain about how to proceed. At The Cut, we have created so many opportunities for you to meet and discuss your future with our Admissions office. If you related to Kelsey, her story and happiness, it is time to register at The Cut!