Jennifer Ahn

Responsibilities

My responsibilities during this internship include working in a concept-to-construction workflow that balances creative vision with the technical constraints of upcycled materials. I begin by brainstorming and sketching illustrations and tech flats, revising them to solve the unique challenges of working with reclaimed fabrics. From there, I move into pattern making or draping to translate those 2D ideas into 3D forms and create functional samples. Currently, I am focusing on yield estimation by calculating available yardage to determine how many garments can be produced. This involves a strategic "puzzle-solving" mindset to ensure that every inch of our limited material is utilized efficiently.

Accomplishments

My greatest accomplishment during my internship was producing the custom totes for the Wardrobe Theory Project pop-up in New York. Even though these were designed as a gift for customers who purchased the magazine, it was a huge point of pride to see my work in a real-world retail setting. This project was a great opportunity to learn practice problem-solving with limited materials, especially while working with synthetic suede for the first time. Mastering with a unique fabric required me to pay attention to the smallest details to ensure every piece met our standards. It was incredibly rewarding to be involved in my first pop-up shop and see people in NYC actually carrying and enjoying the totes I helped create.

Learning experience

The greatest lessons I learned from this experience are the importance of reaching out, being honest, and consistently doing your best. I realized that no one starts as an expert. Instead, it is the process of asking questions and staying open about where you are in your learning journey that leads to growth. This internship taught me that practicing and brainstorming every day makes a huge difference. That persistence is what ultimately builds the confidence and skill needed to succeed in a fast-paced design environment.

What advice would you give?

I personally think being brave enough to put yourself out there and trusting your creative voice are such huge stepping stones. The fashion industry can be intimidating at first, but if you stay persistent and keep a proactive attitude, you can turn every challenge into a chance to shine. Believe in yourself and your artistic taste! You will gradually find a brand or career that suits you best.