Get to know: Kat Sommovigo
What is your hometown? Where have you lived?
My hometown is McLean, Va. I was born in Chicago, and moved to northern Virginia at a very young age, where I grew up. I moved to Savannah for college, and I’ve spent the last three summers living in New York City.
What is your professional experience?
I did two summer internships at Diane von Fürstenberg, in 2010 and 2011. The first one was in the embellishment department, and the second one was in the sample room, in the silk jersey department. Last summer, I completed a third internship with Burberry, where I worked in the childrenswear department.
When did you decide to pursue a career in fashion?
I learned to sew at a very young age, around six or seven, and it’s something I’ve always had a passion for. I took a lot of art classes in high school, and made my own dresses for homecoming and prom. I decided to major in fashion after visiting SCAD and realizing that it’s possible to have a lucrative career in a design field.
What inspires you creatively? Professionally?
I draw most of my inspiration from my surroundings and experiences. My senior collection is inspired by the view I had from the 16th floor window at my internship this past summer, as well as the general atmosphere of the New York City. I like basing my work on my own experiences; I think it’s more genuine that way. Professionally, I think the people you work with have the biggest impact on the quality of your work. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with some wonderful people, and that’s more inspiring than anything else.
What are some of the most pressing issues facing today’s fashion designers? Models? Accessory designers?
The state of the economy is hurting the fashion industry the same way it’s hurting every other industry. People just don’t want to spend as much money. I think that’s a huge thing that has to be taken into account when designing – how you can make something more affordable.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I’d like to find a company I’m well suited for and work my way up there. I think I’d make a really good creative director one day (although probably more than five years in the future) either of an existing line, or for my own line.
Do you have any advise for future SCAD fashion designers or those who are preparing to enter the industry?
Work really hard! It’s only four years; you can sleep when it’s over. Do as many internships as you can. SCAD does a good job preparing you, but nothing compares to real world experience.
How would you categorize your aesthetic?
Kind of classic with a twist. I don’t like to do crazy, over the top silhouettes. I focus on details instead. My grandmother, a phenomenal quilter, taught me to sew. I think that’s always shown in my work. I like to put lots of little pieces together and play with different fabrics and textures. I think it’s always a plus to customize your fabric in some way, whether it’s through a print, or dye technique, or something else. For this collection, I had simple patterns laser cut into leather.
Who would be your dream designer to work alongside?
I really love the work they do at Burberry. It was such an inspirational environment to be in, and I think Christopher Bailey has done really great things for the brand. I’m also a big fan of Alexander Wang’s aesthetic, both in his own line and at Balenciaga.
When you think about the future of fashion, what do you see?
I see a much more accessible industry, mostly because of the internet and social media. I think fashion, especially high fashion, reaches a much larger audience now, and eventually the industry will adapt to appeal to that larger audience.
