Denim Design by Amy Chrest
Per your website you share that you are a Denim Designer based in Los Angeles. With 10 years of experience, specializing in denim wash development and Made in America product. You have worked with numerous globally distributed brands such as Macy’s, Stitch Fix and many more.
First of all thank you for taking time and sharing your experiences. Can you briefly tell us about yourself?
“I am a denim designer specializing in women’s ready-to-wear denim.”
Amy: My name is Amy Chrest. I am originally from Philadelphia but currently living in Los Angeles. I am a denim designer specializing in women's ready-to-wear denim. My current focus is designing denim focused on people and responsible design.
JEM12 Aura Denim Jacket, Amy Chrest
Did you have any formal education? When did you realize fashion and a focus on denim is for you?
Amy: I had a formal education at Moore College of Art and Design getting a BFA in fashion design with a minor in business. I was always passionate about art and design growing up. I grew up doing competitive gymnastics the majority of my life and designing took the place of that when I retired from it. When I relocated to Los Angeles I became focused exclusively on designing denim because I worked for a made in USA denim brand, Just Black Denim.
I worked directly with domestic wash houses in downtown Los Angeles and learned so much about construction and wash. Denim is an extremely technical category, every time you design a new style you take the risk that the wash or styling won't turn out after washing the garment and I fell in love with the trial and error process. I loved the challenge of it while getting the fulfillment of achieving something when seeing a style complete, it reminded me of gymnastics.
For people interested in pursuing denim or fashion what can they do to get started? Any colleges you recommend? Is college something people even need?
Amy: I would suggest getting a formal education at a design school and building your experience with interning while showcasing your work in a formal portfolio. I would recommend Moore, FIT, and FIDM.. I think studying fashion at an art school gives you a creative environment to thrive and learn amongst other creatives. This really shaped my ability to successfully build a career after schooling. Also, my alumni network stretches from fashion designers to curators and I think there is always that formal understanding of the type of hardworking person that can successfully make it through art school.
What do you need to create with that you can’t live without?
Amy: I can not create without my favorite ball pen, the frixion. It's iconic in my book and I think it's underrated how important a really amazing pen can be.
Wash Development study, Amy Chrest
You’ve worked with a large number of very well known brands. What was your first experience working with one of them and has that shaped your work? Did you have fears or concerns? How did you rise above them?
Amy: I think one of the biggest fears I had to get over was acknowledging the idea that there was a type of person who designs for certain brands. I think sometimes we struggle with the ability to believe we deserve to have a certain position or being entitled that we have that experience to be the person to make big decisions.
“I think sometimes we struggle with the ability to believe we deserve to have a certain position”
I think sometimes it’s called “impostor syndrome”. When I expanded to work with Dillards, Kohls, and really large commercial brands I struggled with this. But recognizing that I worked so hard and focused on learning so much to get where I am solidified my confidence to take the lead and own the experience of designing for them. And seeing a consumer wear your design and feel confident in it makes for a gratifying experience.
Concept designs for True Religion, Amy Chrest.
You are currently living in LA. How does that environment feed into your work or inspiration?
Amy: Living in Los Angeles always feels like the epicenter for creatives or anyone trying to "make it". I definitely feel the pressure that if I can make it here I can make it anywhere. The environment definitely pushes me to be competitively creative and always staying relevant to what's going on. For denim designers it’s ideal, because Los Angeles is known as the denim capital because of the infrastructure of wash houses, manufacturing, and fabric suppliers, along with the most innovative premium denim brands.
What is a process you have or prefer when creating your work from start to finish? What is the process for sourcing product and treating the product? Do you work with a team or is it all Amy?
Amy: Typically my process starts with research which includes analyzing the brand's business for what's selling, what the customer would want to buy, and what's on trend for denim. I typically research for trends in details, silhouette, new washes and new fabrics. We solidify what would be most important to design for a brand and then work directly with pattern makers, sewers, fabric mill contacts and manufacturers to put the design from sketch to physical sample. I typically work with an associate designer or designer who oversees the process with me.
“learning about all aspects of business including how to talk to people, how to manage many things at one time, how a business works”
What advice would you give to aspiring clothing designers?
Amy: Reach out to people who inspire you and work with or for them. Absorb as much information as you can, learning about all aspects of business including how to talk to people, how to manage many things at one time, how a business works. I think a lot of people think designing clothing is just creating a garment that you like for someone else. But it's actually very driven by information such as selling, the customer's needs, what's right for the business, what's collectively going on with retail. I think mastering all those skills makes you a successful designer.
Have you experienced burnout or creative blocks? If so, what did you do to overcome that?
Amy: I typically only experience burnout if I am stretching myself too thin and designing for a lot of different clients at one time. I usually avoid creative blocks by continually reconnecting with what inspires me through art, street style, shopping vintage, researching through social media and connecting with other creative people I respect.
Do you have a mentor that has had a lasting impact on you? If so, how and what advice did they give you?
Amy: I wouldn't say I have a specific mentor but I respect the work of Nico Peyrache. I briefly interacted with him and his view on denim and the industry is really innovative. He created one of the most successful premium denim brands and continues to keep the brand relevant year over year.
Where can people see more of your work and reach out if necessary?
Amy: They can see my personal work at my website: amychrest.com. Or check out my latest venture which is my own brand, Jemina Denim. Website: jeminadenim.com, IG: jeminadenim. My direct contact would be amy@jeminadenim.com
