WHAT’S NOWALUMNI EDITION // Shown left, Ann Yee organizes a photo shoot for her new line. Shown right are the DODGE and CANTON pieces of her Spring 2014 collection, which was inspired by the spirit of Detroit as it moves toward transformation. “I had a wonderful experience at PhilaU and I want to give back in any way I can, especially with the young, aspiring fashion designers.” INNOVATOR: ALUMNI UPDATE • 3 A Modern Mentor Ann Yee, Fashion Design ‘04 After graduating from PhilaU in 2004, Ann Yee moved to NYC to begin her journey to becoming a fashion designer. She established her own line by 2010, and between fashion shows and business meetings, she still finds the time to stay involved with her alma mater. “I had a wonderful experience at PhilaU and I want to give back in any way I can, especially with the young, aspiring fashion designers,” said Yee. “I know when I was that age, I was completely clueless!” Yee still considers PhilaU a vital part of her success. Between its small size and skilled professors, she was able to have a very individualized experience. “I was able to focus in on what my true aesthetic is and the vision I would want to eventually translate through my own label,” said Yee. To this day, she is still in contact with some of her professors. “They’ve not only remained my friends, but mentors as well,” said Yee. She is also thankful for the study abroad program. “Studying in London broadened my horizons, helped me think outside the box, and gave me a global perspective not only in fashion, but in life. While I was there, I helped a young designer with her fashion show so I really experienced firsthand what it takes to produce a line,” said Yee. Following her graduation from PhilaU, Yee spent six years designing knitwear for Barney’s, LaROK, Elizabeth and James, Alice + Olivia, and played an integral part in the launch of contemporary knitwear label, DUFFY. Starting in 2008, she spent two years working overtime to prepare the debut of her own line—a big investment that has been paying off. While the fashion industry can be challenging, Yee has the business savvy to stay on top. From the start, Yee was working with a great sales and PR team. “I’ve learned that it’s vital to have a clear brand identity and signature,” said Yee. She sure has been doing things right—Yee was chosen as one of Gen Art’s Fresh Faces in Fashion for spring 2012, and received the Womenswear award at the NewNowNext Fashion Honors in fall 2013. “Both of these recognitions helped me feel a bit more legitimate in this crazy industry we call fashion,” said Yee. “It gave me encouragement and more motivation to continue working hard.” Yee designs for a metropolitan woman with an effortless and timeless style, and makes her pieces distinct yet versatile. Her latest collection was inspired by her home city, Detroit. She drew on the, “spirit of the city as it moves toward transformation,” to design unique and edgy ready-to-wear pieces that can be incorporated into a sophisticated style. Today, Yee looks forward to having her line offered in more boutiques across the globe, specifically in Europe and Asia, as well as some bigger stores in the US. She advises current students to gain as much industry experience as possible, and realize that running a line is mostly business. “Getting involved in on-campus industry projects and participating in internships are crucial,” said Yee. “Also, running your own fashion line is probably 90% business and 10% design, so it is helpful to take some business courses!”
Alumni Update Spring 2014
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