Nicole MurphyMeet Thomas Jefferson University (formerly Philadelphia University) Fashion Design Alum, Brittany DeColli. Brittany graduated in 2016 and is currently a Production Costing Manager at Supreme. We caught up with Brittany to learn more about her career journey and what inspires her creativity.
Tell us a little about your life and career journey since graduation.
“I moved to NYC the July after graduation to work at a small athleisure brand. The athleisure brand was a start-up and the role they offered me ended up being an internship. About a month into this role, a fellow Philadelphia University alumna reached out to me about a temporary role at Coach to work on the Product Development runway handbag team. I knew I wanted to work in runway/high fashion so I said yes to the opportunity! At Coach, costing was a function of product development and that’s where I developed my skills and passion for product costing. In August of 2020, I accepted a role with Supreme in their Costing Department where I oversee costing and margin management for the Fleece, Knit, Sweaters, Headwear and Accessory categories.”
How did you choose fashion design as a major?
“For as long as I remember, fashion design is the only thing I wanted to do. I always saw fashion design as an opportunity to help people become the best version of themselves and give people an outlet for self expression. When I came to Thomas Jefferson University, at that time it was Philadelphia University, I was blown away by the Fashion Design Program, breadth of classes, design presentations and industry connections. It felt like the perfect fit for me since I first stepped foot on campus!”
Who are your design heroes?
“Karl Lagerfeld, Phoebe Philo, Lazaro Hernandez & Jack McCollough”
How did you feel when you first saw your design come to life?”
“I felt so proud of my hardwork, dedication and vision!”
What do you miss the most about your time at Jefferson/ PhilaU?
“I miss the collaboration and teamwork that was built in the studio during late nights, early mornings and pure exhaustion!”
What do you love about your current job/ workplace?
“I love that everyday feels like a new challenge and that I have autonomy over my work to affect real change!”
What surprised you the most about working in the industry?
“I was most surprised how quickly the industry moves and changes, whether that is in regards to trends, sustainability, new technology, decision-making, etc. I knew it was a fast-paced industry but thins can seriously change in a matter of hours depending on the situation! It keeps me on my toes and never gets boring!”
“If I could go back in time to my freshman self, I would say never stop fighting for your dream. Stay curious and take advantage of all of the workshops, guest speakers and support at your finger tips during the next four years! Everything you need is inside of you and you just have to believe in yourself!”
What’s next for you?
“I am currently loving my professional life! Outside of work, I would love to stay in a mentor role and work with college age students to help them achieve their goals and be a resource. Fitness has always been important to me, so one of my personal goals this year is to become a zumba or kick boxing instructor!”
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