Question: What’s your major?

Answer: I am an AMD major (Apparel Merchandise and Design) with an emphasis in Creative and Technical Design. No minor.

Q: What’s your year in school?

A: It’s so bittersweet to be a Senior.

Q: When will you graduate?

A: May 2019

Q: What are your extracurricular activities at Iowa State?

A: I’m proudly a member of Kappa Delta sorority where I run our Instagram and design our apparel. I’ve learned and gained so much from holding these two positions!

Q: What got you into fashion?

A: I’ve always taken inspiration from vintage clothing and making something of what used to be. I think this derived from being the youngest of 4 and receiving hand-me downs from my siblings – even my brother!

Q: What do you plan to do after you graduate?

A: I plan to get hired and do design work for a brand I have respect for and whose values and design aesthetic align with my own. I really hope to be a part of a company where the culture is positive and encouraging of its employees creative drive. I also hope for this place to be in New York City!

Q: So, how’s your internship with Zac Posen going so far?

A: Really well! Since the first day, I’ve felt very welcome and have created bonds and connections with several of the people here.

Q: How did you get the internship?

A: I interned last summer in NYC for a licensing company called Global Brands Group in the Empire State Building. Here, I worked with a portfolio of world class brands and amazing teams within each brand. I developed several connections, including one who encouraged me to apply for an internship at Zac Posen.

Q: Do you like it?

A: Yes! I get to see both the design go down for the Zac Posen more couture, designer clientele side while also working directly with the team for the ZAC Zac Posen division. Here, the product is more contemporary but just as exciting.

Q: Describe what you do at the internship or a day in the life.

A: I’ve helped out with sewing samples for production, assisted in fittings, ran errands around the infamous garment district, and also work on an intern project. This project includes sourcing the fabrics, sketching, and creating a capsule collection for the upcoming Spring 2019 collection. Every day, however, there’s something new thrown at me to do which keeps me on my toes.

Q: Do you work directly with Zac Posen?

A: He’s in the studio four out of the five days of the work week and he’s been spending time here in the atelier even on the weekends! He never fails to say good morning to us each day and to everyone else on the floor. You always know he’s here because of his prominent voice – I’ve actually overheard and learned a lot of smaller life lessons from him and conversations he has throughout the day.

Q: Describe the brand.

A: Zac Posen, The House of Z, is a globally recognized luxury company defining the qualities and craftsmanship of American glamour. Under House of Z is Zac Posen, ZAC Zac Posen and Truly Zac Posen Bridal.

Q: What are the most challenging parts of the internship?

A: Becoming a master of fabrics and what each fabric is manipulated into. There’s a huge fabric wall with rolls of fabrications that all may look alike to the naked eye, however, it’s important to know the difference between each one and its design capabilities.

Q: Were you nervous going into it?

A: Yes. Only because I’m the first intern from Iowa State to be a part of this company so I had no advice or idea of what to expect. Always after your first day you have such a relief of “Ok I did it! And I CAN continue to do this!”

Q: What is the most surprising part about it?

A: We only take up the 2nd floor of a building, however, on this single floor we have our showroom, PR, Sales, Finance, Zac’s office, our ZAC Zac Posen team, the Zac Posen team, and the atelier where all the magic happens. It surprised me that such a known brand and all its success can be done in such a tight area. It’s what keeps The House of Z cohesive!”

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: Check out my portfolio on kamberelyse.com! If you have time for art, you have time to care.