Fashion is more than just clothing. It is a lifestyle of expression. Artistic expression reflects culture, identity, and innovation. In the fashion industry, there are fashion and technical designers. They are experts who shape the aesthetics of garments and ensure their functionality and fit.
Moreover, technical designers bridge the gap between the creative vision of designers and the practical requirements of production. They are the ones who meticulously craft specifications. They oversee fittings and troubleshoot issues. Most importantly, they ensure that each piece of clothing meets both the artistic and commercial standards of the fashion world.
It is within the tapestry of creativity and practicality that we find fashion and technical designers like the exceptional and detail-oriented, Nhi Tran. She embodies this intersection of artistry and technical expertise. Currently serving as a Technical Designer at Cinq à Sept in New York, Nhi collaborates closely with creative directors to align design direction with the brand’s aesthetic. Her experience includes managing the development of seasonal collections. She develops detailed technical specifications and oversees the initial style development. She amazingly ensures that garments meet both fit and quality standards.
Additionally, she actively participates in fit sessions. Nhi uses live models to implement necessary adjustments for the garments. She ensures maintaining the integrity of the brand’s visual identity. Nhi has the ability to cultivate strong relationships with cross-functional teams. Shecollaborates with the design, merchandising, and production crew. Nhi Tran is a vital link in the product development process. She has also worked for reputable brands such as LBV, Zinntex LLC, TOME, and Narciso Rodriguez.
New York Art Life had the opportunity to sit down with Nhi Tran. We had the chance to see her world through our exclusive interview. Discover her insights on the evolving fashion industry, her creative process, and the challenges she faces as a technical designer. Join us as we explore the mind of a talented designer who is making waves in the New York fashion scene.
New York Art Life: As a Technical Designer at Cinq à Sept, how do you ensure that the design direction aligns with the brand’s aesthetic when collaborating with Creative Directors?
Nhi Tran: To ensure alignment with the brand’s aesthetic, I prioritize open and ongoing communication with Creative Directors. At the outset of any project, I make it a point to engage in detailed discussions. I need to fully understand their vision and the specific elements they want to convey through the designs. This sets the foundation for a successful collaboration. I actively listen to their ideas and perspectives! This helps me grasp the nuances of the brand’s identity. I also get to understand the direction we aim to take.
Plus, we use tools like mood boards and visual references. I translate these discussions into tangible concepts that encapsulate the desired aesthetic. These visual aids serve as a common language between us. Through curated images, color palettes, and fabric swatches, I can effectively communicate how technical specifications will support the artistic intent. Through this, we ensure that everyone is on the same page throughout the design process.
I also foster a collaborative atmosphere by encouraging feedback. It is important to incorporate the Creative Directors’ insights into the technical development of the garments. We need to balance creativity and technicality. In turn, our commitment to collaboration and communication helps us create collections that are both innovative and true to Cinq à Sept’s identity.
One of Nhi Tran’s projects, Cinq à Sept’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection, was featured in Vogue.
New York Art Life: We heard that Lupita Nyong’o wore a piece that you designed at the premiere of her movie The Quiet Place: Day One. What do you feel about that?
Nhi Tran: I felt so proud of myself! Lupita Nyong’o looked so dazzling and beautiful! She wore the satin jacket and trouser suiting set that I designed and worked so hard on. Truly, what an honor! It made my drive to create clothes that elevate the female forms and bring out their best self stronger. I also want to say that one of the pieces I made was worn by Padma Lakshmi for the 2024 Gold Gala. What an honor! She’s included in the 100 most impactful Asian Pacific changemakers in culture and society. I love when my pieces are worn to celebrate accolades like that.
New York Art Life: Can you also share an example of a significant fit issue you resolved as a Technical Designer and the impact it had on the final product?
Nhi Tran: Working at Cinq à Sept, one significant fit issue I encountered involved a key dress design that exhibited unexpected bunching around the waistline during fittings. It made us panic because the dress was intended for an upcoming collection launch. Imagine our worry!
Though, I recognized that the bunching detracted from the overall elegance of the silhouette. Also, I worried that it could potentially impact the garment’s marketability. I needed to act fast in addressing the problem to maintain our timeline.
Basically, I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. I adjusted the waist seam and made some small tweaks to the dart placements. It’s like fine-tuning the dress to fit just right. After making those changes, I scheduled another fitting to see how it all came together. Yes, you can think of it like a science experiment! I wanted to make sure that my adjustments would give us the smooth, flattering fit we were aiming for.
When we tried the dress on again, what a relief! The adjustments worked perfectly. The dress now hugged the body beautifully. I love that it highlighted the wearer’s shape in all the right ways! Truly, it’s important to pay attention to the details. This is to ensure we deliver a product that our customers would love.
New York Art Life: How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple collections simultaneously, and what tools or strategies do you use?
Nhi Tran: I know a lot of people struggle with multitasking. When I manage multiple collections at once, I like to think of it as orchestrating a symphony. Each collection has its own unique rhythm and requirements. It’s my job to ensure everything comes together harmoniously. What I do is I employ a structured project management approach. One of my go-to tools is a Gantt chart! It helps me visualize timelines and deadlines. Through this, I have a clear overview of each collection’s milestones. I can easily see what needs to be done and when. It’s almost like having a roadmap that guides me through the creative process.
Also, it is important to prioritize tasks in this busy environment. Typically, I sort them based on urgency and complexity. For example, if a collection is set to launch sooner or has a significant impact on sales, those tasks naturally move to the top of my list.
I also consider how intricate certain tasks are. There are some tasks that may take longer to execute. I make sure to allocate time for those upfront. Focus is key.
I would also say that in every field, you should make it a point to stay flexible. For me, there might be a sudden change in direction or a bad feedback from a fitting. My Gantt chart allows me to adjust my priorities quickly. Most of all, I think I have a structured yet flexible approach. This helps me navigate the complexities of managing multiple collections. I really need to ensure that we deliver standout designs that resonate with our audience.
One of Nhi Tran’s projects, Cinq a Sept’s Resort 2025 collection, featured on Vogue.
New York Art Life: You were a Technical Designer at Zinntex LLC. What were your key responsibilities for Walmart’s Maternity and Intimates departments?
Nhi Tran: In my role as a Technical Designer at Zinntex LLC, I had the opportunity to oversee the entire development process for Walmart’s D29 and D30 Maternity and Intimates departments. This responsibility spanned from the initial concept phase through to the top-of-production stage. I took pride in managing this complex workflow. I had to ensure that every step aligned with Walmart’s rigorous standards.
A significant part of my role involved establishing block specifications, fit blocks, and pattern blocks. These are foundational elements. I had to make sure that all garments met aesthetic expectations. At the same time, I had to make sure it adhered to functional requirements. It was all about paying meticulous attention to detail! This was crucial because there’s a need to maintain consistency across both Walmart’s e-commerce platform and physical stores.
I also collaborated closely with cross-functional teams. This allowed me to foster strong relationships with both internal stakeholders and external vendors. I truly love collaboration! This collaboration was essential in ensuring that our products met the highest quality standards while also being delivered on time. My experience in this role reinforced my commitment to excellence. It strengthened my passion for delivering high-quality apparel that meets the needs of consumers.
New York Art Life: With all that you have designed, we are curious: what inspires your designs?
Nhi Tran: I get inspiration from films, music, and photography. I love directors like Andrei Tarkovsky, Wong Kar Wai, and Pedro Almodovar. They have inspired me with their unique storytelling and visual aesthetics. Music keeps me going! I find myself drawn to bands like Cocteau Twins, Radiohead, and Sufjan Stevens. I’m even learning to play the drums, which has been a fantastic outlet for my creativity. Beyond that, I cherish long walks. It makes you reflect about life. I also adore exploring museums. The art of those before me inspires my future art. Most of all, food! I’m a foodie. I also like engaging in meaningful conversations with friends and family. Basically, everything fuels my imagination. My pieces are inspired by everything and everyone around me.
New York Art Life: As a Technical Designer at LBV, you contributed to transitioning brand direction. What specific steps did you take to streamline the development process during LBV’s transition to the contemporary market?
Nhi Tran: When LBV was making its shift to the contemporary market, I knew we needed to streamline our development process to keep up with the changes. I started by diving deep into our existing workflows. We need to see what can be improved and what should be eliminated. I held conversations with team members to get a real sense of their challenges. This is to know where things were getting stuck. I would say I have a hands-on approach! It helped me identify specific bottlenecks that we needed to address.
From there, I focused on improving our communication. To keep everyone aligned, I set up clear protocols. We had regular check-ins and updates. It was all about making sure that no one was left in the dark. I also created standardized templates for our Tech Packs. It was perfect because it really helped simplify our documentation process. It saved us a lot of time! Plus, it also helped reduce errors. It allowed everyone to work more effectively together.
With all of that said, those steps made a big difference in our efficiency. We improved our collaboration and structure. It was very rewarding for all of us! We managed to navigate the changes smoothly. It led to a successful relaunch of the brand.
One of Nhi Tran’s projects, Cinq a Sept’s Resort 2024 collection, featured on Vogue.
New York Art Life: Can you share your top five tips for aspiring fashion designers looking to make their mark in the industry?
Nhi Tran: Absolutely! I love sharing insights with aspiring fashion designers. My top five tips really focus on key aspects that can make a big difference in your journey in this industry. First and foremost, it’s essential to cultivate your unique style. Secondly, gaining practical experience is invaluable. Seek internships and hands-on opportunities to work with established designers or brands. Networking is another vital element. Building relationships in the fashion industry can open doors you never knew existed! Additionally, staying informed and adaptable is important in a constantly evolving industry. Lastly, resilience and persistence are key!
As New York Art Life concludes the conversation with Nhi Tran, it becomes evident that her journey in the fashion industry is marked by a deep commitment to both artistry and technical precision. She embodies the spirit of innovation that drives the industry forward. Nhi Tran constantly adapts to new challenges and trends. Her insights reveal her dedication to her craft. Nhi also understands the importance of collaboration in achieving successful outcomes.
Moreover, Nhi’s journey is also about inspiring the next generation of designers. By sharing her experiences and insights, she aims to empower aspiring designers to embrace their uniqueness and navigate the challenges of the industry with resilience and dedication. This encouragement highlights the essential role that seasoned designers play in shaping the future of the fashion scene.
As we reflect on Nhi Tran’s wonderful contributions to the fashion and technical design industry, we invite our readers to delve deeper into her story and experiences through the full interview. Are you an aspiring designer? A seasoned designer? Or simply a lover of fashion? Nhi Tran’s insights are sure to offer inspiration and encouragement. We, New York Art Life, are excited for what’s to come next for Nhi Tran and her artistry.
1 Cinq a Sept’s Pre-Fall 2025 collection on Vogue
2 Cinq a Sept’s Resort 2025 collection on Vogue
3 Cinq a Sept’s Resort 2024 collection on Vogue
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