Kohl’s Internship
During the summer of my junior year of school, I undertook an internship at Kohl’s corporate office in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In the role of Design Intern for SO Young Women’s Dresses and Skirts, I actively contributed to the team's daily operations and engaged in two design challenges, enhancing my skills and gaining valuable experience in the process.
Design Challenge #1
For the first design challenge at Kohl’s, I was tasked with creating a collection tailored to address the needs of a consumer demographic not currently catered to by the brand—referred to as a “white space” in the company. After a thorough examination of the company's current offerings, I identified a gap in SO's lineup, specifically in the realm of simple basics targeting the eco-conscious consumer interested in cultivating a versatile capsule wardrobe. To address this gap, I conducted extensive research into design principles, fabric choices, and prevailing fashion trends, culminating in the successful completion of this innovative and sustainable collection, called SO Foundations.
Design Challenge #2
In my second design challenge at Kohl’s, the task was to conceive a collection tailored to the preferences of outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those residing in southern regions, who prioritize comfort, versatility, and performance attributes. In response to this brief, I developed a vacation line for Kohl’s Sonoma brand, targeting the post-pandemic traveler with a focus on sustainability, packability, and mix-and-match capabilities. To achieve these objectives, I delved into researching wrinkle-free fabric finishes and eco-friendly dye methods. Additionally, I collaborated with two art interns who contributed graphics to enhance the visual appeal of the collection.
Digital Design
In my role, I took on the responsibility of crafting digital flats for prospective designs. Furthermore, I employed VStitcher to transform these potential designs into a 3D format, minimizing the need for physical samples.
Interview Project
Prior to receiving the internship at Kohl’s, I was given the opportunity to create a project to share during the last round of interviews. The task was to investigate Kohl’s customers and their current product offerings, then design a collection for Spring 2023 that aligned with the evolving post-pandemic lifestyle of the customers while addressing an unmet need in the assortment. In response to this challenge, I conceptualized a collection named Retro Springtime, centering around the consumer's growing interest in sustainability and the anticipated resurgence of 70s trends according to trend research.
