Devin + Diane Von Furstenberg = Amazing Summer!
written by Devin Osorio
Living the life of a fashion designer is not all about the high fashion glamour and paparazzi annoyance, but it also includes my favorite part, the nitty gritty background work. Background work that can be spent sewing beads to nude organza, or photo copying pattern pieces in order to create “the dress”.
Interning for the world renown fashion designer, Diane von Furstenberg, not only taught me this, but let me experience it hands on.
I started interning in the beginning of July as a design intern. I got to create samples for designers to depict into catwalk pieces. By doing so I learned very helpful and useful sewing techniques. not only can I do things I couldn’t before, but i think in new angles also. Before my mind was limited to garments made of only fabric.
I also learned about life! by interacting with the other interns I learned to enjoy life more and to open my horizons!
most of the interns were foreign, which within itself is amazing, but they are also older. i got to mature the more i spoke to them.
because they were older, they spent all their time going out and experiencing new york. they saw and did things i’ve never done in new york. they inspired me to do the same.
Because of them i now have friends in London, Israel, San Francisco, France, and the Ukranine!
the next time you go to the UK, you can use their lingo such as:
- Naf, something which is tacky.
- Skanky, something which is cheap.
- Cheers, used instead of thank you
- Fancy, used when you really like someone or something/ used when you have a crush on someone
- Fit, someone whom is more than “hot” but “sexually arising”
- “You Alright?”, casually asking how someone’s day is going, not in a concerned context.
we also spoke about colleges, since i have to apply soon. they told me their experiences in applying, their expectations and if they were fulfilled. now i can say truthfully that Central Saint Martins in London is my number one choice!
after spending so much time with them, we not only created a “dvf family” but now more than ever i yearn for the life of independence, responsibility, but more than that, the life of “new”. moving to a new country in which i make new friends, a life with a new home, in which i develop a “new” family of roommates and neighbors.
i not only spent a lot of time with the interns but with Neil Gilks. He is an AMAZING human being, whom has had a terrific and splendid career in fashion. i hope to be like him when i got older.
i may love the background work. but the glamour is fun as well. their is always something going on! the 2nd week of interning there, Gossip Girl was recording. i got to see some of the stars! lots of movies are being filmed near the DVF Showroom, i have spotted Joseph Gordon- Levitt many times!
looking ahead, i hope to help out during and after fashion week! as a birthday gift from Neil, had gifted me a copy of Diane’s biography. in it she wrote, “enjoy it all + go for it.” after this summer thats exactly what i want to do! my motto now is, “want it, go for it. the worse “they” can say is no!”
Devin lands an internship @ Diane Von Furstenburg’s studio
A word from Devin: I'd like to throw out a special thanks to Robert Buchan, who is one of the SALT teachers. He gave me the most phenomenal, mind exploding, door opener opportunity ever! He asked his friend Suki Cheema, a talented pattern designer for Diane Von Furstenburg, if I could come in for a visit and help out for a day.
It was surreal! It was my type of environment with well dressed people. Just seeing the backstage to the best designer line that all women desire is just like being in a dream. Sitting in the lobby and seeing those three capital letters stylishly placed on the glass exterior door sent chills down my spine. It was electrifying, meeting the super sweet European interns, meeting Liz E. Hardy whom is super cool, and meeting Suki Cheema himself with his great co-workers in the basement (one of which liked my bow tie!)
In addition to meeting super cool and talented people who do exactly what I want to do after I graduate from college, I also went on a tour of the place! The showroom filled with off-the-runway clothing was divine!
With my splurge-like goodie bag, I will always reminisce of this great visit!
I tried my best to take advantage of this amazing opportunity full force! I worked hard to present myself well and make the best impression I could muster! I followed up after the visit and inquired about interning. I learned that it pays to ask because I received a once a week summer internship!!! I’m so excited!
I know these series of wonderful events would not have occured if NYCSalt were not created, and Robert were not helping, and Suki were not contacted.
DVF and her loyal team, I LOVE YOU very dearly and can't wait to see you in the summer!
Devin Osorio
PS..the picture is of my friend, Cookie, wearing the goodies I received from DVF 