Meet the Faces Behind Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Ever wondered... who are these people that design all these wonderful fabrics at Robert  Kaufman Fabrics? Well wonder no more! We thought it would be fun to start letting you see a little bit more about all the people who work so hard to bring our fabrics to life and into your hands.

Jamie Chupik – Senior Stylist, Retail Division

So, where are you from?
I grew up in Dallas, Texas and moved out to sunny Southern California in 2000 at the age of 18. Presently, I am living in Studio City.

What schools did you attend out here?
I attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise (FIDM to many) from 2000 to 2002 where completed my Associates Degree in Textile Design.

How long have you been at Robert Kaufman Fabrics?
It will be 8 years in July of 2010. I was hired the week I graduated from FIDM.

What is your favorite part of your daily job here?
That would have to be getting to be creative with color and to try unexpected color combinations. Then, developing those color combinations into colorstories. The hard work really pays off when the strike-offs come in. That’s when I can see how vibrant the colors are going to be. The results can be amazing!

Do you have any favorite color combinations/ and or colorstory?
I would have to say the retro orange/chartreuse/ivory feeling. I just love that one!

What is your biggest challenge of design?
That’s a tough question! I would have to say it is successfully making something you think is nice can be mainstream enough for a customer. There is a fine line between what you like and what we can sell. Beyond that, the fast paced speed of the entire process can be daunting with so many deadlines to be aware of on a daily basis.

Where do you get your inspiration?
I do a lot of trend research. That could be anything from a magazine to window shopping to analyzing sales of past lines and collections. Then, I have to determine what is successful and how to apply that to future collections.

What do you see in the future in terms of fashion trends?
Simple and modern. Geometric simplicity and color.

What do you like to do on your days off?
Honestly, the simple relaxing things in life like walking my dog with my best friends. I love to knit and crochet baby blankets for friends and family. You can usually catch me in Malibu or at  Zuma Beach with my friends on the weekends.

Alright, let’s hear about highlight of fun you did in the last 6 months?
I went to a Jersey Shore themed costume party. It was hilarious! My “Snookie” look was right on the mark.


Meet the Faces Behind Robert Kaufman Fabrics

Ever wondered... who are these people that design all these wonderful fabrics at Robert  Kaufman Fabrics? Well wonder no more! We thought it would be fun to start letting you see a little bit more about all the people who work so hard to bring our fabrics to life and into your hands.

Michele's fishing trip to Catalina was a success.Michele Ko - Textile Designer

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Busan, South Korea. I moved to Southern California 7 years ago to attend FIDM(Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandise). I graduated with an associates’ Degree in 2005.

How long have you been working for Robert Kaufman Fabrics?
I started in November of 2005. Almost 5 years! Wow. It goes by fast when you are as busy as we are!!!

What is your favorite part of your position?
That would have to be seeing all the different sorts of arts, fabrics, samples, and anything else that goes into my research. I try to focus my attention on items like this in order to spur my creativity and help me decide on a group. When I put them all together I can complete a collection. It’s so interesting to take a pattern and see how it evolves as is or onto a fabric. Time and again, it becomes a trial and error process moving an idea into a sellable design for clothes or quilting fabric.

What is the most challenging part of your position as a textile designer?
I would have to say taking something from nothing and turning it into a successful design. The research that goes into transforming a nugget into a pot of gold can be difficult at times. But, with all the research done on one collection, you tend to learn enough so when you go down that road again, you are prepared for the twists and turns. The information you gain makes the challenge easier later.

You were born and raised in South Korea. Does that help or hinder your research?
I would say it does both. It makes understanding Western Culture easier since I end up doing all this research. I tend to learn a lot very quickly.

Where do you derive your inspiration from?
I tend to go to museums all over Los Angeles a lot. I even go to the zoo to learn more about the animal I see in some artwork. But, I also do a lot of research in art books and some designers past and present work.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off?
Museums! I love going to museums. Garden and art museums are always on my “to-do” list. I also love wine-tasting up in Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. My weakness is for Sushi these days at various restaurants. One of my favorite items on my list is “ceviche” which is the most amazing food ever!

What is the “fun” highlight from the last 6-months?
Spending a week on a private beach at a resort in Hawaii where I just did nothing but relax. That was just pure fun for me.