CAREER PROFILE: Yael Frischling | Knitwear Design Consultant

Welcome back to the second edition of our new journal series ‘Career Profile.’ Each month, we sit down with inspiring people doing inspiring things in their careers to discuss what inspires them. Join us for this month’s career musing that explores both career and fashion advice with some of our favourite industry professionals.

Say hello to our February Feature: Yael Frischling

PICTURED: the gorg Yael herself sipping a beveragino of choice ;)

In our second Career Profile of the series, we chat with Yael Frischling, an experienced Knitwear Design Consultant. Yael’s career has seen her manage the Design department of brands of the likes of Bec + Bridge and Nagnata to name a few. She has recently launched her own freelancing service, specialising in the knitwear realm. Yael shares with us her career journey, what led her to where she is today, her goals and aspirations and her advice for those looking to follow a similar path. 

First things first, how did it all begin and what was the lightbulb moment that led you to pursue a career in fashion design?

Growing up, becoming a fashion designer was a dream of mine. I remember drawing wedding dresses that looked like cakes and trying to convince neighbours to hire me as a professional dressmaker. I never really wanted to do anything else. 

Tell us, what has been your biggest career highlight to date?

My biggest career highlight was having the opportunity to start and grow the knitwear category at Bec and Bridge. They really let me run with it and allowed me to learn from my own mistakes and successes. It was so fun and exciting to watch it grow as quickly as it did. 

On the flip side, what have you found most challenging?

There is a lot I find challenging about this career path. My biggest challenge is supporting and working in an industry that has such harmful effects on people and the planet. It's not a good feeling. 

A day in the office, what does this typically look like for a Designer at your level? 

People always ask me this, and it is so hard to answer. Each day is so different, from design and fit meetings, to drawing and gathering inspiration, to your regular answering emails and liaising with your coworkers. 

PICTURED: Yael’s incredible design that was created during her time at Bec + Bridge

What advice would you give aspiring designers looking to follow a similar career path? 

Design can become competitive and it's easy to look over your shoulder at what other designers or brands are doing. If you focus on what really inspires you and bring your own opinion to the table, people will value you for it. 

When searching for a new role, what aspects of a company are most important to you?

Trust and respect has become very important to me. When I feel that companies value their employees and empower them to thrive in their role, it creates a healthy environment that motivates everyone to work harder and have a vested interest in the work they are doing. That’s the kind of company I want to work for. 

PICTURED: Yael’s incredible design that was created during her time at Bec + Bridge

If anything the recent pandemic has shined a light on the importance of instilling work life balance into our everyday lives. How do you navigate this? 

I still struggle with work life balance, but the recent pandemic has definitely taught me that time is precious and I don’t want to spend it anywhere that doesn’t feel like a healthy, supportive environment. These past few years have taught me that I don’t need to compromise my well being for my career. 

What characteristics or soft skills do you find most beneficial in fashion design? 

Communication! Each design takes so many different people to create it and you have to work together in order to be effective. Also, be open to learning from others. Hopefully, you’ll come across a lot of people you can learn from, so make sure to ask questions and absorb as much as possible. No one expects you to know everything. 

We are strong believers of building a network that lifts you up and inspires. Do you have a mentor or close network that you look up to and lean on for advice? 

I don’t have one particular mentor, but I have learned so many things from people in the industry along the way. I’m lucky to have encountered a lot of brilliant people who were happy to impart their wisdom onto me. 

What are your goals for the next 12 months, is there something you are most looking forward to in 2022? 

I have just left full time employment and am now working as a knitwear design consultant for multiple brands. It is both scary and exciting, so I’m eager to see where this heads over the next 12 months. I have no particular goal in mind and am open to whatever comes my way. 

Just for fun, we would love to know what you are currently watching, reading and listening to. 

I am currently watching Euphoria, reading The Alchemist, and listening to Ashnikko on repeat. 

And finally, because we all have a mutual love for fashion, what is currently on your wishlist? 

I really want the Jil Sander Padded Thong Sandals in Black. 

Want to connect with Yael for more? Find her on Linkedin HERE!