Internship: DVF

by Jessica Sudalnik

It is a classic Portfolio Center alumni-network story: A PC grad who works at Diane Von Furstenberg contacts Hank and says they are looking for an intern...

I have always been interested in fashion and wondered how my love of fashion would inevitably play into my life as a designer. The classes I’d taken at PC never delved into the subject specifically, and the reading material of fashion/design was poor at best, so when this opportunity came up, I resisted some. And Hank literally dragged me into his office and sat me down.

We chatted (meaning Hank gave me what-for), and within the next few days, I'd pulled together a resume and had PC photography student Jorge Menes shoot my minibook. Then I began to figure out how I would to NYC and what I'd do with my apartment and my cat. Well, I interviewed, got the internship, found a place to stay, and brought my cat with me.

I've been at DVF for several weeks now and have learned so much about the business in just this short time. I’m working directly with their design team, which consists of three people, and I’m pretty much considered a member of the team. I've been given solo projects--gift cards, look books, ads, as well as group tasks--invitations, training manuals, etc. The creative team at DVF does all creative work, both inter-office design (training manuals, brand book) and outside design (published for DVF or events, parties, benefits that DVF puts on herself).

It's been interesting to see how the brand was originally created and how now those foundations/truths/mantras have transitioned into branding today. I've learned how to design for DVF and have the designs speak DVF. There are set parameters that I have to work with, a language that is given to me to use, which is something new. At first it was rocky but now I feel that I've got it.

Outside of work, I keep myself busy but exploring new neighborhoods, (getting lost and then figuring how to get back to where I started), visiting museums, going to the open air markets, and hanging out with new and old friends.

I love how busy New York is, that there's always someone around and something to do. Every day is an experience. From old men singing a cappella in the subway station, to graffiti on the wall, to ancient relics of a European monastery, you can find all of it in NY. The city is leaving a great impression on me and is influencing the way I think about some of my design projects. I think, THIS is what I was missing...this life, enthusiasm, chaos...just wait until you see my final book.

I miss Atlanta, but I can't wait to move back here after school.