Alumni

Zahra Knott

Sweater Designer at Kellwood

Zahra Knott grew up in Derby, Kansas and received a BFA degree in Textile Design from University of Kansas. "My education was focused more on fine arts rather than clothing," explains Zahra, who moved to Los Angeles after graduation. "I knew I needed to learn more fashion design if I wanted to break into the industry." 

After hearing about FIDM's one-year Fashion Knitwear Design Professional Designation Program for students already holding a bachelor's degree, Zahra decided to go back to school. "As a student returning to school in my early thirties, the program was a great fit for me, preparing me to embark on a new career in just a short amount of time," she says. 

In addition to classes in fashion sketching and design, Zahra had access to industrial knitting machines and software. "I also benefitted from the knowledgeable and encouragement of the faculty and staff who consistently made themselves available to me and helped me to secure my first job in the industry while I was still in school," she explains. 

Today, Zahra is a Sweater Designer at Kellwood, one of the leading apparel manufacturers in the U.S., where she researches trends and materials, shops for inspiration, develops and sketches new ideas, creates initial techpacks, follows up with overseas vendors and factories, attends fittings, and manages sample garments. "I enjoy the variety of tasks I get to do each day, and the opportunity to be both creative and analytical," says Zahra.  

Please Note: The information contained herein was confirmed at the time of original publication.

Categories:  Fashion Knitwear Design Alumni