Who am i??

My name is Micheline Ip.  I was trained as a fine artist prior to building my career as a fashion designer.

I graduated from Parsons School of Design in New York with a BFA in Fashion Design and landed my first job in the industry with Polo Ralph Lauren.  Thanks to my fine arts training, I was hired mainly because I sketched well, and Ralph was very particular about that.  During that time as an assistant, I worked on illustrations, prints, pattern designs, and presentation boards.  I was also fortunate to have the opportunity to gain some fundamental knowledge about Menswear that actually helped form my aesthetics, as my career grew in Womenswear.

I worked in New York for a host of luxury designers and over the ensuing 15 years, I spent my career learning from more mainstream brands, before moving to Los Angeles.

In Los Angeles, I pursued my career in the Contemporary market.  Most notably Vince, a well-known Contemporary label.  I worked at Vince for 9 years with the two founders, and was a key contributor in creating their brand's DNA.  As a start up brand, I helped them implement new product categories, which formed the foundation of the brand.  My work as the lead Designer and Director of Design and Development helped to facilitate the success of Vince as a major influencer in the Contemporary sector, both in USA and abroad.

After Vince, I cofounded and designed M.I.five, a women's contemporary collection influenced by Menswear.  (Yes, the Menswear influence I brought with me from my first job in New York!)  M.I.five was carried in specialty stores both on the east and west coasts.

One of the most important things I have learned from my career is that No one does it all by themselves.  It is all about teamwork and having the right support system.  Today's fierce competition created by better access to the Internet only makes it more complicated and difficult to stay afloat.  That is why I am excited to share my knowledge with you and help you grow your business, empowering you to the next level.   Whatever that maybe!