Gisel Ko is a South Korean born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico. Since her childhood, she grew up learning about two different cultures and people. Traveling to Seoul, South Korea every summer and to Texas on vacations, she trained herself in how to interact with different cultures, as well as adapting to different places. Right after high school, Gisel moved to San Francisco to pursue her dream career as a Knitwear Designer at one of the top fashion schools in the United States, the Academy of Art University. She has learned the meaning of independence and endurance, teaching herself ways to persevere and move forward. 

 

Knitwear Design is all about interpreting your inspiration into your knits. Either it is simple or complicated; knitting is a very strong tool because it’s unique in its own nature. At the Academy of Art University, Gisel works on her knitwear portfolio collected from garments, swatches, and illustrations. Communicating with instructors and peers, she learned ways to understand and design for different markets. The most important skill was training the ear and eye; as she watched and listened carefully how to work with instructors and peers in a professional way.  

 

In her senior year, Gisel produced a fully knitted collection of 6 looks for the Academy of Art University Graduation Fashion Show. She gained the ability to take critique, work under pressure and meet deadlines.  She learned so much through trial and error and gained more independence and trust in herself to make decisions. 

 

With a degree in Knitwear Design, Gisel is hoping to work for a major fashion company with a strong knitwear label as a knitwear technical designer, swatch producer and patternmaker. She may also work for independent designers to get more involved in the uniqueness of knitwear working for artwork exhibitions. Gisel understands knitwear, and she is very strong knowing what she wants and needs. Her passion is moving her forward, and although it could be a long journey, she won’t give up.