The ‘engineer of fashion’ giving corporate wear a stylish makeover

Nicole Hapgood-Strikland, a garment technologist at Imagemakers, has spent the past 13 years ensuring that creative designs become practical, durable, and well-made garments. As a garment technologist, she is often referred to as the "engineer of fashion." Her role involves transforming a designer's sketch into high-quality wearable clothing that can be manufactured efficiently within a budget.

The process of creating a single garment can involve at least 50 people, from pattern-making and fabric selection to technical drawings and precise measurements.

Hapgood-Strikland often encounters the misconception that corporate clothing must be boring. However, at Imagemakers, they strive to offer stylish and fashionable options suitable for various people, careers, and body shapes, including maternity wear. She personally favors well-tailored garments, such as an Armani blazer, which hugs her in all the right places. Looking sharp, she believes, can positively impact mental health by reducing decision fatigue in the morning.

While companies often seek the cheapest options, Hapgood-Strikland warns that cheaper garments can end up being more expensive in the long run due to shrinkage, fading, or tearing after repeated washing. She stresses that investing in premium, durable corporate wear lowers the cost per wear. Understanding how garments will be used is crucial when selecting fabrics.

For instance, polyester offers crease resistance and washability, while cotton provides a cooler alternative but requires more ironing. Hapgood-Strikland's favorite fabric is Tencel for its movement, and she appreciates denim for its durability.

Environmental concerns are also close to her heart. She advocates for durability as part of the sustainability conversation, aiming for garments to last up to 100 washes. Additionally, she is intrigued by textile technology developments, like converting recycled plastic bottles into fabric and using 3D computer-aided design to visualize garments on avatars before cutting the fabric.

For women considering a career in the technical side of fashion, Hapgood-Strikland emphasizes the importance of being a go-getter, diligent, comfortable with numbers, and willing to put in the work. Strong interpersonal skills are also essential, as the job involves collaborating with various individuals throughout the production process. Most importantly, she stresses the need for tenacity, as one must be able to challenge ideas, solve problems, and understand how a garment is constructed.