Felix van Driem
Couturier
Groningen, NetherlandsFashion design has been an avocation of mine since I was very young. I taught myself to sew at 12 and was taking advanced pattern drafting by the time I was 16. Only the highlights of my career are listed below. Furthermore, I have worked in swimwear and costume design.
Work Experience
Felix Van Driem
couturier/designer/owner
I am working on several things at once right now. Primarily I am building an inventory for my Etsy.com shop My current explorations involve garment recycling. On the side, I am doing product development work for Van Hulley (vanhulley.com). My contribution involves perfecting existing products and developing new ones primarily in pattern drafting and grading aspects. Furthermore, I am working on developing a sewing patterns business.
January 2008
- Present
Groningen, Netherlands
National Bridal Service / Dreams The Bridal Collection
Designer
In addition to running my own collection I designed and promoted the Dreams Bridal Collection for National Bridal Service. During this time I won the accolade "Wedding Goown of the Year" for 2002 and 2003
November 2000
- December 2002
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Waterborne Corporation
President and Couturier
Establish, run and design for own 'maison de couture'. Design and oversee production of haute-couture ladies and mens clothing. Oversee public relations and advertising.
February 1996
- December 2002
Williamsburg, Virginia, United States
Virginia Commonwealth University
Professor
August 2000 – December 2000 (5 months)
In addition to running my own business I tought the tailoring course for degree seeking fashion design students.
In addition to running my own business I tought the tailoring course for degree seeking fashion design students.
August 2000
- December 2000
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Berghaus International Fashion Group
Coupeur
Patterndrafter for ladies coats on a Microdynamics CAD system.
December 1993
- December 1994
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Waterland Affairs
Coupeur women's and menswear
May 1992
- February 1993
Broek In Waterland, Netherlands
Raggomended
Contract freelance coupeur
Freelance coupeur on contract basis responsible for the patterns for the men's suits for the Nikos label and the womenswear for the Untitled Collection
January 1992
- May 1992
Netherlands
Nico Verhey / Raggomended
Assistent designer
Assistent to the designer developing collections for the brand as well as custom work for various labels.
March 1991
- December 1991
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Frank Govers
Haute couture coupeur
Responsible for the creation of haute couture garments from designing through pattern development to completed garment.
August 1990
- March 1991
Amsterdam, Netherlands
PIERRE BALMAIN
Couture apprenticeship
Apprenticeship under house designer Erik Mortensen in the 'flou' atelier.
June 1990
- August 1990
Paris, France
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Professor Retail Systems Management
Contract for the spring semester teaching retail systems management.
January 1988
- June 1988
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Freelance Designer
Freelance designer
Freelance designer specialising in custom apparel with emphasis on bridal and evening gowns.
May 1987
- June 1989
Richmond, Virginia, United States
J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College
Professor Textiles
Contract for the spring semester teaching Introduction to Textiles.
January 1987
- June 1987
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Couture Fabrics Of Richmond / Design Guild
Founder
Founder of Design Guild, a subdivision of Couture Fabrics of Richmond, a custom apparel and ready-to-wear atelier.
January 1982
- December 1987
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Education
L'Ecole De La Chambre Syndicale De La Couture Parisienne
Diplome Superieur
Accepted directly into the senior year based on portfolio, previous years of work expereince and study in the US. Graduated in the top of the class.
August 1989
- August 1990
Paris, France
Virginia Commonwealth University
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Study interupted for work experience from '81-'89. Received Critics Choice Award Citation in senior year.
August 1978
- May 1989
Richmond, Virginia, United States
Languages
English (Native),
Dutch (Native),
French (Conversational),
Awards
Virginia Commonwealth University
Critics Choice Award Citation
1990
The Valentine Richmond History Center
Acquisition of The Valentine Centennial Gown
1996
The Valentine Richmond History Center
Acquisition of The Faberge Ballgown and graduation exam piece (1990)
2003
National Bridal Service
Wedding Gown of the Year
2002
National Bridal Service
Wedding Gown of the Year
2003
Skills
Adobe Illustrator,
Adobe Photoshop,
Draping,
Fashion Design,
Moulage,
Pattern Drafting,
Photography,
Sewing,
Tailoring,