David Phillips is also our Head Pattern maker. “I’ve had a love of fashion from an early age,” he says. “My mother, who made many of her own clothes, would take me to the symphony and back in the 50’s everyone dressed for those events. I was fascinated by the men in tuxedos and the women in gowns and furs.
“I didn’t start sewing until 1968 after I made the comment to my then-wife that it couldn’t be that hard to sew and she turned around and dared me to try. I took sewing classes at the local sewing shop and sure enough I started out-sewing my wife and my mother! In 1975 I entered the El Centro Fashion Design program where I learned the craft of pattern making. Before long I began work as a sample cutter, then a junior pattern maker and on to designing. When JCPenney moved from New York to Dallas in 1988, I was hired as Senior Technical Designer in the Women’s Sportswear division. In 2004 I moved to Haggar Men’s Wear where I also served as Senior Technical Designer until I retired.
“When Kelli and Kim approached me to help them bring true men’s designs into women’s clothing, I knew they were on to something. Since retirement I have been making custom costumes and suits for both men and women clients. My women clients always request more pockets in their jackets. Men’s suits are much more detailed in both material and the pattern. We’ve built patterns for Mister Sister that has the look and feel of menswear but fits a woman’s figure.”
We are thrilled to have David as our man behind the menswear for Mister Sister. He is a valuable asset and keeps the label true to our mission.
