Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Katie Schmidt is the Owner and Designer at Passion Lilie, a New Orleans-based fashion brand focused on sustainable and ethical apparel. With extensive experience in costume design, fashion production, and luxury brand management, she brings a unique blend of creative and business expertise to her current role.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Owner and Designer of Passion Lilie since 2013, Katie is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the business, from creative direction and product development to operational management and brand strategy. Under her leadership, Passion Lilie has established a reputation for its commitment to sustainability, fair labor practices, and high-quality, design-forward clothing.
Career Progression
Prior to founding Passion Lilie, Katie held various roles in the fashion and arts industries, including Director at IN Exchange, Costume Designer at Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, and Head of Fashion Design and Production at a collaborative program between the French Olympic Committee and SKEMA Business School. Her diverse background has allowed her to develop a well-rounded skill set, ranging from costume design and production to luxury brand management and business strategy.
Academic Background
Katie holds an MSc in Luxury and Fashion Management from SKEMA Business School, where she specialized in the intersection of design, sustainability, and business strategy. She also has a background in Drama and Costume Design, having earned a degree from UC Irvine, as well as additional study in World Textiles from the University of California, Davis and the University of Sussex.
Areas of Expertise
- Sustainable and ethical fashion design
- Luxury brand management
- Fashion production and supply chain optimization
- Costume design and theatrical production
- Creative problem-solving and innovation
- Business strategy and entrepreneurship
Professional Impact
Under Katie's leadership, Passion Lilie has become a recognized leader in the sustainable fashion movement, earning numerous awards and accolades for its innovative designs and commitment to environmental and social responsibility. The brand has been featured in prestigious publications, such as Vogue and Architectural Digest, and has built a loyal following among conscious consumers seeking high-quality, ethically-produced clothing.
Conclusion
With her unique blend of creative and business expertise, Katie is poised to continue driving Passion Lilie's growth and impact within the fashion industry. Passionate about sustainability, innovation, and empowering local communities, she is committed to building a brand that not only creates beautiful, sustainable clothing but also positively impacts the world around it.
