In Conversation with Mavel Ortiz Reyes

Tell us about your background:
My name is Mavel Ortiz Reyes, and I am a Dominican-American fashion designer based in New York City. I graduated in 2023 from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BFA in Fashion Design, specializing in Sportswear.

I bring two years of experience and currently hold the position of a Design and Product Development Assistant at Another Tomorrow, a sustainable luxury womenswear brand based in New York City. Over the past year and a half, I've had the opportunity to work across design, product development, and production. My responsibilities have included managing digital material databases, developing detailed technical sketches and tech packs, additionally coordinating with overseas vendors on costing and production timelines. Supporting our Design and Marketing teams to support fittings, photoshoots, and brand events, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the product lifecycle from concept to customer.

Overall, contributing to an elevated, ethically driven brand has allowed me to engage throughout the stages of the product life cycle, strengthening my skills in technical development, cross-functional collaboration, and responsible design. Acknowledging the issues our industry overlooks refines my design capabilities and shapes my perspective on the impact fashion can have when approached with intention and discernment.

Prior to this role, I had the opportunity to acquire an internship at Anna Sui as a design intern. A dynamic and creative environment where I had the pleasure to assist in maintaining and organizing line sheets, trim samples, fabric swatches, and collection archives. I also contributed to the creation of flat technical sketches and design illustrations. Additionally, I conducted trend and design research, helped prepare press kits, and assisted with fitting alterations and the technical rehearsal for the SS24 fashion show. This experience sharpened my attention to detail and gave me valuable exposure to the fast-paced nature of the industry.

My professional journey so far has taught me the importance of communication, adaptability, and collaboration. I approach every project with curiosity and a willingness to learn, qualities that I believe are essential in an ever-evolving industry. With a strong foundation in design and technical skills, along with hands-on experience at both emerging and established companies, I’m eager to continue growing as a creative and contributing to teams that are forward-thinking and driven by purpose.

Looking ahead, I am actively seeking full-time opportunities in New York City in women's ready-to-wear, particularly in design or product development roles, where I can continue to learn, contribute, and push boundaries in a meaningful way.

What do you wish you’d known when you started out?
I wished I had taken more advantage of networking opportunities during my time at FIT, especially with fellow students, faculty, and guest speakers. Looking back, I realize how valuable those early connections can be, not just for job leads but for mentorship, collaboration, and support in the industry. I also wish I had attended more campus events and industry panels, as they’re great spaces to learn, get inspired, and build lasting relationships.

Best career advice you've ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to stay confident and persistent. Rejection is part of the process, but every attempt is a step forward and even if it doesn’t work out, you have gained experience and shown resilience.

What leadership qualities are important to you?

Leadership qualities that are important to me include clear and respectful communication, which I believe is essential for building trust and keeping teams aligned. I also value integrity and empathy, as they foster a supportive and accountable work environment. Objectivity is key to making fair, fact-based decisions that are free from personal bias. Lastly, I believe open-mindedness is critical, the ability to welcome diverse perspectives, adapt to change, and encourage innovation is what drives teams forward.

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far?

One of the biggest challenges in my career so far has been networking and learning how to confidently introduce myself. As someone who is naturally more reserved, it took time for me to become comfortable initiating conversations and speaking about my work and goals in professional settings.

However, I’ve come to realize how important networking is for growth and opportunity in the fashion industry. I've been actively working on building my confidence by reaching out to peers and mentors, and practicing how I present myself and my experiences. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve made meaningful connections and grown more comfortable advocating for myself and my work.

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mavel-ortiz-reyes-894830273

Website: https://mavelortizreyes.my.canva.site/

Instagram: @mavel_ortizreyes