The fashion industry is built on ambition, creativity, and a whole lot of hustle—both on and off the clock. My 9-to-5 / 5-to-9 offers a firsthand look at how FSF Scholars, Alumni, and industry veterans navigate their careers, from thriving in full-time roles to turning side projects into something more.
Today, we check in with Lindsay Choi, a 2012–2013 FSF Scholar and Oklahoma State University grad who now works as Senior Designer at United Legwear & Apparel Co., leading men’s bottoms for Ted Baker and Van Heusen.
From her Brooklyn apartment to the Midtown office, Lindsay’s days are filled with fabric swatches, fittings, and the occasional 2pm coffee run. She’s spent the last decade designing everything from tailored trousers to joggers, blending creativity with production know-how across every step of the process. She also mentors emerging designers and recently hired her former FSF mentee to join her team as an assistant designer.
Hear more from Lindsay in the video below, where she kicks off Spring ‘27 men’s designs and takes us along to a mentoring best practices workshop at Carolina Herrera.
Name: Lindsay Choi
Hometown: Edmond, OK
Current City: Brooklyn, NY
Job Title & Company: Senior Designer, Men’s Bottoms – Ted Baker and Van Heusen
College & Graduation Year: Oklahoma State University, 2013
FSF Case Study Scholar Year(s): 2012–2013
Standout FSF Moment: I love attending the FSF Gala each year, it’s such a joyful, full-circle moment. Being part of the Alumni Committee has given me a chance to stay connected, encourage others to get involved, and support the next generation of Scholars. I also love reviewing case studies and mentoring students. It’s a great reminder of how talented this community is and how important it is to give back.
Lindsay taking a lunch break in Midtown, after work volleyball league, and journaling at home with her cat, Georgie. Photos courtesy of Lindsay Choi
Wardrobe check: Comfort and natural fibers are key. Most days I wear wide-leg pants, a breezy shirt, and a mix of vintage or thrifted pieces. On hot summer days, I’ll throw on an easy cotton dress. I always have my favorite rings on as part of my everyday uniform.
A typical morning: I start the day by feeding my orange cat, Georgie, and journaling in my five-year diary, just two or three lines to ground the day. Then I make a green juice, meditate for ten minutes, and ease into breakfast and coffee. On nice days, I do all of this outside in our yard, which is one of my favorite parts of our home.
I work in the office Monday through Thursday and from home on Fridays. My commute playlist is usually a podcast or audiobook, though if the L train is especially packed, I’ll just zone out and listen.
First tasks of the day: I’m a zero-inbox person, so I check emails first and clear out what I can. Then I sync up with my assistant to make sure she’s set for the day. From there, every day looks a little different depending on where we are in the season.
Design in progress: Right now, we’re kicking off trend research for Spring 2027, which includes pulling fabric swatches, developing prints, and exploring trim details. I work closely with cross-functional partners in sourcing, fabric, and adjacent categories to make sure everything aligns. Our team is collaborative, grounded, and always open to fresh ideas, which makes the design process smoother and more enjoyable.
Midday reset: My company encourages real lunch breaks, so I usually step away from my desk to eat. If it’s nice out, I’ll head outside to get some sun and fresh air. On rainy days, I’m in the communal kitchen catching up with coworkers. Desk lunches are rare, but if I’m swamped, I’ll take my salad and squeeze in a few extra emails.
Ireland and Lindsay at the Texworld fabric trade show. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Choi
Afternoon workflow: My afternoons might include fittings, design reviews, or wrap-up meetings with my manager. If we’re in production mode, I’m troubleshooting fabric issues or reviewing samples with our overseas partners. There’s always problem-solving involved. Designers aren’t just sketching—we’re balancing creativity with timelines, budgets, and vendor communication.
One of my favorite parts of the job is sourcing inventive fabrics and designing new trims. Recently, I was able to hire my FSF mentee, Ireland Hiscock, as my assistant designer. It’s been a full-circle moment and a reminder of what this community can build when we support each other.
Winding down: I usually log off between 5 and 6pm, then head to a Pilates or yoga class. Some nights I’ll meet a friend for dinner or happy hour. Other nights I stay in, work on a sewing project, or chip away at something around the house I’ve been putting off. I’ve been trying to be more intentional with my time—creating more, consuming less.
After I’ve tackled my to-dos, I’ll give myself space to unwind with a show or movie. And if there’s a good event happening, you’ll probably find me there, Brooklyn always has something going on.
