Jill Hub is a two-time FSF Scholar and Marist alumna (’15) whose early ambition carried her from New York to Hong Kong and college studios to global stages. Today, she leads design for adidas Originals as Senior Design Manager—still grounded in the friendships, mentorship, and creative rigor she found through FSF.
In this conversation, Jill shares how FSF transformed possibilities into realities, how her mentor Barmak Badaei, formerly the Vice President of Design for Disney Parks, Experiences and Products and Senior Design Director at adidas, shaped her design voice, and how she continues to champion future talent through connection and craft.
FSF: How would you describe your personal style in three words?
Jill Hub: Proportions, layers, classics.
FSF: What’s the most important lesson you learned through FSF?
JH: There are many lessons I learned through FSF, but the most important is the power and the strength of your network. From classmates to internships, many of the industry people you meet will stay with you throughout the entirety of your career.
FSF: The future of fashion is _____.
JH: Waiting to be defined.
FSF: How did FSF help you embark on your career—and how do you continue to tap into the community or its resources today?
JH: FSF opened so many doors for me throughout my career! Initially, the scholarship helped me to study abroad in Hong Kong as well as actualize my senior thesis collection. I had great internship opportunities and created relationships that I still maintain to this day. Presently, I am able to continue to connect with students and scholars within a new professional context. In my current chapter in Los Angeles, it’s been wonderful to be able to tap into the FSF community on the West Coast.
FSF: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your fashion journey so far?
JH: My first full time role post college was as an Assistant Menswear Designer for adidas Originals, where I met Barmak Badaei. Since the day we met (when he hired me for my first role), Barmak has played a crucial role in my career and creative journey. He has given me the biggest gift anyone can pass along to another creative, which is their time and knowledge. Barmak has been a mentor to me for the past decade— and has helped me grow into the designer I am today. I have a huge amount of gratitude for hours of creative dialogue, limitless dreaming, and of course, specing garments.
FSF: Can you tell us about a recent project you’re proud of?
JH: Prior to my current role at adidas, I was at Disney where I led the Women’s Apparel Design team. We worked on a really special project where we created 3D crochet plushie sweaters for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, sold around the world. A passion project of mine brought to life and actualized by an amazing team of people.
FSF: What role do you see mentorship playing in the future of fashion?
JH: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of mentorship enough. For me personally, it has been an instrumental part in my personal and professional growth. The future of fashion relies on protecting and passing on the knowledge we have to the next generation. Investing your time and expertise in your creative community is the greatest gift you can leave as your legacy.
FSF: Are there any lessons from your time as an FSF Scholar or Alumna that continue to resonate with you today?
JH: In my experiences, I’ve found that if you can go the extra 10%—be it a follow up email, a thank you note, or making the effort to strike up a conversation, it will open up doors. The small efforts and details set people apart. The old saying that luck is a combination of preparation and timing rings true. Opportunity is yours to create!
FSF: Any upcoming projects you’d like to share?
JH: As I’m just a few months into my new role at adidas, I can’t share anything specific yet. What I will say is, stay tuned… adidas Originals has some very special product being worked on by an incredible team.
FSF: Anything else you’d like to add?
JH: When I look back on my college years, I have so much gratitude for FSF! The opportunities it granted me jump started my journey in the fashion industry. I’m grateful to continue to stay connected with FSF more than a decade later. I would encourage all the current scholars to not hold back and take advantage of every internship, career fair, networking event, and educational opportunity that FSF has to offer.
