Its’ fitting that Kathi Crean ‘82 was featured in a book called Sew Up a Storm: All the Way to the Bank in the early 90s. Crean has spent the last thirty years doing just that. She made her own clothes before coming to Harcum to study Fashion Design in the 1980s, and started her own bridal fashion business “A Perfect Fit by Kathi” in State College, PA, upon graduation.
Crean’s clients come from up and down the East Coast. She’s made bridal gowns from family heirlooms and helps clients clean and preserve the couture wedding dresses she’s created for them. Part of owning her own business involves expertise in storefront management, and she has experience with manufacturing, production, selling, and needlework acquired through work and internship experiences.
While a student at Harcum, she describes her circle of friends from the first floor of Klein Hall as a close-knit (pun wholly intended.) “I liked the small class size and feeling part of the school community, not just a student number, “ Crean said. When asked how Harcum helped her obtain the stature she enjoys as a luxury wedding gown designer, she was quick to credit Maureen Kennedy, the Program Director, and her personal advisor. “[She] built my self-confidence to an important level for me to take the next step.”
Crean advises Harcum students currently studying Fashion Design to find jobs working hands-on to gain life experience and knowledge outside of classroom work. “Strive for excellence and constant improvement, no matter what level of skill you start out with, “ she added.
View samples of Kathi Crean’s designs and client testimonials on her business website:www.aperfectfitbykathi.com.
