Industry veteran Lisa Metcalfe has been sharing her wisdom and knowledge with the CFDA for many years. Her career is impressive: Not only does she have her own consultancy, but Metcalfe was also a founding partner of Pam & Gela. Her knowledge and expertise have led her to support fashion businesses with launch and growth strategies as well as sourcing, production, and logistics, and we are proud to have her be a part of our new NETWORK program. Here, Metcalfe shares some words of advice.

Define passion:

Giving something your all, all day, every day because you care that much.

If you were to write a book, what would the title be?

Growing Up in Fashion

Describe a favorite moment in your fashion career?

A moment that I will never forget is when I received my first raise at 19 years old. I was working as a production assistant for Murray Tuttman at Calvin Klein in 1986. I was on the job for three months when Murray called me into his office and said, “You’re a good kid.  You work hard.  I’m giving you a raise.” I went from $15,500 to $16,900. It was the best raise I have ever gotten!

What do you think is the best piece of advice that you’ve given someone?

Understand every job you need to hire in your business.  You don’t need to be the best at it, but you need to know how to do it.

What do you see changing the face of fashion over the next year?

The effects of the changes in “globalization” with regards to manufacturing.

What does being a NETWORK mentor mean to you?

Giving back to the industry in support of young and/or established brands whose growth depends on the knowledge and experience of industry veterans. I want to help designers navigate this ever -changing business and assist in leading them to their growth and success.