New York-based shoe designer and fashion designer Susan Zienty was the recipient of the 2017 CFDA Liz Claiborne Scholarship Award – and, the following year, went on to receive the Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation Award replete with a yearlong fellowship at Kenneth Cole Productions. Since then, Zienty has been busy building her own eponymous label, featuring custom, silk-centric garments and accessories inspired by family legacy and mindful design. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of CFDA Scholarships, we caught up with Zienty to reflect on her experience as a CFDA Scholar, what she’s up to now these days, and what’s next.
Susan, it’s great to connect. Tell us a bit about your background in fashion. Where did you go to school, and what did you study?
I’ve had a calling towards fashion since early childhood playing dress up, drawing fancifully dressed characters, and collaging Vogue. I grew up in the Arizona desert and always dreamed of a fast-paced, fashion-filled city life. This yearning led me to San Francisco to study Fashion Design at Academy of Art University.
What are some key takeaways from your fashion education that you implement in your career today?
All of the skills I acquired during my time at Academy of Art University have proven to be imperative for my success in the fashion and footwear industries. Technical skills like sketching, patternmaking, and construction are at the forefront of my daily responsibilities as a designer.
However, the takeaway I cherish the most from my time as a student is collaboration. Working with and mentoring others has brought a greater sense of purpose to my work.
What was the scholarship application process and what was it like for you? Are there any memorable moments throughout the process that stand out?
The CFDA scholarship application process gave me the invaluable opportunity to connect with the industry and its professionals in a close and meaningful way. Conceptualizing and creating
collections through the lens of profoundly impactful brands allowed me a stronger understanding of the role designers serve in the industry. I most cherish the moments I experienced gaining feedback on my work directly from industry professionals and connecting with fellow participants.
Do you remember the moment you found out that you were a scholarship recipient? How did you feel?
I had the incredible fortune of receiving the CFDA Liz Claiborne Scholarship Award in 2017 and the Kenneth Cole Footwear Innovation Award in 2018. Both moments – being informed of my
awards – were during brief hallway breaks away from the sewing machine at university. The validation that came from CFDA’s recognition felt absolutely surreal.
How would you say receiving the scholarship impacted your studies and career trajectory?
Receiving a scholarship and fellowship on behalf of the CFDA impacted both my studies and career trajectory immeasurably. I made strong, long-lasting connections with industry
professionals, built friendships with fellow participants, and received my first job offer all thanks to the opportunities provided by the CFDA.
Your brand, Susan Zienty, is defined as a slow fashion brand. Can you tell us more about that and how it plays into your design process?
My brand is, at its core, an ongoing passion project. After experiencing commercialized fashion – an industry that is ever-changing and ever-demanding – I needed a creative release to soak in
the slower moments that the craft of making clothing has to offer. In an effort to elevate the act of dress, Susan Zienty pieces are produced with a slow-fashion mentality and a forever use in
mind. My materials, most notably silks, are sourced locally from family-owned businesses. Garments are custom patterned per client specifications to ensure an infinite range of size inclusivity. All Susan Zienty garments and accessories are handmade-to-order by me in my New York studio.
Where are you finding inspiration these days?
My main source of inspiration is continuously the woman beneath my clothing. More important to me than seeking out trends or inspiration is keeping a strong pulse on my consumer and the connection that emotionally binds her to the most coveted pieces of her wardrobe.
What’s next for you and your brand?
I plan to continue bringing the simple joy of handmade, slow-fashion goods to those with an appreciation for small-batch craftsmanship. Supporting and uplifting fellow female-owned small
businesses is also a passion of mine. I’d like to continue growing a network of empowered women pursuing the arts in business where we can all grow and flourish together.
Contribute to the future of American Fashion by donating to CFDA’s Scholarship Fund here.
