Lisa McFadden – Hat Designer
“From the moment that I saw Diana Ross in the film Mahogany, I knew that I wanted to become a fashion designer”, says Lisa McFadden.
Growing up, Lisa was influenced by the strong, sophisticated females in her life, who had a healthy appreciation for the arts. As a young child, Lisa spent quality time drawing and making paper doll clothes, but the fashion show in the film immediately kindled Lisa’s imagination. She began to sketch and create designs to identify with the talented characters in the film. Lisa even saw herself walking through the corridors of an art school and riding on public transportation drawing her innovative ideas.
Lisa McFadden attended Bauder College in Atlanta George and received an Associates of Arts degree in fashion design. She went on to further her education at the American Intercontinental University while in Atlanta, and received a BFA in fashion design. It was at the American Intercontinental University that Lisa chose a millinery course as an elective. Merging her fashion design skills with the high fashion millinery techniques, Lisa discovered that her true passion was millinery design.
Moving to New York, Lisa began to take classes in pattern making and construction at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT). Thinking out of the box and creating her own original designs, Lisa taught herself how to draft patterns for her amazing millinery creations. Today, Lisa McFadden is a successful and inspirational hat designer.
Lisa has worked with and still is working with the best of the best in the fashion industry. Mentored by the celebrated urban fashion designer April Walker. Assisting the Iconic fashion designer Stephen Burrows. And, her most recent collaboration with the renowned fashion designer, Byron Lars and his business partner Sheila Gray on the In Earnest by Bryon Earnest Lars Fall 2021 Collection.
Lisa is a millinery designer who gives back to her community. She hosts high school and college interns who are interested in fashion design. She leads by example in that she shows students how they can create their own opportunities by being prepared, learning as much as they can about design and getting involved with the business of fashion.
Lisa’s clients look for fun designs that are also functional. Her millinery point of view is generally inspired by vintage references. She envisions nostalgic work with a modern contemporary flair.
Visit the website to learn more about Lisa McFadden and see more of her wonderful work. On Instagram • On Facebook • On YouTube