Where were you born?
I was born in Germany.
What were your hobbies as a kid?
Swimming!
Were you always fashion conscious? If so, give me an example. If not, when did you first start becoming interested in fashion?
Yes, I was. As a very young girl, I even made clothes for my dolls.
What lesson have you learned that has always stuck with you?
In school, I was always a bit late for class. One day, my teacher pulled me aside and told me that if I wanted to go somewhere in life, that it was just as easy to be a bit early. That has stuck with me ever since. Now, no matter what, I am always early. I don’t like to be late or have my associates coming in late.
Where did you go to school & what did you take?
I took fashion engineering in Germany.
When did you decide a career in the fashion industry was for you? And why did you want to get into fashion…or
did you?
I must have been 14 or 15 years old when I decide that the fashion industry was for me. I always loved to dress up and wear the latest fashions. So much so that my father always joked that I was hanging all his money on my back!
What was your first industry position?
Preproduction manager.
What is your current role?
I’m the Vice President of Technical Design.
What is your favorite part of the job?
Engineering garments known for their exceptional fit.
What has been your biggest challenge?
I’d say spending four years in the Orient (1987- 1990) to set up quality control and preproduction procedures and negotiate garment costs. But I loved every minute of it!
What has been your favorite industry experience?
That’s easy: working personally with Mr. Nygard to set the company’s garment standards.
What is your body jewel?
I’m a diamond jewel.
How would you define your style and why?
Sporty-casual.
What fashion advice would you offer others?
Just because you are a bit older, doesn’t mean you have to dress like an old Lady! Dress how you feel, and you will always look great. I’m 77 and I love to dress in the latest styles. Whatever you do, don’t wear cloth from 20 years ago. Dress for today.
What was the best fashion advice you have ever received?
The best fashion advice I ever received came from Mr. Nygård and it had to do with manufacturing. He said, “Rene, I want the Garment to look like a Mercedes, but I want the cost to be like a Volkswagen.” I’ve never forgotten that.
What’s your favorite NYGÅRD piece and why?
In all honesty, I can’t choose just one piece. I love a lot of them.
As an industry veteran, is there anything else you’d like to say?
I just love the fashion industry. I have been with NYGÅRD for 32 years and work with the most wonderful people, from the sample sewers to the top executives. We are the NYGÅRD family, and I feel proud to be a part of it.
SEE ALSO Interview With LYNN HORRILL, Director of Design, Bianca Nygård