Type Of Business:
Publishing company
Marketing Area:
International
Expertise:
Writing; Fashion design
Favorite Business Publication:
The New York Times
Education Degrees:
Bachelor of Arts, State University of New York; Coursework, Art Institute of Chicago
Affiliations Awards:
Costume Society of America
Industry:
Arts, Media & Entertainment
Date of Distinction:
11/11/2011
What do you feel separates you from the rest of the professionals in your industry?:
She had owned a design business for more than 20 years, so she had experience recognizing trends of fashion and fabrics. She loves the diversity of the business. She also has passion and determination.
What has been the most outstanding thing you have done thus far in your career?:
The highlight of her career was working with Madeleine Vionnet and learning new and improved techniques and inventive ways to create patterns.
How would you like to be remembered by your peers?:
She would like to remembered by her book.
Expanded Biography:
Ms. Kirke was asked to work at the Met to help design the exhibits of the clothes of the 1960s and 1970s.
Throughout the duration of your career, what was the one highlight that stood out the most?:
The highlight of her career was having her book about French designer Madeleine Vionnet published. First published in Japan, in Japanese in 1991, the book measured 17 inches long and 12 inches wide, and contained 243 pages. It cost well over $250 in dollars. Published in English, in the US, this book was 15 inches by 11 inches wide, it cost $200 and was published in 1998 by Chronicle Books.
Charity:
Local Church; Local Catholic Charitable Organizations; Madeleine Vionnet Association, Paris; Church, Catholic Charities
Number Of Years In Profession:
23
Number Of Years In Current Position:
21
What Does He/She Attribute Success To:
She attributes her success to being born with talent.
Why did you become involved in your profession or industry?:
She became involved in her profession because she was fascinated by Madeleine Vionnet, and after working 20 years as a designer, she was encouraged to write a book.
Extended Bio Profile:
Ms. Kirke was asked to work at the Met to help design the exhibits of the clothes of the 1960s and 1970s. Been a designer/manufacturer of women's clothing, especially for secretaries, in New York for nearly twenty years.
After working on an exhibit where one of Madeleine Vionnet's garments both puzzled and inspired her, she concentrated on learning everything she could about Vionnet. She did find the solution Vionnet used in her work that to this day, the only designer who uses that technique is Vionnet. Which is why she pursued Vionnet, wrote and published the book, and knows many other things most designers still don't know about her.
Position Responsibilities and Duties:
Authoring work; Working as a fashion designer; Working on an upcoming DVD
Awards/Honors:
Milia Davenport Publication Award for American Version of Book, Costume Society of America (1998); Mimoza Award for Japanese Version of Book (1993)
Publications:
Author, "Madeleine Vionnet," Chronicle Books (1998)