Lindsey Albrecht
Why FIT? I knew from the time I was 13 that I wanted to be a Buyer and had heard about the summer high school program at FIT. After attending the summer of 1997, I knew I wanted to attend FIT for college.
Year graduated? Bachelor of Science in December 2001 (walked in spring 2002 graduation ceremony)
Major? Fashion Merchandising Management
Life FIT? Moved to San Francisco to work in merchandising for the home furnishings industry.
Daily routine? I drop off my son at preschool by 8:30am and am back at my home office by 9am to get started on emails and follow-up on any orders or outstanding client work. I head out for appointments around 10am including driving to San Francisco to pull some fabrics at the San Francisco Design Center. I grab my favorite salad and then it’s off to Sacramento Street in Pacific Heights to visit a couple of home stores. A couple of my favorites include the Serena & Lily Design store as well as Glassybaby, which is a candleholder designer that I’m obsessed with. I’m on the road back to Napa by 3pm to avoid traffic and pick up my son in time for his tennis lesson. Then it’s time for dinner, bath, and bedtime. Once my son is in bed, my husband and I sit on the couch and both hammer out some last minute emails for the day. My husband owns Roots Run Deep Winery and produces a popular wine called Educated Guess. We are both really lucky that we found our passions early on in life and have been able to carve out our own, unique career paths that still allow for a lot of family time with our son.
Any memorable event or professor you’d like to share about FIT? I really enjoyed the internships that I was able to get through the FIT internship placement program. I got an internship at Ralph Lauren Childrenswear and Henri Bendel through FIT…two very high profile retail companies that I would’ve never gotten on my own.
Where are you from? And how did this shape the person you are today? I’m originally from Denver, Colorado, which was the reason I moved to San Francisco upon graduation from FIT. While I enjoyed my time in NYC, I have an affinity for the weather and sensibilities of the west coast and wanted to be closer to my family.
If you could translate your style into a person, place or thing what would it be? I gravitate towards apparel and home furnishings that are preppy meets tailored and classic. A mix between Ralph Lauren and Kate Spade if that’s possible.
What do you find that sparks creativity? I yearn for new experiences on a regular basis. A new restaurant, a new museum or store, or a trip to somewhere I’ve never been before. I rarely enjoy things on repeat. I’m constantly itching to see what’s new and innovative in terms of fashion and architecture.
What three things you can’t live without? At least one vacation per year to somewhere new, my adorable three year old son, Brooks, and a daily dose of sunshine!
Future projects you are working on? I’m wrapping up a really cool project here in Napa that’s a to-the-studs remodel of a 1950’s home that my client bought in the original condition from the original owners. We are going for a modern farmhouse look, and the design process has me wanting to ditch all of the color in my house for an all-white look.
Advice to spring graduates? Follow your dreams and never give up on them or let someone derail you from achieving them.
