Influential Woman · Fashion and textiles
Catarina Costeira
Design Director, Collaborations & Color, TechStyleOS
Braga, CA
Her Story
About Catarina
Catarina Costeira brings 17 years of experience to the fashion and textiles industry, where she has specialized in trend forecasting, color, and concepting, as well as apparel design and performance wear. After beginning medical school and then leaving to pursue design, she completed a foundation year at Central Saint Martins in the UK before earning her BA in Fashion from CTEX in Portugal. Her career has included creating the first trend department at Oysho within the Inditex Group and leading design and partnerships at Fabletics. She now balances consulting on concept, color, and collections for European, US, and Chinese manufacturers with building her own homeware brand, Delilah's Home, which focuses on craftsmanship and custom textiles. Costeira speaks Portuguese, English, and Spanish fluently and attributes her success to never settling, questioning processes, and implementing improved systems, such as the 360 color project.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Catarina
01What do you attribute your success to?
I never settle. I'm always looking for the next thing and trying to improve myself and others. I question processes and implement better systems, like the 360 color project that saved the company money through consistency.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
Never lose what differentiates you. Sometimes we're very focused on fitting in and stop being unique in our own way. Of course you have to adapt but don't lose your uniqueness.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Know who you are and why you came to do this. Focus on the journey. Set clear boundaries about your time and availability. Get into the office early to organize your day. Be upfront about how you work and protect yourself.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Respect is very important because the fashion industry can be competitive and toxic. Collaboration is key - listen to other people and be open to being wrong. Be true to myself and expect the same from others.
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