Influential Woman · Fashion Retail

Francesca Padilla

Design Director, Nation Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA

Certifications · Degrees · Memberships

Degree Bachelor's degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Syracuse University (2001) Degree Bachelor's degree in Costume and Fashion Design from L'Accademia di Costume e Moda (2006) Cert Sweater manufacturing workshop from Cotton Incorporated

Her Story

About Francesca

I've been in fashion in a design capacity for over 20 years, my entire career. Currently, I'm the design director for Nation Los Angeles, a boutique brand based in Los Angeles, where I've been for 3 years. It's a great company that produces predominantly sustainable clothing made from regenerative cottons and organic materials. Before Nation, I was the head of design for Joie, and before that I worked at Karen Millen. My expertise centers on soft, fluid, draped pieces, sweaters, and cut and sew jersey. I'm deeply committed to making meaningful clothes that help people feel good and confident, while being intentional and thoughtful about respecting the planet. I believe clothing is such an important tool for making you feel good within yourself and bringing joy, and I'm passionate about creating that experience in a sustainable way.

Quick Facts

IndustryFashion Retail
Based inLos Angeles, CA
Specialty Soft, Fluid, Draped pieces
- Sweaters
- Cut and sew jersey
- Sustainable fashion design
Volunteers with Meals on Wheels in New York City
- Union Rescue Mission clothing donations
- Homeboy Threads clothing donations

Her Interview

Ten minutes with Francesca

01What do you attribute your success to?

I would say a little bit of fire and determination, just constantly moving forward. I think working through those moments where you feel insecure, or you get negative feedback, and utilizing those moments to learn from it and evolve and move forward. Looking it in the face rather than avoiding it has been key to my success.

02What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?

I would say find a mentor, find somebody that is doing something that really strikes up a curiosity. Even if it feels scary, or feels like something that you don't necessarily have the skill set in, I think you should explore options that you're attracted to. Don't let fear or feeling unprepared hold you back from pursuing what genuinely interests you.

03What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?

I would say the challenges and the opportunities are somewhat connected. There is definitely too much mass production and waste, and I think there's a clear opportunity to make meaningful clothes. We all need to wear clothing, and we all want to feel good about what we're wearing. Clothing is such an important tool to making you feel good within yourself and feel confident, and it brings a lot of joy too. Being able to make clothing that offers all of that, but done in a way that is intentional and thoughtful and also respects the planet, that's the real opportunity.

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