FTAA Executive Member – Toni Stalls

Toni

My working life began almost 40 years ago when, during an interview with Myer, seeking a position in Interior Design, was offered the role of Assistant Fashion Coordinator – Dress Fabrics, instead!  They were right; it was a better fit for me!

I’ve worked in some of Australia’s smallest start ups (Gunn-it) and biggest brands (Rip Curl); from the machine room and cutting table to product development and management.   During the past 18months I’ve worked for Alvanon- the Global Size and Fit Specialist; in the position of Technical Manager.

My career highlights are; leaving the cutting room to learn Lectra which I can say was the happiest working period of my life; but as we know nothing lasts forever!

During 2001 – 2003 while maintaining my position as Senior Technician,   I was also project manager for the Rip Curl Scientific Sizing Study – The Body Matrix.  With the help of the University of Adelaide and a team from Wollongbar Tafe we measured 2300 girls’ in 4 locations along the Eastern seaboard of Australia.

It was hard work but a truly fantastic experience.   Kudos to Rip Curl for a project which remains one of the rare commercial sizing studies ever undertaken by a brand.

I’ve lived and worked in the trade in NYC, where I married and had 2 of my 3 sons.  Latterly over the last 10 years I’ve travelled widely in Asia in the pursuit of better fit, construction and price.  It’s been terrific but after 8 trips abroad last year, I’ve said enough! This year I plan to work freelance.  When people say in what field I say “stay tuned!”  Rest assured it’s a still in our in industry and always about “tech”.

Aside from the benefits that come to pass when working in the industry, the best part is the people I’ve met.  It’s the life long friends I’ve made that I will I remember the most.
I was lucky to be at the inception of the FTAA back in 2001 and it’s a privilege to now be in the position I hold with the association.

The executive team and I look forward to making the most of the possibilities that are accorded to us in pursuit of the continued growth of FTAA, and supporting the important role Technicians play in the Apparel industry.