Kaelen in her spooky homemade ghost costume!

Ever wonder what a designer does all day? We asked New York based Kaelen Haworth to write it all down—on one particularly special day.

10AM

I get to my office/studio at 270 Lafayette, a little later than usual, I start sketching, listening to Miles Davis’ Kind of Blue. Weird choice for me, but I’m thinking Jazz Age, glamour etc. so it helps set the right frame of mind. I use most of the morning to organize my ideas and try to get everything on paper.

Noon

Work on digital prints. My friend Sarah is a super talented graphic designer, and I’ve been working with her for the past two seasons now on creative original prints. It’s become more and more important for me to make my own prints, so we work together to come up with something that works. Last season, the medium was paint, this season it’s string!

1PM

Our focus shifts to Halloween and I start draping some white chiffon ghost costumes for us to wear at the Halloween party I’m hosting on Saturday night. Admittedly, it lasts for a little while longer than it should!

The start of Kaelen's fall collection.

3PM

I’m finalizing fabrics for my AW 2012 line. I’m trying things that are new for me this year, and getting a little more experimental with fabrics. This is my favorite part of the design process. I am always inspired by the fabrics themselves, and it’s exciting to pare them down so that what I’ve assembled looks like a whole. I’m also going to be developing some woven jacquards this season, so I’m pulling inspiration for that. In my mind, it’s very geometric and strong.

4PM

Start draping on the form again, this time for AW12. I think that’s the best way for me to really get started on a new season. I blast some music (hopefully my neighbors are also into Beyoncé and Rick Ross!) and start experimenting. This is the most fun part for me and really helps to clarify the direction the whole collection is going.

6PM

Leave the office and head to Soul Cycle for a post work spin. So tough, but Danny kills it. He plays just enough Robyn that I can get through it.

A closer look at her awesome ghost costume.

8:30PM

Meet friends for dinner at Edi & The Wolf. It’s a great spot, and super cozy on a cold night! Head to Bedlam afterward and confirm (on Canadian authority) that yes, the moose head is real.

2AM

Bed time, finally!