I stopped by Billabong offices in Irvine yesterday to meet the new leaders of the Billabong Girls design team, including Design Director Allison Roberts.
Allison has worked at Billabong for nine years, most recently as senior designer.
She is replacing long time Design Director Mandy Fry, who left to take a VP of Women’s role at Volcom.
Allison is a mother of two and a surfer with a bohemian spirit and infectious enthusiasm.
When she talks about design, her new role, and her inspirations, her eyes sparkle. It’s very apparent she loves her job and her chosen career.
“I’m obsessed with the process,” she said, smiling.
“I dream about it. Everything inspires me – my husband calls me Velcro. But I think the driving force of my inspiration is the soul of the ocean.
“I love vintage and flea markets. Even just being out in the fresh air or in the water or watching people inspires me.”
Allison’s husband is Todd Roberts, co-founder of ZJ Boarding House in Santa Monica. They have a 5-month-old baby and a 3 1/2 year old daughter, a “full but beautiful life,” Allison said.
See Page 2 for more about the Billabong Women’s team
During her tenure at 
Billabong, Allison has designed or helped design nearly every category, including accessories, swim, sportswear, and snow.
“It’s been an amazing opportunity to have learned and contributed to nearly every facet and category,” she said.
While Allison said it was hard to see Mandy leave, especially since she and Mandy worked so closely for so many years, Allison is excited about moving into the Design Director role.
“The universe presents things and you need to honor them and take it on with gratitude,” she said. “Everyone in the department is excited to have a fresh approach to how we do things, the vibe is really positive. Change can also bring positive things, and lead to growth for all of us.”
Mov
ing into the new role is an organic progression, Allison said, because she has been leading the design team in prints, color and trend direction.
Moving into Allison’s old job of Senior Designer is Meghan Hamill, previously the lead designer.
Rounding out the leadership team at Billabong Girls is Merchandise Director Raquel Sanchez and Senior Merchandiser Niki Stroller.
Given Allison’s full life, I asked her how she finds time to surf.
“I’m a total weekend warrior now,” she said. “We just bought a Westfalia, and we spend weekends at the beach. We’re squeezing the dream into two days.”
Allison also confirmed that Design for Humanity will return in August, and the runway show will be “uplifting and celebratory of what Billabong represents.”
