About Ruth Karasik

Even as a baby, Ruth Karasik was fascinated by the power of colors, textures, and patterns. On car trips, Ruth's mother would amuse her by draping a brightly colored head scarf over her seat. Ruth would intently examine it until they reached their destination.

As a high school sophomore, Ruth had to pick and research a career. On a whim, Ruth chose fashion design, and it changed her life. Before she completed the assignment, Ruth had created an entire portfolio of designs. The popularity of her designs led Ruth to start her own business. It would be the first in a series of successful businesses. At age fifteen, she earned extra cash by custom making prom dresses for her classmates. By age eighteen, her one-of-a-kind pieces were selling-out at Chicago-area boutiques.

In 2004, Ruth graduated with her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While Ruth was in school, her garments appeared in eight fashion shows. She was chosen to show a fashion illustration on State Street for Marshall Field's fashion week promotion, and her work was exhibited in the Museum of Contemporary Art during a First Friday's event.

After graduation, Ruth went to work for renowned retailer Neiman Marcus. At Neiman's, Ruth discovered that many young physically-fit men couldn't find clothes that fit them well. After years of entrepreneurship, Ruth knew what she must do, and DEPT 728 was born!

About Sean Carrell

Sean Carrell is DEPT 728's business director. While earning his Bachelor of Business, Sean worked in visual merchandising for Gap. After college, Sean took a break from visual merchandising to earn his Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law. In law school, Sean earned a certificate in intellectual property, was a member of the Moot Court Honor Society, and was a regional semifinalist for the Association of Trial Lawyers of America 2005 National Student Trial Advocacy Competition.

In 2005, Sean was admitted to practice law in Illinois. During his post law school job search, Sean managed the Polo Ralph Lauren shop at the Neiman Marcus on Michigan Avenue. For his performance there, he was awarded an all expenses paid trip to London, England where he and business partner Ruth Karasik began planning DEPT 728's debut season.