What is your year, major, and hometown?
Graduating in August 2013, Tucson, AZ, Fashion Design
Where all have you lived and what are your professional experiences?
I was born in Miami, Fl, but spent my formative years in Tucson, Arizona. I’ve worked retail(down on river st. and an Assistant Manager at American Apparel). I’ve also made things on the side for friends, and collaborated on a show last summer with my best friend.
When did you decide to pursue a career in fashion?
I always thought Fashion Design was an unrealistic career, like saying you wanted to be a princess. But everyone always told me I should be in Fashion. And I guess one day, late into High School it clicked: there are many areas of fashion, and if you actually try you can do anything(even be a princess). But,I have always been concerned with the way I dress. I remember my fascination started with the movie Clueless, the fashion in that movie was so on point, from there it was the Spice Girls and so on. And then in my teens I became obsessed with magazines, and for me all those things just took to me into a different world. I live for the quirky details, and also for what isn’t there, so that it can be created.
What inspires you creatively? Professionally?
The idea that you can do and be many things.
What are some of the most pressing issues facing today’s fashion designers? Models? Accessory designers?
Waste within every level of the industry is something that haunts me. I think a little compassion goes a long way, in all aspects of life. It’s easy to get caught up in the way things have always been done, and lose sight of the the things that should be done. I also think women should be more supportive of each other, and help each other thrive in this female run industry. (Which also means stop forcing unrealistic body types to be viewed as normal)
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
I would love to be working with friends in some fashion or another, creating whatever is we create, and above all having a good time. I never want to hate my life because of the way any industry makes people think they should feel. I just read a quote from Andrew W.K. that I really liked: “Don’t Stress out. Stress is trying to convince you that anxiety is more important than just loving every second of your life”
Do you have any advise for future SCAD fashion designers or those who are preparing to enter the industry?
Be yourself. Spend time by yourself so you figure out what that is. Work hard and be nice. Don’t take everything so seriously.
How would you categorize your aesthetic?
Quirky, colorful, humorous, and fun. Fashion should always be fun.
Who would be your dream designer to work alongside?
Olympia Le-tan or Charlotte Olympia.
When you think about the future of fashion, what do you see?
Options.