Get to know: Michelle Leal
What is your hometown? Where else have you lived?
My dad is Cuban and my mom is Puerto Rican. I was born and raised in Puerto Rico.
Do you have any professional experience?
I worked as an intern at J Mendel two summers ago, and it was an amazing experience. I learned a lot about the industry and being able to spend a summer in one of the fashion capitals of the world, what else could I ask for?
When did you decide to pursue a career in fashion?
I had always had an interest in fashion, but for some reason I never thought about studying or pursuing a career in it. I was a painting major when I came to SCAD. Then my third quarter here I took a fashion class and loved it so I changed majors. I still enjoy painting, mostly fashion illustrations.
What inspires you creatively? Professionally?
My surroundings inspire me greatly. Whatever is going on around me. Nature has always been a place to be calm and find creativity. Professionally, I look for inspiration in fashion of past decades.
What are some of the most pressing issues facing today’s fashion designers? Models? Accessory designers?
For luxury designers a great challenge I believe they face is that when they design a successful collection there are always companies that imitate what they have done, manufacture it, and sell it a lot cheaper.
Where do you see yourself five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself working at a fashion company similar to my design aesthetic and after that who knows? Eventually, I would love to have my own label.
Do you have any advice for future SCAD fashion designers or for those who are preparing to enter the industry?
Just work hard, be determined, and always be true to yourself and your aesthetic as a designer.
How would you categorize your aesthetic?
I would say my aesthetic is very feminine and ethereal. I love the use of soft fabrics that move well.
Who would be your dream designer to work with?
I have a few, but definitely Elie Saab, I love his attention to detail and the delicateness of his designs. Vera Wang and Marchesa would also be a dream come true.
When you think about the future of fashion, what do you see?
I think that there is going to be more and more opportunities for young up and coming designers to be really well known. There are a lot of young designers that I think will grow significantly in the coming years.
