Julia Patton: Fashion Showcase
Julia Patton, fourth-year fashion design major with a minor in writing from Newport Beach, California. Photo by Crosby Ignasher.
So what was the process like from coming up with ideas to actually making the clothes?
The process is a lot of fun. We started working last June and I was already thinking of a couple of concepts that I wanted to explore. Throughout last summer, I was in New York and so I spent some time going to fabric stores, doing sketches, and brainstorming. By the time fall quarter rolled around, I had already settled on what I wanted to do. Getting started with the designing was a lot of fun for me because that’s my favorite part of the whole process. For my concept I spent a lot of time looking at old photos, vintage fabrics and getting references for a more vintage feel. That was a lot of fun looking at pictures of weddings, and farm life, and farmers and their families. … The two following quarters were construction. A lot of seniors hate that process. It’s grueling. Everyone is just exhausted and tired, but I had the most fun year and just getting to explore. I learned so much. That was the most important thing for me.
How was the whole experience?
We have various amounts of critiques along the way. … Once winter quarter comes, we have to make muslins, which are prototypes of the garments. Then every couple of weeks, we have critiques with that. When we get into Final Fabric, we spend Spring Break getting our real fabric and making the real garments. The whole process is critiques, so by the end, all the professors and the faculty are really familiar with everyone’s stuff…
What inspired you to come up with your collection?
I’m from California … and I spent the last four years in Georgia. Being completely removed from the culture that I am familiar with has been such an interesting experience. I also wanted to do bridal throughout the whole time I’ve been at SCAD, so I wanted to merge those two ideas together and do an ode to the South and a bridal collection that was inspired by my time in Georgia. That was the initial concept and from there it became this work-wear inspired bridal collection that’s a lot of separates… There’s print in there, which is unique for bridal. There’s embroidery—which is very traditional—so it’s kind of combining the … traditional bridal and the idea of heirloom, history and traditions of the South with current trends that I’m attached to and things that I like to see in bridal.
Are you nervous for the show?
Not really. At this point, it’s out of our hands. Last weekend we had this big jury show, which was when they decided. We turned in our garments and we don’t ever get them back [until after the show]. At this point, it’s weird because every single day… for the last year I’ve been in some way doing something for senior, and now it’s done. … My friend and I were talking about how we have separation anxiety from our garments. We haven’t seen them or touched them in so long. … I’m excited to see it walk. I’m excited to see my other classmates’ stuff, too.
How has this prepared for working after graduation?
It’s hard to say because this collection is something that I would never probably make in real life. A lot of times for senior collection, they encourage us to do things that are totally outlandish because it’s one of the last opportunities you’re really going to [have to] do [something] that’s totally your idea. Assuming you’re working for someone for the next handful of years, you do what they want to do. So this has been a little bit different than what I’ll be experiencing in the future, but one thing I learned was construction, and that will definitely be helpful. I’ve grown so much.
Did you have any experiences that prepared you for this?
Well I’ve done like three different internships at this point and those were fun. I worked at a jewelry store, which isn’t really fashion, but it’s retail.
What were those internships?
I interned with Vera Wang and this other company called Whit New York simultaneously. Whitney of Whit is actually a mentor for SCAD Atlanta seniors… She’ll be here this weekend, so it’ll be nice to see her. And the summer before that, I interned with Marc Jacobs. Each one couldn’t have been more different, but it’s been really fun to learn and do that.
When did you decide to pursue a career in fashion?
I wanted to do fashion since I was little. I was always interested in it. I was really into that and cooking and for a really long time, they were really neck-and-neck in things that were really interesting to me. I would go back and forth. Eventually, when it came down to applying for schools, I decided I wanted to get into fashion. That’s what led me to SCAD and since then, I had my internships that made me more interested. But I would not be surprised if in 10 years, I’ll be doing something totally different. I’m still open to experiences and seeing what career paths that exist right now that I would really like to do. So many things that I didn’t know was a job and when you find out you think, “I’d really like to do that.” I’m just excited to graduate and start working and figure out what those are.
What about your writing minor?
It’s unfinished! But I’m very interested in writing. My ideal career is doing some sort of fashion writing. I’ve had a blog for the last almost seven years now and I write there. It’s something that I love to do.
What are some of the most pressing issues facing today’s fashion designers?
It saddens me that there are so few companies that take the time to make the clothing the correct way. … I feel like these days trends are so snappy and come and go that people care to have the time or care to spend the money on clothes that is an art piece. It’s just, you know, “I’m going to buy a t-shirt” and not really know where it came from or how it was made. I feel that something that is so great is when you find a piece of clothing that is well-constructed, made in America, like original design and that’s so hard to find.
How would you describe your aesthetic?
My aesthetics … are definitely vintage and handmade. Something that is handcrafted and original.
Do you have any advice for the next seniors?
I would say as far as designing goes make sure that you’re doing exactly what you want to be designing. With that being said, ask yourself, “Is what I want to design [not] been brought to the table yet?” And if it has been brought to the table, then rework it. But I think stay true to your vision if it’s original. If it’s not, then I think it’s a good idea to look at what you’re doing and ask if it’s worth the time and effort you’ll be putting into it. … Is this worth me spending and dedicating so much time? … At the very beginning I feel like there could have been a lot of blood, tears and sweat saved if somebody had just asked me and my classmates, “Do you think you could bring something new and interesting to the table?” Figure out if it’s possible to do that. If not, then maybe this isn’t the thing for you. It’s harsh, but I think it saves a lot of energy… If you’re not doing something really special, then someone else is …
