My Recent Shows and Exhibitions

Show Theme: Bloom

I took my inspiration from different Asian cultures and adapted them to the theme through the use of fabrics and bright contrasting colors.

The fabrics I chose were ones I'd picked up over the years and went well with the coloration of the models I'd chosen. The green and pink of a rose, and the white and orange shock of a bud's first bloom.

I had already made a mock-up of the patterns and one garment, but needed more accurate measurements. My models tried on the first sample for me to make adjustments.

I learned during this process how to drape fabric properly (special thanks to Professors Sally Di Marco and Sarah Wilmot for the seminar). This was a definite challenge to my sewing skills and showed me places where I could improve.

We had a few scheduled try-on dates, one right before a pre-photoshoot for the VDR website. Thankfully, I only had to make minor adjustments to ensure the bandeau was snug to my model's chest.

Show Theme: Spring Fever

To challenge myself, I jumped in with both feet to make my first outfit for a male model. I wanted to give him a royal appearance using rose coloration. My female model's look is a hyacinth fairy with the floral details made to represent all stages of the flower's life.

This is the first step that required major design changes due to available materials and time constraints. I decided to use recycled fabric from my local thrift store for my rose look, which meant I had to be very careful to find complimentary colors, patterns, and material. For the hyacinth fairy, I couldn't find or make ombre sheer fabric in my time frame, especially not in the colors I was wanting, so I wound up having to create a modified ombre through layered sheer fabrics.

During this time I was consumed with constructing my outfits for VDR, so when I met with my models, I took every measurement that I thought could possibly be needed. I was hoping I wouldn't need to call on them any more than necessary (they're busy people).

With how tight my scheduling became, I had to prioritize. The rose design became simpler, and I made a backup plan to have my other model wear my green VDR look. The only adjustment needed was at the neckline (it was too small), so I gave him an open neck tied together with cord.

The show was April 10th on the Virginia Tech Drillfield.

*One of my models quit the week before the show, so I ended up wearing a simplified/styled hyacinth fairy look I made the night before the show.