INTERVIEWED BY ANYA HABER
PORTRAIT BY MARIAN HILL
When did you become interested in pursuing fashion design?
Honestly, I always credit fashion for finding me. I was a toddler, trying to copy fashion sketches my dad would do. I was fascinated by it all. It truly became my pursuit when my dad bought me my first sketchbook. My imagination ran wild and I would go through several books a year. I loved sketching because it was second nature to me.
I began sewing when I was 12 or 13. My dad bought me a sewing machine and I was sewing all my dolls’ clothes. I loved it so much that I would cut up old clothes of mine just to have more fabric options for my dolls. I knew then I was destined to design.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
My mother is a hairstylist so beauty and style have always been greatly valued. I grew up understanding the importance of presentation and how that translates into self-confidence. My dad credits my grandmother for instilling a sense of great style and an eye for quality into his sartorial aesthetic. In high school, I would shop her closet and wear her vintage pieces. Honestly, about 70 percent of my closet is vintage pieces that I’ve taken from her. I’m also greatly influenced by my brother — his style changes by season. He has a great eye for coordination. I’m always excited to pick his brain because he such a trendsetter.
I’m heavily influenced by my customer, as well. She’s a strong, confident, daring and exuberant woman. She is a great accumulation of all the people that inspire me. Depending on the season or collection, my customer can be either Solange Knowles, Kahlana Barfield, Tracee Ellis Ross or Blake Lively. These women truly inspire my design aesthetics.
What have been your proudest achievements thus far?
First and foremost, my biggest accomplishment is graduating from SCAD. I am very proud of that. My past two years have been an amazing whirlwind of accomplishments. In 2016, I showcased a capsule collection in an art exhibition that I had created during my second year. Those same pieces were worn in singer/songwriter Anthony David’s music video, “I Don’t Mind.”
During my fourth year, I won The National Black Arts Festival Fine Art + Fashion Design Scholarship. I was also selected as one of three students at the SCAD Atlanta location to participate in the LVMH design competition. Since I’ve graduated, my senior collection has been sought after by celebrity stylists and requested for editorial photo shoots. I’ve had so many things happen. It’s great validation.
Are there particular themes you’re inspired by when designing?
I’m usually inspired by an era or fabric. I love referencing classic styles while adding a new-age twist. Being innovative doesn’t necessarily mean having to sacrifice practicality. I’m very melodramatic when it comes to my silhouettes. I accentuate the waist while adding gathers, volume and structure in unexpected areas. Although I like drama, I still find a balance of wearability and high fashion.
What are the biggest challenges associated with being a fashion designer?
My biggest challenges are mostly self-inflicted. I’m extremely hard on myself. I always want to outdo my previous work. The other challenge is that most don’t understand the amount of work that goes into being a designer or creative. People expect your authentic work for less, or they disregard the process. Quality is rarely appreciated in this business because many want more for less.
What’s next for you now that you’ve graduated?
I’m currently interning at luxury menswear brand Hideoki Bespoke. I am so grateful to be there. I’m applying for positions at the top five fashion labels I want to work for. I’m also refining my portfolio, creating my website and exploring my abilities — making sure my work is detailed and polished. My ultimate goal is to head my own fashion house. As of now, the sky’s the limit.
What advice do you have for aspiring fashion designers?
If you are passionate about designing, that alone will help propel you. You must be in love with it because there will always be times when you feel like you can’t handle the stress of it all. It’s not easy, but the payoff will keep you driven.
Be very stern about your art. Only you know who you are — no one else can tell you that information. Know your customer and attach someone to that ideal. Use celebrities, neighbors and peers that inspire you and want to wear your creations. That will help you hone in on your aesthetic and better serve your customer.
Be proud of all of the obstacles that teach you something. Never be comfortable with your level of craftsmanship. Always leave room to learn more and grow. Most of your battle is in your head, so take a breath and learn to see things from different perspectives. Lastly, enjoy the process! It goes by quickly when you’re making deadlines.
