What's your design philosophy?
I create garments designed to evoke emotion and empower the wearer to step into their inner king or queen – fully embodying confidence, self-expression, and beauty in their own skin. My work is deeply inspired by texture, color, and the natural world as storytelling elements, exploring how they influence the wearer on a psychological and emotional level. I intentionally curate fabrics and colors that reflect the moods I aim to convey, allowing my clothing to serve as a vessel for both my narrative and the personal stories of those who wear it.
How do you stay inspired?
My inspiration comes from diverse realms – sculpture, fine art, architecture, and the possibilities of emerging technologies. I engage with the cultural climate, explore how various industries intersect with fashion, and study both historical and contemporary innovators. I also find inspiration in everyday life, from observing people on the street to admiring those who take daring fashion risks.
How important is collaboration in fashion design?
Collaboration is essential in fashion design. Designers, particularly in couture, work closely with textile makers to engineer original fabrics, develop concepts, and test patterns and experiments. This process often involves not only textile mills but also textile designers, graphic designers, fit models, design assistants, and sample makers. Once a sketch is translated into fabric and placed on a model or dress form, the design often evolves, making the role of the sample maker crucial in executing the final piece.
Beyond the studio, designers collaborate with distribution channels, store owners, merchandisers, models, and sales representatives – especially when showcasing collections in physical spaces. A fashion designer cannot work in isolation; bringing a concept from imagination to the final wearer requires a network of skilled individuals and many moving parts.
How do you see the future of fashion?
I see fashion increasingly intersecting with a wide range of disciplines, including gaming, film, the arts, and technology. As automation rises, I believe self-expression will become even more central, creating space for slowly crafted, hand-made fashion and a renewed appreciation for the artistry of garment-making. At the same time, futuristic textures – metallics, soft nudes, and innovative embellishments – will become increasingly desirable. I envision the future of fashion being driven by emotion, comfort, and art, blending craftsmanship with forward-thinking design to meet the evolving desires of wearers.
What advice would you give to someone interested in fashion design?
The advice I would give to someone interested in fashion design is to study both emerging technologies and the innovators of the past, drawing inspiration from fashion pioneers across history. Spend time reflecting on why fashion matters to you personally – understanding your motivation can help shape your unique fashion DNA, which is essential for standing out and building a community around your design perspective. Focus on building a strong support network within the industry, including manufacturing, technology, and distribution partners. Seek out mentors, ask questions continuously, and approach your work with the mindset of a lifelong student.
