HOW DO YOU BECOME A FASHION DESIGNER?
Fashion and art have always been part of former DesignX student, Amanda's, natural self-expression. She began fashioning and re-fashioning clothes as a kid. She'd frustrate her mother when she'd cut up her own clothes. But, her mom would say - 'Oh, that actually looks better' after seeing the end result. Over the years, she'd do many such projects. She’d soon find her way to our Fashion Design summer programs.
Her DesignX Fashion Experience
Enter DesignX. Says, Amanda of her experience there, "I really enjoyed that it wasn't cookie-cutter.” Everyone gets to design a unique piece as part of a larger collection of either skirts/tops, rompers or dresses. One example of this is when she returned to the program late due to travels. Durga, the founder and lead fashion design instructor, had selected fabrics she knew Amanda would enjoy working with and sent photos of them to her to select.
"I think DesignX is a great place to ‘find’ yourself in the fashion area and learn technicality and it was a catalyst for me,” said Amanda. From the basics of learning how to use a sewing machine the first year, to learning to use a leather needle in later years, to learning to design and make a skirt in Fashion Design I to designing a full garment like a romper in Fashion Design III, her skills and creative acumen grew.
Theater Costume Design & Parsons
Amanda applies her accumulated skills at her high school theater, designing costumes. It’s much more intense and collaborative. There are production meetings and deadlines. She’s learning to use outside resources, think outside the box (how to expand resources like thrift it or rent it). Her design efforts include character research and working with other groups like makeup and hair and making sure the costumes coordinate with it.
Her discoveries with DesignX and her theater work in high school led her to apply for Parsons Summer Intensive Program in New York. The rich exposure she had early on, she said, “ … They gave me a boost up for my experience at the pre-college program. Working with the professors who were professional designers, and who provided all the resources, it was an immersive experience.” Parsons gave way to opportunities to see/work in the Garment District, building further on her technical skills, and improving her work ethic.
A budding designer, Amanda McVey
In the early years. Her Fashion Design III LOOK - romper with striking leather choker, glove-lets and a headband.
Biggest Design Challenge & Win
This summer at Parsons, her final assignment was to make a dress. “I originally envisioned it more form fitting, but we were learning to work with non-stretch fabrics, stretch fabrics are very complicated. I had to make darts and partner with my teacher. I lost my zipper twice.”
It was worth the effort.
Says Amanda, ‘I created a cocktail dress inspired by orchids and saw this definition of “glorious femininity” . . . I had these hand-done orchids on the neckline. It took me a week and a half . . . I feel so proud of that finished piece. I feel it is my most refined piece.’
Plans After High School
Amanda is keeping a flexible, mature attitude toward her future in fashion. She’s currently working on building a base with modeling, and interested in studying fashion design in New York or London She expounds on her plans,“I like to be in the fashion center. . . I like the flow and energy of the city. I’m pursuing internships to put myself in the industry.”
Thoughts About the Design Path
Thoughts for DesignX students (or those considering programs), she says – “It is a no pressure situation which is good for growth. You still have the creative opportunity to take it where ever you want to go.”
Amanda has made good on her many opportunities and grown so much as a person and designer since DesignX last saw her. She finished her last project at Parson’s confident with her abilities, "Piece of cake I got this.” She definitely does. It's exciting to see what’s next for her!
