Introducing FOMA 2022 On The Cover Of The February 2023 Issue Of Sassy & Co

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Diplomacy has always been more delightfully stylish at Fashion of Multicultural Australia (FOMA) 2022. As social distancing restrictions began to ease up and events came back in full force – 2022 saw the return of FOMA with its culturally immersive showcase of foreign governments.

The event featured a range of exciting initiatives comprised of activations, panel discussions, cultural exhibitions, and runway shows celebrating diversity and inclusion in Australia. Patrons witnessed a diverse showcase of 36 traditional dresses, including countries; China, Australia, Fuji, the Philippines, Armenian, Russia, and India. In addition, FOMA brought together 43 artists and designers who collaborated to make fashion runaway come to fruition.

Artists, politicians, foreign ministers, and fashion designers gathered at the Powerhouse Museum. It’s not every day a fashion show takes place underneath the Powerhouse’s iconic objects; the Catalina flying boat, famously piloted by Sir P G Taylor, where he undertook the first return from Australia to South America.

The Director of Gandhi Creations and India Australia Business Awards, Sonia Sadiq Gandhi, conceived FOMA after she saw the opportunity to foster social cohesion amongst foreign governments and strengthen the trade and goods between foreign governments.

Some of the notable designers who showcased at FOMA 2022 included one of the most celebrated fashion designers Vivian Chan Shaw, who is known for her detail-oriented designs made from jersey and silk. Her career started in the 1960s as a designer and fashion coordinator at leading bridal fabric specialists Rene and Cannes at the House of Merivale. 

There was also Colleen Tighe-Johnson’s fashion label, Buluuy Mirrii, which produced elegant silhouettes where she transformed traditional Gomeroi artworks on fabrics.

Another brilliant designer who showcased at FOMA 2022 was Lena Kasparian She built her label from the ground up and designed clothes to empower women. Her designs are inspired by the timeless Parisian style and old Hollywood glamour and have been adorned by many celebrities, actors, and tv personalities.

Like a Bowerbirds’ nest where you can find all sorts of scraps, trinkets, and materials that create cohesive structure, Australian designer Sally Jackson delved into the process of deconstructing used garments and making them intricate yet beautiful clothing. In her collection at FOMA 2022, she imagined a world where vintage and waste textiles were reimagined into a new design language. Prints, patterns, and embellishments pushed the limits of sensory overload and blurred the line between waste and high fashion. 

The comeback of FOMA was definitely a smashing success! Congratulations, Gandhi Creations, for organising this fabulous event – more power to you and your team.

In Pictures: All The Glitz And Glam Of The Australian Golden Sash Awards 2022

The 2022 AGSA (Australian Golden Sash Awards) was recently held on Saturday at Sir Stamford in Mascot. The cream of the crop in the beauty pageant world attended the high-profile industry event in their beautiful sashes and glittery crowns. If you want to see all the glitz and glam at the 2022 Australian Golden Sash Awards, then scroll down below. The photos are courtesy of George Azmy:

Must-See Event Of The Week: Cover ModelQuest 2022

What: Cover ModelQuest is one of the most prestigious modelling competitions in the land down under to date. It’s the quest to discover Australia’s most promising models where contestants compete in their own choice of beach wear, theme costume, and after-five fashion. There are no height or size restrictions. The top 3 models selected during the finals will be shot exclusively for the next issue of StarCentral Magazine, with the male and female winners becoming the cover of the next issue.

Where: Stamford Plaza Sydney Airport Hotel (241 O’Riordan St, Mascot NSW 2020)

When: November 12, 2022

Tickets via this link: Cover ModelQuest 2022

Has The Pandemic Changed The Way We Dress??

Experts from RMIT University are available to comment on how the pandemic will change the stereotypical ‘Melbourne look’, the casualisation of workwear, the demise of restrictive clothing and the office dress code, and the rise of homegrown fashion and the local high street. 

Dr. Kate Sala, a lecturer of Design & Technology at the School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University, commented:

“History has shown us time and again that after large global crises, like in the case of both world wars and the recession in the early ‘80s, a period of excess and extravagance typically follows when it comes to fashion. 

“And I think we are going to see the same thing happen here, now that things have opened up again. People will really be embracing the opportunity to dress up and use clothes as a way to communicate socially with each other. 

“It will be a way to celebrate that sense of freedom, and as a result, that celebration is likely to translate into a lot of colour and print. 

“I think we’ll find that people are going to really throw caution to the wind when it comes to dressing and become quite experimental and have a lot of fun with what they wear. 

“I think we’ll also see a lot more looser silhouettes, and even when we’re channeling evening wear, people will still be looking for that sense of comfort and ease and that leisurewear vibe. 

“For example, the trend for wearing sneakers with evening attire will continue, there will be a lot of mismatching, and anything goes. It will be very experimental and bold and a lot of fun.” 

Dr. Stephen Wigley, Associate Dean, Fashion Enterprise, School of Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University commented:

“I think one of the biggest changes in the way we dress in a post-lockdown world will be the casualisation of workwear.

“A recent survey of 20,000 consumers across 11 markets, including Australia, by global athleisure brand Lululemon, found that 81 per cent of respondents said they perform better at work if they feel physically comfortable.

“Of course, this doesn’t mean we are going to start seeing office workers returning to the city en masse in their activewear; it will simply mean that comfort will play a far bigger role in what we choose to wear to work when we do go back. 

“So, we are likely to see less ties in many workplaces, for example, and women ditching more restrictive garments like skirt suits and high heels. 

“And I think, most significantly, the pandemic will likely be the beginning of the end of the office dress code – or at least the emergence of a new dress code.

“Just as companies who fail to take a more flexible approach to working arrangements and adopt hybrid workplaces will struggle to attract and retain staff, organisations that persist with strict office dress codes are likely to face similar challenges.” 

Tamzin Rollason, Centre for Urban Research, RMIT University commented:

“I’m already seeing a shift among people who have started to see the value in shopping locally. I think the fact that we have spent more time at home and in our local neighbourhoods, due to ongoing lockdowns, means the local high street is really having a moment.  

“And I think it will continue to do so, as hybrid working arrangements become the norm and because people are seeing the benefits to their local businesses, their local economy and in terms of convenience. 

“While at the same time there has been a big shift towards online shopping, due to the closure of retail, that has been counterbalanced by some of those significant supply chain issues that we’ve been seeing. So, particularly, in the short to medium term, shopping locally will continue to be appealing. 

“I think we are going to hear a lot more talk about local manufacturing also, if the local industry can meet some of the big challenges it is facing, particularly when it comes to finding enough workers. But there is definitely a growing demand for it. 

“The pandemic has also produced a lot of what I like to call accidentally sustainable practices. I’m hearing people say, ‘I’ve been wearing the same five items of clothing for the last year and a half, and I don’t know why I’ve got all these clothes in my cupboard.’ 

“Other people have had time to sort through their wardrobes, so there has been wardrobe rediscovery and so by sheer accident, or due to these extraordinary circumstances, people have been adopting sustainable practices which are quite effortless, and really how sustainability should be.” 

This article was sourced from a media release sent by RMIT Communications: 0439 704 077 or news@rmit.edu.au 

The Best of Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show, In Pictures

The Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show has finally come to a close, and here are some of the most memorable moments from the runway, as captured by George Azmy.

Designers Tommy Ge of Leatheron, Faten Lawn, Lily African Wares, Alies Bol, and Armando Crisostomo were among those who showcased their collections last Saturday. It was definitely a sight to behold!

Scroll through the photos below to see highlights from the Miss Earth Australia 2022 Grand Launch and Fashion Show.

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Eloisa Diaz

Eloisa Diaz is the designer and founder of her self-named label, Eloisa, based out of New York City. She is a multi-disciplinary creative and skilled in fashion design, graphic design, and illustration. After graduating from FIT in New York with a degree in Fashion Merchandising Management, Eloisa headed to FIDM in Los Angeles. She earned a fashion design degree from FIDM in 2004 and continued her studies at Central Saint Martins in London.

Eloisa has worked in the private label sector in New York for American brands sold at Macys, Nordstrom Rack, and Lord and Taylor, among others, and worked for Spiegel and Newport News. Additionally, she has an apparel line Shein X Eloisa with retailer Shein.com, and she oversees her own label, Eloisa.

Sassy & Co magazine recently caught up with Eloisa to discuss her journey in the fashion industry, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

As a young girl, I always dreamed of working in fashion. I used to design and make my own doll clothes. Once I got older, I decided the right path for me was to study fashion and make my childhood dreams a reality. After graduation, I got my first design job in New York City; the rest is history!

What do you like most about being a designer?

What I love most about being a designer is the ability to take an idea and bring it to life. It gives me great satisfaction when I see the final product I designed. I also like that every day is different and challenging; it keeps me on my toes.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

Facing a creative block can be a downside for me. When your job is to create all the time, it can get a bit stressful if the ideas are just not coming through. When that happens, I find that disconnecting from my work and then returning with a fresh mind helps.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

My most memorable experience in fashion thus far was having my collection produced by SHEIN. It was such a great experience to work with their team and see my vision come to life! I am grateful that SHEIN gave me a platform to show my work on a global level. It was one of the highlights of my career thus far.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

Some of the most interesting people I have met thus far have been some of my colleagues. A few years back, I worked for a brand where my colleagues had diverse skills and backgrounds outside of fashion. Working with people with different areas of expertise outside of fashion opened my mind to other possibilities and new ways of thinking.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

The most valuable lesson I have learned in the fashion industry is always to be humble and kind. No matter how talented you are, humility and grace can go a long way. It is important to have your talent match the beauty of your personality.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Absolutely! My husband and daughter are my biggest fans! They are used to living with a designer, so my daughter runs around with a tape measure and measures everything! I must say she is slowly becoming a pro!

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

That is a great question. During the beginning of my career in Manhattan, there was a time when my confidence as a designer was really shot. If I could go back in time, I would remind myself that creativity is always subjective to opinion. What works for one client doesn’t work for another. So, rejection is unfortunately just part of the process. The good thing is that there is a place for everyone in the fashion industry, and eventually, you will find your place.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

The best advice I have ever been given is “no one can drive you crazy unless you give them the keys” That advice stayed with me because sometimes, when you listen to too many outside opinions during your creative process, you can lose perspective and really drive yourself crazy. So, it is important to be in control of your own thought process and be assertive when needed.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

In the near future, I plan to continue expanding my fashion line. I also plan on learning new skills related to fashion to keep up with the changing times. I would love to learn CLO-3D, so that is definitely on my to-do list. Outside of fashion, I plan to travel more with my family. The best thing is, is that the future is still unwritten! I have plenty of time to think about it and work towards these goals.

Meet The Model Behind The Cover Of The December 2021 Issue Of Sassy & Co Magazine: The Stunning Liudmyla Tkachenko

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Liudmyla Tkachenko is a fascinating and stunning Ukrainian- born model, influencer, and entrepreneur currently based in Los Angeles who is making a name for herself in the Entertainment industry.

Liudmyla, as a young girl, had a dream and passion for modeling. Lady luck smiled at her when a modeling agency in Ukraine approached her. “I was in the middle of grocery shopping when the agent told me that he saw potential in me as a model. I, therefore, decided to visit their office the next day, and that’s when I got signed up with my first mother agency,” she narrated.

However, in her quest to be an international model, Liudmyla ended up moving to China, where she had to contend with the language barrier and numerous culture shocks. With determination, she eventually prevailed on those challenges. She worked as a full-time model, appearing in several high-profile television commercials and magazines. All these were mainly aired in Thailand, Hong Kong, and a few other parts of Asia.

Not one to rest on her laurels, Liudmyla took her ambition up a notch when she moved to the United States. Language barriers and cultural differences bared their fangs at her, but, once again, she showed the tenacity in her by overcoming those. She has walked multiple times at New York Fashion Week and for high-profile designers such as Dan Liu, Terraza, and Oxford Fashion. She was also featured in several exquisite fashion magazines such as L’Officiel magazine, Marie Claire, MD Trends magazine, Imaginary magazine, and Marjen magazine. She further added a feather to her cap when she participated in numerous catalog shoots and went to get herself featured in Vogue, Elle, as well, as Harper’s Bazaar.

Satisfied with her stint in New York, Liudmyla moved to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. So far, she’s done well for herself, appearing in several high-profile commercials and acting in a feature film called “The Nowhere Inn” which premiered at the Sundance film festival 2020.

Liudmyla’s focus and self-belief saw her overcome language and cultural differences on two separate occasions while shooting for the stars – a shot which she took with the perfect aim and precision. With her determination and sheer talent, Liudmyla will soon be a household name in both Hollywood and the Walkway.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Liudmyla to discuss her journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

Could you please tell our readers a brief background about yourself?

I’m a Ukrainian – American model and entrepreneur based in Los Angeles. I was born in a beautiful city west of Ukraine. I grew up in Ukraine and started my modeling career in Ukraine as well. I have experienced modeling in a lot of different countries around the world, including Asia, Europe, United States.

How did you become an international influencer? What’s it like to be an influencer?

I became an influencer through modeling. A lot of companies would want me to promote their brand. It’s an interesting industry, and I’m really enjoying it! I like to influence people for a positive mindset and a healthy lifestyle.

What has been your greatest triumph, to date?

Cover of Harpers Bazaar and Vogue publication! As well as Marie Claire, I consider as a great success! NYFW shows and TV commercials.

What has been your greatest lesson, and how have you used that lesson in your life?

Our time is the most valuable thing. And that you always need to stay true to yourself and make sure you choose the best life you can ever imagine! I use this lesson every day whenever I’m making any choices.

If you could travel back in time and alter one historical event, where would you go, and what would you attempt to change?

There’s nothing I would want to change from my past. I believe my mistakes are my greatest teachers and made me who I am.

What do you think you came into this life to learn, and what do you think you came here to teach?

I believe I come to this life to learn how to love and enjoy life to the fullest. I think I come here to spread positivity and love.

What projects are you working on right now?

I’m working on a yoga clothing line called Flexup. It’s an activewear brand built for empowering women. I’m also working on a new amazing magazine cover coming out soon!

What would you still like to attempt in your career despite everything you have accomplished?

Vogue cover, Cosmopolitan magazine cover, ELLE magazine cover and I want to walk at the Chanel runway show. I also want to build Flexup to become a super successful company.

What advice would you give to those hoping to follow in your footsteps?

Always believe in yourself. Work hard and stay focused. Maintain a positive mindset and enjoy the journey to the fullest!

Photo Credit: Antoine Verglas

Emerging Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Chrystel Anne Clasicas

Chrystel Anne Clasicas is a Filipina designer born and raised in the U.A.E. She began her fashion journey after being inspired by her aunt, Felicidad Tuviera, who used to sew clothes for her and her sister. Ever since then, she has always had an interest in drawing dresses and making sock dresses for her Barbies. Chrystel emerged from the College of Fashion and Design, Dubai. Where she won a full scholarship through a radio competition in 2019. Her Grandmother wore her very first design for her uncle’s wedding.

She started her business after her college closed down during the pandemic by selling silk masks as she was tired of getting ‘maskne’.

She explores ways to visually represent her vision by drawing inspiration from architectural monuments and her cultural roots. Each piece she creates exudes elegance yet stays true to comfort and can be worn on a daily basis.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Chrystel Anne to discuss her journey in the fashion world, and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

It started in 2019 when a friend of mine asked me to create an engagement dress for her. I also joined many competitions while studying, which led me to create one of my most iconic pieces, the ‘Felicidad’ gown. I relied on collaborations and networking to help me get into the industry. Collaborating with Filipino photographer Ace Reyes and makeup artists Mau Piodena and Pearl Delgado for my first clothing collection really started it all for my brand and me. Dubai is a great place to connect with other creative individuals within the fashion industry, which helped open doors for me for other opportunities.

What do you like most about being a designer?

I enjoy the creative aspect of it and seeing the happiness on my clients’ faces! Finding inspiration and researching is difficult, but it’s really where all the magic happens. You see the outcome of the idea in the final design, and that’s the best feeling.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

It’s a career that not many people will take seriously till you make something out of yourself. This can be tough when you are starting your career, so having a good support system is very important.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

I think being invited to join New York Fashion Week has been one of my most memorable experiences. It stood out the most to me because it was one of the most stressful events in my life. My luggage, which had all the clothes for my show, got lost in Germany and was only delivered to me the day before the show! But in the end, it was an overall great experience as I got to meet the best models, makeup artists, and the production team backstage. As an emerging designer, being given the opportunity to showcase in an event like that is a dream come true. It validates my dedication and all the work I have put into making myself a better designer.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I’m fairly new to the industry, so every person I meet is interesting to me.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

The industry is very competitive. You can combat this by keeping up-to-date with trends and not lag behind in order to stand out. Brushing up on your skills as a designer is also equally important. Personally, I learned that the connections and relationships you make with people are very important as they are the gateway for you to navigate and network in the industry that can lead to more exciting opportunities.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

NO. They weren’t really supportive of the idea at first and said I should just do it as a hobby. It took them some time to really get on board with the idea that I wanted to do something nontraditional. I did not let that change my goal of pursuing fashion. I would say my sister, Chyrille and boyfriend played a significant role in supporting me when I was about to give up on designing. They really pushed me to keep going and not give up.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I would remind myself to be more confident in my abilities and practice, practice, practice. It’s because I lacked the confidence to put myself out there. I wouldn’t have joined that competition to win that full scholarship which lead me to where I am now. But thankfully, with the support of my siblings and friends, I overcame that.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

It’s okay to fail, so don’t beat yourself up about it. You live, and you learn.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I’ll just keep designing and putting myself out there in hopes of eventually having my own studio in different parts of the world. I also plan on hiring full-time tailors to help me bring my vision to life.

Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Incredible Luom Ousby

Luom Ousby is a luxury minimalist at heart. The Vietnam-born and New Zealand-raised designer first took up needle and thread as a child, designing and sewing her first garments with her mother at just 8 years of age, and setting her on a course that would take her to fashion college and culminate with a Diploma in Fashion Design & Textile in 1996.

Her distinctive signature style was recognised the following year when she placed as runner-up in the prestigious New Zealand Smoke-Free Fashion Awards, collecting a slew of high distinctions in the process.

Fashion designer Luom Ousby walks runway with models at the close of her show Luom.O collection fashion show, for Fashion Palette Australian Evening & Bridal Show Spring Summer 2016, duing New York Fashion Week Spring 2016.

In 1998 Luom relocated to Sydney and by 2006 she had set up shop in fashion-hub Paddington, bringing her vision of luxury minimalism to life by catering to brides and special event customers looking for style well beyond the mainstream. Her form-fitting gowns have become her staple and have been worn by many celebrities.

Over 20 years of working with brides, in particular, has provided Luom with unparalleled experience into what they really want and what makes them happy. “My edge as a designer is my insight into the women who embrace a minimalist aesthetic and how they want to convey their identity on a day when all eyes are on them.

Designing is telling a story. My designs are all about the woman wearing the dress, rather than the dress wearing the woman. I believe a woman should ultimately look and feel sexy in whatever she wears. My definition of sexy is about not being obvious – it’s about being subtle in order to create mystique. Revealing less, whilst hinting at more through form, is the key to being alluring”

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Luom to discuss her journey in the fashion world and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I knew from a very young age that fashion would be a huge part of my life. I was always very creative, whether it be sketching clothes, writing stories, drawing, or painting.

Growing up I was a little quirky, or they say the black sheep in the family. But looking back at some of the clothes I was wearing then as an 8- 10 yr old, I could say I was ahead of my time?

All my clothes consisted of me designing them and then spending the weekend sewing with my mother. There were some questionable designs in the early stages! (laughs)

The time spent with my mother learning how to make patterns and going to fabric stores was such a favourite pastime.

That period of my life was a very special time with my mother and our love for making clothes created such a close bond. One I still remember 40 years later.

That’s what I love about fashion! The connection that it can create between people!

What do you like most about being a designer?

Freedom. That there is no right or wrong when it comes to being a designer. Fashion and Art are individual interpretations.

Designing has always given me creative freedom, and I can’t imagine my life without having this creative space available to me.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

Aside from the pressure and high expectations we put on ourselves, there really isn’t a great deal to say negatively about being a fashion designer.

I feel very privileged and fortunate to do what I love most. I think a lot of designers would agree with that.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

There are a few memorable moments to recall, but the one I have the fondest memory of would have to be showing at New York Fashion Week 2016.

This was a wonderful experience, purely because I had to push myself to a new level of pressure to make it happen. It was an extremely tight deadline, having just come off Australian Bridal Fashion Week. Trying to put together a NEW collection and coordinating a team, all within 5 weeks was a lot of work, to say the least.

It was a challenging time, but we did it! The value of having my husband, my sister, and close friends by my side right to the end was so important and unforgettable.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

A celebrity would be a cliche to name, but for me, I feel this would have to be some of the clients I have been lucky enough to have met and have created a bond with.

All the women over the years that I have had the pleasure of working closely with and designing gowns for, have taught me a lot.

Sometimes as designers, we don’t give ourselves enough credit, and I have found that through my wonderful clients, they have shown me such immense appreciation for the work that is achieved.

Working as a designer especially when designing brides their dream wedding gowns, we help bring to life their vision.

The joy I get to see amongst their families, and all the interesting stories that are shared is what I value most.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

Evolve with the industry, otherwise, you will be left behind! Grow as a business, and move with the times.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Yes. Extremely supportive. It has been detrimental to my career having their support and knowing they have been behind me 100% (especially my husband).

I definitely could not have done it alone.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

The advice I would tell my younger self is that it is okay to make mistakes, as long as you learn from them. And learn from them quickly!

When I started my fashion label (2004), I wanted to do it all. I worked in the business, rather than on the business.

I finally realised one person can not do everything, especially if you want to grow. Learn to have the right people in the places to help grow your business.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

In any business, learn to delegate to free up your time so that you can use your expertise skills the best way possible!

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

In the current conditions with Covid, we have shifted the LUOM.O brand to meet the demands of the preferred choice of online shopping.

Before all this, our brand had such a strong custom-design clientele, where clients would come in for 4-5 fittings. This area of designing is barely a thing now.

We have re-focused on how to provide for our customers by creating a strong online presence.

Most importantly we continue to support our customers in many ways by making sure the customer service level is high and does not differ from whether you shop online to shopping personally in-store.

We look forward to having those one-on-one experiences and creating some custom masterpieces in the near future!

Emerging Fashion Designer Of The Week: Introducing The Talented Celeste Tran

Celeste is a 20-year-old fashion designer who’s currently a student in the Bachelors of Design program at FIDM in Los Angeles. She started designing relatively early all the way back to high school and she comes from a legacy of people in the fashion industry – she felt like it was part of her DNA. She’s currently doing her best to put her work out there and she’s hoping to grow her brand.

Sassy & Co Magazine recently caught up with Celeste to discuss her journey in the fashion world and here’s what went down:

How did you get into the fashion industry?

I was fresh out of high school with no idea what I wanted to do. I attended community college for a year and suddenly decided- “I’m going to fashion school!” I’d always loved fashion and I had thought at the time- why not? I have time… and it was the best decision of my life.

What do you like most about being a designer?

I think the best part about being a designer is that once you get past caring about the judgment of other people-it is freeing. The ideas in your head are yours and yours alone and when you choose to share them with the world-its really special. I love to see these ideas come to life.

Downside to being a fashion designer?

I think one of the downsides to being a designer is the constant comparison I have in my own head to my peers. I see the potential and already existing beauty and revolutionary new designs and I think what I do isn’t good enough. It’s a huge mental hurdle because we live in a digital world constantly exposed to the best and most exciting parts of everyone else’s lives. It is hard not to be intimidated when I’m just trying to find my own little corner of the world.

What has been the most memorable experience of being in the fashion industry so far?

So far, as of this article, it would have to be the SHEIN X program. I applied really early on to be part of it and it was amazing. On the other hand, I’ve worked for and with amazing designers and I would never trade those experiences for the world.

Who have been the most interesting people you’ve met so far?

I think the most interesting person I’ve met is Denise Focil, I worked for her company as an intern and it was amazing. She took on a mentor role for me and allowed me a chance to design for her even though I had just started fashion school and I knew nothing.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned while in the fashion industry. This can be about the industry or about yourself.

A lot of my friends would probably say that working for free is something you should never do-I don’t agree. I happen to think that it’s a beneficial experience because it teaches you hard work without expecting anything. It teaches you to treat all opportunities like gold. The most valuable experiences that help you grow are the ones that you don’t pay for.

Is your family supportive of you being a fashion designer?

Yeah, I mentioned above that I come from a legacy of fashion people. My great grandfather ran a clothing factory when he was alive, and my grandmother is a professional tailor working with high-end brands. My family has always supported my dreams.

If you could go back in a time machine to the time when you were just getting started, what would you do differently?

I probably would not change anything. I think I’m lucky to have had the experiences I’ve had even though it might not seem like much-I’m very grateful.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Trust the process. I’ve always been about that and I think some things in life you don’t need to question too hard.

What are your future plans? Inside your career or out of it.

I will be showing a runway collection at FMC’s LA Fashion Week on October 19th. It’s going to be great.