Our last project for Freestyle was the Zenith Project. It could be about anything that you have always wanted to do. In fact, it was a completely student- created project, from developing a project schedule to creating an original rubric. This project allowed me to do something fashion-related. So I decided to design a collection based on armor. I asked two of my dearest friends to be my models. At the very beginning, I had a hard time designing because I was fantasizing about fabrics that did not exist. Since I did not have a warehouse full of seamstresses to create these elaborate fabrics, I imagined I had to concentrate on the resources I did have. For my designs, I wanted to create wearable armor that can be worn every day. I kept the metal to represent the hardness of armor, but modernized it.

After planning this big project, I designed my outfits and traced them in Photoshop. I also interviewed my models and asked their views on what clothing represents, what makes them feel comfortable, and what armor means to them. I was also interested in knowing if my clothing made them feel beautiful and strong. Once I finished creating my two designs I photographed my models with extravagant make up and hair. I also hoped if I had enough time I would design a clutch and jewelry. Finally, I recorded all of my production shots on my website that I designed as a fashion blog.

I decided to select the best part of my Zenith Project to show to you. I am very proud of tracing my designs in Photoshop, and of course I thought that it would be easier to see how my clothes fit on live people, so I also added in my photos. This is one of my Freestyle projects that inspired my greatest work and effort.  I loved this project so much because it taught me a lot, and I believe my designs represent who I am as a person and what I would love to do in the future.

Designing The Warrior

I am passionate about fashion, as it has given me a voice. I am petite, reserved, soft-spoken and not very talkative, in part because I am dyslexic. Dressing up has always been a means to express my identity, in ways that do not require words, which don’t come easily to me. No need for small talk; I am a walking conversational piece. My sense of style has shaped the person I am today and helped me become more confident, make friends, and advocate for myself. This is why I aspire to be a fashion designer. I want to use my art and skills to help others find themselves, and empower them as it has me. That is why I decided to create my armor collection. I wanted to created a line that made them feel confident as well as beautiful. I designed my outfits to have geometric shapes and to be covered with chains and studs.

For my first design I wanted a jacket with leather sleeves. One side was covered in studs, while the other was draped with chains. I paired it with tight fitted jeans, and laced up heeled boots. While creating this I had a lot of trouble with the fit of the jacket, after several attempts I finally had the perfect size. I also had a problem of low supplies. Originally, on the left side I designed it so that the studs completely covered the fabric, but I was low on studs so I had to spread them out more. I do believe that I did not over do it, it still has the wow factor I wanted, but it did not have the emphasize the theme of armor as much as I wanted it to. I would still like to add in the lining as well as make alterations to the jacket to be more fitted. I still love the end result of this jacket.

For my second design I wanted a club dress that was constructed with geometric shapes. I had a studded pattern on the dress, but the real show stopper was the chain sleeve. While creating this I had a lot of trouble with the chains. I could not figure out a way to sew them on so that my model could get in and out of the dress. Also I was worried that the weight of the chains would bring the sleeve down, so I minimized the amount of chains on the sleeve. During the photoshoot I was only able to sew on the black chains onto the dress, later on I managed to put in all the different colored chains. The sleeve was not exactly what I had imagined, but through my experience of sewing and design most of the time your designs change as they are constructed to be more practical. I loved the outcome of both of my designs, and both of my models looked beautiful wearing them.

Capturing The Warrior

After pricking and cutting my finger and having several meltdowns, I was finally able to finish my two outfits in order to photoshoot my models in them. My two dearest friends, Samantha Hamilton and Emma Bystrom, were kind enough to be my models. The jacket was the hardest to make because it was extremely structural. Upon my first attempt of making it, it sadly did not fit my model. For my second attempt, I was hoping that it would fit her because I was unable to see my model again until the photoshoot. I wanted to concentrate on sewing extremely accurately for the jacket. For my dress I wanted to create a geometric, edgy garment, and of course I wanted the chain sleeve to be the show stopper for this design. Unfortunately, I encountered problems because I could not figure out a way to sew on my chains without bringing down the shoulder strap of the dress. I ended up minimizing the amount of chains I would use on my dress. In the end I loved it, and I loved watching the chains sway in the air as my models walked. I wanted a edgy hairstyle, so I teased my models’ hair and braided it into fish tail braids. For my make up I wanted the warrior style. I created makeup masks, and I then covered them in gold foil. I decided to have my photoshoot at Stevens Creek because I wanted a park that looked like the woods. On the way to the park we were surrounded by cyclists and runners who stopped to watch us. It was so exciting to see my designs on my friends and the reaction from people. Even though this project made me extremely stressed, and caused me to question what I am doing with my life, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I loved creating my designs and seeing my friends grow more and more confident while wearing it. I achieved my goal in making two articles of clothing that empowered my women, and to add a bonus, both my models told me that they have never felt so “badass and hot.” I will still make alterations to my outfits until the runway show. This project was truly amazing and completely worth all the tears, blood, and bruises.