Life Style

Young Koh

Parsons sophomore
Korea/Pennsylvania
20 years old

“Fashion is a problem full of questions that need to be answered, which I can come up with formulas.”

Young’s collection: My collection is a Spring Collection that was inspired by ancient Korean Jewelries. This inspiration reflects diversity in my view of design. The overall choice of neutral colors reflects both sides equally in my cultural collision. All silhouettes also reveal my study of two different cultures that I am constantly dealing with: Korea, my original home, and America, where I currently reside.

What excites you most about Fusion? I expect a life experience from Fusion. No ordinary experience allows people to learn greatly. What I am most excited about in Fusion is a pure learning experience towards a new field.

Ying Chian

Parsons freshman
Diamond Bar, California
19 years old

“To me, fashion is a representation of a person’s taste, style and personality before any prior communication. Fashion can speak the unspoken words about a person. It is like poetry where you think you found the one correct answer but from a different angle, there is a completely different interpretation because like poetry, fashion is a descriptive form of life. Fashion brings life and a metaphorical beauty to every person.

Ying’s collection: My collection is going to be based on one of my favorite books, Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. Each fashion sketch will be a stage of emotion that Elizabeth Bennet portrays in the novel from the beginning, before she met Darcy, until the end where Darcy and Lizzie live happily ever after. Although each stage has different style, I will be incorporating chiffon in all five outfits. Why chiffon? Chiffon is like a cover. It represents an ambiguous beauty and mystery between humans. Chiffon doesn’t allow people to pretend or hide their personality but it is a form of respect and etiquette, hiding their prejudices softly within their minds.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am excited about the whole process, from choosing our models to the runway show in March. I’m excited to see everyone else’s different designs and the experience I learn from the whole competition. It is also exciting to have famous judges on the panel.

Mel Sangsomsap

Parsons A.A.S. Bangkok, Thailand 26 years old “Fashion is an ice cream, there are good taste and bad taste but always keeps you happy.

Mel’s collection: “The Stolen Youth-When Hope Dies and the Crane Flies Away.” It’s the story of world war’s children whose dreams are taken away by the coming of outsiders.

What excites you most about Fusion? The Show!

Sam Donovan

Parsons freshman
Newton/Ashland, Massachusetts
19 years old

“Fashion is clothing to me. When I think fashion, I think cut, volume, fit, color, line, and texture; I do not find it to be an art to experiment with the human form--I prefer to stylize rather than idealize. I am interested in how to clothe the human form (particularly the female form) in a way that adds visual interest, but not so much that it detracts from flattering the wearer. I believe the greatest accomplishment a designer can achieve is that some want to, and then be able to wear his or her designs with as few flaws as possible.

Samuel’s collection: My collection is beautiful, classic clothes that any woman should feel good about wearing anywhere. I tried to make each garment fresh and new, while still remembering that most women want clothes that don't look like craft projects. I designed a lot of casual but glamorous day-wear looks for a multitude of situations so that the clothes can be worn over and over again, without looking like repeats. Again, this collection is much more about the idea of style, than how to style an idea.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am most excited to be making clothes my freshman year at Parsons! Having taught myself the basics of draping, pattern making, and sewing, it was a bit frustrating to learn that I would not actually be doing anything specifically focused on clothing until my sophomore year. So I mostly just excited for the opportunity to have the chance to start this early, doing what I came to Parsons to do: be a fashion designer.

Nathan Green

Parsons A.A.S.
Chicago, Illinois
31 years old

“Fashion to me is about making beautiful, well constructed clothes, putting someone's identity into a garment for them to wear, expressing my urge for design and craft in a single piece of work. Fashion is about making someone look good, but feel even better!”

Nathan’s collection: Cirque de Fusion is a commentary on prominent characters of a circus and their contemporary counterparts in our society as a whole. The Ringmaster is seen as put together and presentable at any moment as the front man. The Magician, either a miracle worker or a con artist, takes his cues from religious figures, as religion is either the biggest con or the greatest miracle. The Clown represents a relief from the serious with a vagabond interpretation. Feminine clothes are exploited with a masculine edge for the Bearded Lady, and the Strong Man is delivered with a suspender-vest reminiscent of a lifter's squat suit, capable of showing off the body that creates this character.

What excites you most about Fusion? I'm most excited about the process. Every garment is a learning experience and Fusion will be a class in its self for me. I am looking forward to the entire experience of creating these looks and following them through to their runway presentations.

Meghan Spielman

Parsons freshman
Billings, Montana
18 years old

“Fashion is an ever-changing industry and aesthetic, bound by the organic human form. However, fashion thrives upon this limitation, and exploits our natural and inherent beauty to its full potential.”

Meghan’s collection: My collection consists of five characters: the princess, prince, cuddly bear, friendly beast, and misfit monster. Each character conveys an individual charm and spirit while the collection maintains a unified theme of playful, pajamaesque, and child-like, everyday sportswear.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am incredibly excited to witness each designer's vision materialize. The show is going to be amazing!

Maya Blevins

Parsons sophomore
Rochester, Minnesota
19 years old

“Fashion is the mediator between me and the world.”

Maya’s collection: It began with a discomfort with menswear inspired lines. Through exploring this discomfort, it evolved into a playful curiosity with the social connotations of the suit. I wanted to explore how the suit, and the facade of “The Man” could be reinterpreted in a playful light. The collection is an artifact of my exploration of how the social hierarchy embedded in the suit relates to everyone but the man. I drew from past memories I have of playing with my father's wardrobe as a child, and that sort of innocence when trying them on.

What excites you most about Fusion? Being around great people that share a mutual enthusiasm for their craft. Fusion has been a great chance to dedicate myself to something that school cannot offer, the chance to focus on something that is purely my own.

Logan Samuelson

Parsons sophomore
Lincoln, Nebraska
19 years old

“Fashion is the relationship between construction and concept. When the construction reflects the intention of the concept-fashion has been created.”

Logan’s collection: My collection, in retrospect, is a combination of things that I've always found exciting and inspirational-Paris, New York, and the sensibilities of fashion and lifestyle that those places embody. Juxtaposition is also a common thread in my work; I find trying to balance two opposing forces can make for a more exciting and well-rounded collection.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am most excited to finally have the forum to present a body of work. I feel like I've been waiting forever for a chance to show people who I am as a designer and what I find beautiful.

Josh Tafoya

Parsons freshman
Taos, New Mexico
18 years old

“Fashion is my life and is not just pretty clothes, but is a beautiful art form.”

Josh’s collection: My collection is called black, white, and a little bit of gold. My collection is a combination of high fashion and trashy punk combined with a modern futuristic feel.

What excites you most about Fusion? I'm excited for the day of the show and seeing the models work the clothes.

E'lan Byrd

Parsons freshman
Miami, Florida
18 years old

“ To me, Fashion is! It is a way of documenting history. It's a way of living. It's a language. It's an art, an expression, an energy, a culture, a love, a comfort. It's something that exists and lives everywhere. Fashion is a life we all indulge in whether we want to or not, Fashion is!”

E’lan’s collection: My collection is called Exposed. My concept addresses the idea of women being stripped of their rights, being left bare, and exposed. I decided to use a nude color palette in order to represent the suffering of women, in every culture and race; also, to play on the words exposed and stripped. The chains in my collection represent the hold society and government have on women. Throughout my collection, I've used the chains to represent the progression of women's rights and freedom. The first garment has an abundance of chains representing when women had absolutely no freedom, up to the last garment, which only has chains in the back. This represents the present day. Even though we have come a long way, there are still remnants of injustice that are not as obvious, but are still present.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am excited to just be in Fusion, this is such a great opportunity to be able meet 29 other creative designers and share this experience with them. But of course, I am most excited for all the shows and exposure, because in the end everyone wants to be famous and remembered for the work they created.

Eduarda Salmi

Parsons freshman
Miami Beach, Florida
19 years old

“Fashion is everything. It is a form of expressing yourself, a mood or a feeling. It is a form of story telling; for each garment, each accessory you put on, works together as a whole to convey a story. It can define who you are as a person and showcase your own style. Fashion goes hand in hand with impeccable attention. That is to say, it isn't there just for its pre-conceived function. Rather, a work of art. Each and every silhouette, seam, cut and color calculated by the most absolute attention and accuracy in its details. For me, being a fashion designer is being able to design and create a garment or item that instantaneously makes another person feel special, confident, and exhilarated all at once. That can be one of the most gratifying things about fashion.”

Eduarda’s collection: The collection I have designed is a womenswear prêt-à-porter, Fall/Winter 2010 collection. I was heavily influenced and inspired by the structures and formations of icicles, the hard pristine edges of icebergs and of shattered glass. I intend for the color palette to be a muted one, utilizing snow and bone whites, as well as some dull pastels, and grays. The garments will have a strong sense of structure and will consist of strong, clean lines. Cut-outs will also be evident, along with a futuristic perspective towards this collection.

What excites you most about Fusion? It is great working in a team of complete strangers and seeing what everyone has to offer. You can just feel the current of energy flowing just about everywhere. It is also a self-experience and a test all the same, because you really do challenge yourself by committing to this collection which you have so passionately worked on, and it is just great to see it come through. Fusion will be my way of contributing to the fashion world, and representing myself as the designer I know I am.

Cid Leif

Parsons sophomore
Miami, Florida
19 years old

“ Fashion is my forever evolving cell of self-expression. It has allowed for all sorts of experimentation with the body by being able to work with different prints, style lines and silhouettes. For me, fashion has also become a gravitational pull towards the study of art. In my perspective, the translation of different fine art disciplines has been extremely influential to the creation of everything in fashion and its production. It has given me the ability to envision works of art transformed into garments and accessories. For me it is essential to have a harmonious balance of the visual and emotional part in producing fashion.”

Cid’s collection: In envisioning my collection, Brisees Portails (broken portals), I made reference to Anish Kapoor’s experimentation with reflective surfaces. While he works with expanding spaces, sometimes it is hard to make out if what you see in the reflection. I find it interesting that he produces these organic shapes and places them in the most structured and well calculated environments, mainly cityscapes. With that idea in mind, I considered producing harshly structured garments for the exterior and contrasting them with soft shapeless silhouettes beneath. Working with such polar aesthetics that have characterized Kapoor’s work inspired a whirlpool of possibilities and immense energy to realize a ready to wear for Fall/Winter 2010.

What excites you most about Fusion? As a previous Fusion participant, I have one of the most genuine and memorable experiences with me and it has brought me back for more. Fusion allows personal ideas or design energy to reveal themselves through garments. The experience I had alone in creating my own collection and the time spent with other designers from Parsons and F.I.T. served as fuel to being as emotionally and visually in tune with myself. I would hope that participating a second time around for Fusion I could introduce a more well-shaped vision all the while enjoying the influence of company of others by my side once more. Fusion is definitely my road to self discovery as a designer.

Chung Hyun Bang

Parsons sophomore
Pusan, South Korea

“For me, fashion is one of the most important tools we use to express our identity and lifestyle in our daily lives. Historically to date, fashion designers have influenced people including myself in many ways. Fashion has become a way for people to flourish their lives with luxury and self-satisfaction and a form of pursuing high living for people. However, despite the luxuriousness and flamboyant nature of the fashion field, so many people who need practicality rather than luxury are still being neglected.

So my ultimate goal as a fashion designer is to use fashion as a tool to bring them together where practicality will be just as beautiful as luxurious high end fashion.”

Chung’s collection: My denim collection was inspired from graffiti, the art of painting on the wall. I believe that the idea of graffiti derived from the cave paintings of the ancient times such as the Lascaux cave painting. To achieve these graffiti effects on the actual garment, I applied various special techniques on my denim fabrics. Most denim fabrics have been distressed and studded with colorful gemstones and these will create multi-layers.

What excites you most about Fusion? As a former classical singer, I am so delighted to return to the stage again with my first collection. I have been getting so much support from my family in Korea, friends in New York, New Jersey and Europe. They have been on my side, encouraging me tremendously. I would like to tell all of them how much I appreciate them by completing this show with a great success!

Ashley Nicole Brock

Parsons freshman
Scranton, Pennsylvania
18 years old

“Fashion is what pushed me to discover who I am. Ever since I was 3, I was interested in clothing; I remember when I made my parents judge how well I put together my Barbie's outfits. The dream of being in fashion pushed me into applying for Parsons even when I thought it was impossible. Fashion has showed me numerous times that it needs me as much as I need it, and helps me realize that when I give 100% of myself to anything, whether it is fashion or life in general, I will succeed.

Ashley’s collection: My collection is a mixture of City and Country. I came up with the idea when I went home to Scranton to visit my family for the weekend. The leaves were just turning different colors, and the whole area looked like a painted canvas of browns, yellows, reds, and greens. The colors just overwhelmed me with how well they mixed as well as stood out from each other, and I knew those were the colors I would choose for my collection. As I drove back into the city, I took time to pay attention to the beautiful detail put into every building; they were all stiff and simple, but each had their own unique tweak in detail. Thus, I created a collection with the fusion of City architecture and Country colors.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am most excited about creating a collection that is true to me and having it seen by people who are already in the industry. I also cannot wait to gain more knowledge about the fashion industry and about myself as a designer. The overall positive energy with the designers and the models is overwhelming; it is definitely going to be a great couple of months.

Ana Ocampo

Parsons sophomore
Miami, Florida
20 years old

“Fashion to me is all about expression, it’s what presents yourself to the public and gives them a glimpse of your personality and values. I personally don't take fashion too seriously; I think it’s all about what makes you feel comfortable or sexy at the time. I love simplicity accessorized correctly.”

Ana’s collection: With this collection I wanted to experience the mixture of simple silhouettes with loose drapery. The art of draping is subtle but intricate in its structure and gives an element of movements and flow. I want to do a fall/winter collection since it’s a challenge I have never attempted. This collection is aimed at a young woman who has an attitude that is reflected in her clothes.

What excites you most about Fusion? I’m most excited about seeing my designs once again on a runway, it the best feeling as a designer. I also think Fusion gives us a sense of community that we often do not see in the fashion industry, which is why I am excited to see my designs as well as the others.

Jang WooHyun

F.I.T. menswear
Korea
23 years old

“Fashion is a new attempt.”

Woohyun’s collection: Inspired by a combination of Eastern European patterns, Korean traditional garments, and some films. There are various changes in structure and pattern of menswear.

What are you most excited about in Fusion? Interaction between designer's ideas, actual garments, models, and the music.

Wendy (Yen Hua) Chen

F.I.T. sophomore
Vancouver, Canada
19 years old

“Fashion is a world of exciting and unlimited possibilities and so much more. It’s a part of my everyday activities; it’s my hobby, school work, job, passion and ultimate goal. Fashion is creativity without limits, a lifestyle, and a way of expressing me.

Wendy’s collection: My collection is inspired by the Chinese Ying Yang symbol and its meaning. The Ying Yang brings together two contracting forces and balances them in a harmonious way. The two opposing forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world and I think that is a really strong concept because it can be applied to every aspect of life, including the fashion industry, and Fusion itself. When we think of F.I.T. and Parsons, we see a catfight, but Fusion becomes the connection between the two forces and everyone gets along for a common passion to create a spectacle.

What excites you most about Fusion? Competition weighs less to me right now because I feel like it would be enough just to participate in the competition and get to know all the designers, coordinators, and everyone involved in Fusion. At that last minute before the show I would probably want to win really badly, but to me that’s not what Fusion is really about. I'm just really excited about seeing my work go out on the runway and let everyone know what I'm about.

Taylor Pratt

F.I.T. sophomore
Sayville, New York
19 years old

“To me fashion works in two ways; it can be inspirational or it can be expressional. The clothes someone is wearing can affect any aspect of their mentality. More often it works inversely, to be the external expression of someone’s personality, lifestyle, mood or other facet of themselves. Fashion is wearable art that you change everyday which is why I love it so much.”

Taylor’s collection: Since this is the most public project I will have done I wanted to show my personal point of view as a designer and give a sample of the style of clothing I like.

What excites you most about Fusion? There are so many things to look forward to, but if I have choose one, finishing my collection and seeing it walk down the runway is the most exciting.

Mackenzie Sam

F.I.T. menswear
Vancouver, B.C., Canada
18 years old

“Fashion is an expression and portrayal of a certain style, by executing it, using a unique and strong sense of thinking.”

Mackenzie’s collection: The collection focuses on portraying the essence of color contained and hidden within a muted surrounding of tones. I wanted to incorporate fades of color in selected areas in each piece. My collection is inspired by the age and end of lilies. I love the look and shape lilies take as they dry up and fade in color. I wanted to focus on the lilies shape and color as these elements are applied to each piece in the collection.

I used a muted and dark color palette with hints and fades of color to express this idea of bleeding and aging (through fabric dying). Also I emphasized a use of layering to show the dynamics of a lily (petals) which is shown with the subtle changes some of the pieces go through. The collection remains in a way, deconstructed, in the same way a flower dries and breaks down.

What excites you most about Fusion? Expressing my designs and ideas to everyone, and celebrating the hard work and dedication that has been put into the designs of fashion.

Madeline Coons

F.I.T. A.A.S.
St. Paul, Minnesota
21 years old

"Fashion is dreams, not frozen in time or space, but budding ideas waiting to be molded and sculpted. Fashion is my dreams, not only dreams for my future but also wishful daydreams and imaginative whirlwinds that lull me to sleep at night. Fashion is always swirling through my mind. It brings spring to each new day and purpose to all its activities."

Madeline’s collection: "Sumptuously splendid and decidedly elegant, think bodied fabrics, in an array of pearly roses and creamy beiges provide the soft feminine background for the addition of a few of my favorite things—a dash of gold, a dollop of silver, some hints of pearls, smidgens of sequins, a sprinkle of sparkle, and lets not forget, a dainty expanse of ribbon, of voluptuous but sturdy bows. My collection is about dress up; the adornment of classic and simple silhouettes with thrilling, tickle me pink frills. It’s always all about the details for me. I love the dreamy air of antiques in general, but especially antique trim and notions.

I will be hand embroidering and detailing my garments with antique trims and pieces of vintage costume jewelry found at flea markets and antique stores. The clothes will, in a way, be dressed up from decades passed, giving them a dainty and elegant feeling.

What excites you most about Fusion? "I won’t lie, part of the reason I am applying to Fusion is because I am oh so extremely thrilled by the prospects of all of the amazing trims and fabrics I will need to own for completing my collection!

Sasha Corrodus-Odom

F.I.T. freshman
Richmond, Virginia
26 years old

“Fashion is an external expression of the spirit; the body is the dimensional canvas and the fabric/garment is the expressive artwork.”

Sasha’s collection: "Pop Antoinette: Sex, Money, and Cake." It's originally inspired by a Marie Antoinette movie poster. The movie itself inspired the quote (sex, money, cake).

There are neon pop styles from the 80’s (geometric, slightly masculine, big shoulders, neon colors) mixed with rococo style (lace and trim details, soft silhouettes, squared extended hips in skirt, brocades, and feminine colors). Marie Antoinette's most famous costume of today is of her in a blue dress with a squared petticoat and a row of pink bows along center front. This inspired the color story.

What excites you most about Fusion? Seeing the end result if all the gorgeous collections and basking in the excitement of the audience.

Jisun Kang

F.I.T. sophomore
South Korea
19 years old

“Fashion is one of the fascinating ways to express individuality. Fashion is what keeps me alive and inspired. Without it, the world would be dull and colorless. Now that I am addicted to fashion more than ever, it cannot be out of my life.”

Jisun’s collection: I got inspired by classic styles. From shirts, suits, and coats to eveningwear, I mixed it with modern style. It has element of layering and sense of simple yet sophisticated looks. I will be using mainly wools of various thicknesses. Also, I will show some silk and organza to soften the hard and structured feeling, and tailored pieces.

What excites you most about Fusion? New experiences, meeting new people, showing my collection, and most of all, putting a great show together with amazing people.

Gabriele Skucas

F.I.T. freshman
Orland Park, Illinois
18 years old

“It is inevitable, it describes a person’s mood, a personality. People change constantly, and fashion joins us for that journey as we discover who we are and who we want to become. Fashion explains an individual without words.”

Gabriele’s collection: For Fusion, I am working on a Fall/ Winter sportswear collection. My goal is to make a simple combination of fabric with interesting materials that bring the garments to life. I will be incorporating yarn, wood, and little pieces of fabric to make texture full, whimsical clothing for young women. I hope to make a pretty collection that will bring out the best in the person wearing it.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am excited about that first moment when I see my collection come down the runway; this will be the first time I see any of my designs on such a public stage. I am looking forward to my parents and friends seeing my clothing coming down the runway on beautiful girls, walking to beautiful music. I really want to see this show as a whole, because all the designers’ sketches were amazing, and I still cannot believe that I am in their company.

Edwin Mohney

F.I.T. freshman
Holland, New York
18 years old

“Fashion to me isn’t just clothing or wearable art or a lifestyle, it’s...I have no clue. Fashion to me is more than just the physical; fashion is a feeling. When you see someone who is dressed in an outfit that makes them feel completely comfortable; an outfit that makes them just glow that is fashion. It’s that moment in the morning after you’ve picked out the perfect outfit and you’re headed out the door to conquer to world, that’s fashion.

Of course fashion is also the glamour, the drama, the show, the business, the fun, the work, the everything, but when it comes down to it fashion at its core is confidence. We all strive to achieve it through our own styles and designs. We torment our minds to come up with the best way to accomplish it. Our designs are merely the vehicle to arrive at fashion. It takes an audience and a customer to bring fashion to fruition. So in the end I’m resolved to this: It doesn’t matter what fashion means to me, what matters is what fashion means to every other person that I will design for because they are the only ones who have the power to be confident in what I create.


Edwin’s Collection: I chose to design ready-to-wear that has been injected with evening appeal. The first four pieces all have the potential to go from day to evening while the finale dress is purely designed as a beautiful show-stopper.

What excites you most about Fusion? The most important thing I hope to gain from Fusion is exposure. At heart I am more than just a designer I am a true business man. Fusion is a way for me to latch onto new connections and faces for the future.

Desmond Lim Zhengs

F.I.T. sophomore
Malaysia
22 years old

“ Fashion is an expression of one's self. It brings spice to your life. It also defines who you are and how you want the world to perceive you as an individual.”

Desmond’s collection: The collection is about a modern urban girl, maybe Parisian, who loves fashion and life. She's very experimental and constantly pushes the limit. This collection is a five day wardrobe that carries from day to night.

What excites you most about Fusion? I'm mostly excited about gaining experiences and friends and also to be able to showcase my designs to the public and to the professional panel of judges.

Darryl Cook

F.I.T. sophomore
Uncasville, CT
20 years old

“Fashion to me is the unyielding progression in art, music, technology, and culture (as well as the people who are apart of these,) translated into a garment. In return, fashion then progresses art, music, technology, culture and the people who are apart of these.”

Darryl’s collection: This collection is an interpretation and tribute to the assortment of people I’ve encountered and befriended within the past year (trans people, sex workers, former club kids…) Being in these relationships brought me into unfamiliar territories of individual lifestyle and left me wondering what else I didn’t know about. This fall/winter collection was created on the basis of post-modern chic and asks the question: What do you not know of and still have left to wonder about?

What excites you most about Fusion? I’m most excited about working alongside my competitors and newfound friends.

Danae McCarthy

F.I.T. sophomore
New York, New York
20 years old

“Fashion to me is clearly clothes but it is also the amazing feeling one gets when something beautiful is represented right in front of them. Fashion is color, it is imagery, and most importantly, it's self expression that defines us.”

Danae’s collection: My collection is a ready-to-wear collection that’s full of shapes. It is a very literal depiction of that element. Geometric shapes were my inspiration so my collection is full of structured silhouettes. It is also a play on hard vs. soft and I plan to illustrate this using materials that contrast each other. This collection was designed with the edgy New York girl in her twenties in mind. It's centered on the staple color of New York and is a combination of dresses and separates.

What excites you most about Fusion? In Fusion I'm most excited about showcasing my work. Building a small collection that represents who I am as a designer and one that I can show to all of my friends and family members that have supported me throughout the years.

F.I.T. sophomore
Annapolis, Maryland
20 years old

“Fashion is wearable art and a second skin. The creativity and innovation that goes into great fashion is truly identified with by whoever chooses to wear the garment.”

Brittney’s collection: The collection is inspired by Edward Hopper's painting, Nighthawks. The painting has a unique, fluorescent feeling to it. I pulled various greens and several peaches from the rich color story of the painting. The look I am going for has an old fashioned feel, but is also tailored and feminine. The collection is meant to be young and luxurious.

What excites you most about Fusion? I am most excited to see my work on the runway for the first time! This is my first fashion show. I'm also excited for my family to see the collection on the runway!

Alex Konen

F.I.T. sophomore
Portland, Oregon
20 years old

“To me, fashion is an opportunity. It's an opportunity to make a statement and inspire confidence. It's an opportunity to either call attention or blend into surroundings. Fashion provides its consumer with the choice to be whoever he or she wants to be. My greatest hope is that people will take advantage of fashion as a chance to raise the bar and project themselves in a creative, thoughtful and respect-provoking way.”

Alex’s collection: My collection was inspired by the clean lines and simplicity of modern furniture. This collection is for a woman who has an eye for detail and appreciates structural elements that parallel her unwavering confidence and edgy sophistication.

What excites you most about Fusion? I'm excited for the opportunities Fusion offers. It requires you to exert your previous skill set, while adding experience beyond what you thought possible. I am so excited to see my collection come together and I cannot wait to see what all the designers have to present. Adding Fusion to my portfolio and resume will only enhance the potential for opportunities in the industry and my personal growth as a designer.

F.I.T. sophomore
New York, New York
19 years old

“Fashion is my form of art . It’s the tool i use to express myself”

Alesandra’s collection: My collection consists of a mixture of mineral rocks and crystals. The silhouette is long and sleek something like Morticia from the Addams family would wear. The color palette consist of blacks and neutrals. What about Fusion are you most excited about? What I'm most excited about is the actual show. I'm just ready to see everyone's hard work come to life.