Whenever people find out my major is fashion design I get asked two questions; "did you make what you're wearing?" and "what got you started in fashion?".
I am going to answer both questions. First, more than likely no I did not make what I am wearing because I specialize in children's wear. Second, well the answer to that is a bit more extensive so let's get into it .
From a young age I have always been very keen on fashion. As a child I always loved art, to the point where I almost always carried around a purse with notebooks, pens and marks so when I felt inspiration I was able to draw. My dad was always very willing to carry around my backpacks and purses and encourage my love for art.
As I got older my love for art grew because I had an incredibly art teacher, Gae Sharp. When I was in fifth grade I went on to win a state wide competition for my Arbor Day painting. Then in eight grade she helped me get my piece in the Knoxville Museum of Art show. The newspaper dress was my first real fashion piece and I think everyone can agree I have come a long way. Then, When I was in college I was able to come back and help her teach summer art classes to young students.
When I was probably 10 years old, I was sketching in art class and she saw over my shoulder and said "one day you are going to be a famous designer and I hope you remember me!" Before then I had never thought too seriously about fashion design. After that comment, I was never able to get it out of my mind, it became a part of me that I would carry on forever. By the time I was in the 8th grade I drew my first fashion sketch I was truly proud of, I made it after watching the royal wedding.
Growing up I always looked up to my cousins, and since there was such an age gap they tried to look out for me as well. My oldest cousin Clancy always made sure to take me under her wing and love me like a little sister. As I grew up Clancy always got me fashionable outfits and accessories; from berets to purses and full outfits. In fact the little cherry dress and bandana set I'm wearing in the first set of pictures came from Clancy. Clancy is also who got me my very first Kate Spade, it was beautiful and multi striped and I loved it. She got it for me when she came back from her studies in New York. After getting that little purse it further sparked my love and curiousity for fashion. I wanted to follow in Clancy's footsteps and study fashion too.
Now that I have grown up more as a designer I am inspired by Clancy's daughter Gigi. Almost every design I make is custom tailored to her, and Clancy has a few pieces to coordinate with her as well. Gigi has her very own Kate Spade and is by far the most fashionable toddler I know thanks to her wonderful toddler. Gigi and Clancy are my greatest inspirations and I cannot wait to see where my designs take me next!! (yes I did make the two pink dresses, Gigi's red dress outfit, and the white jacket with fur trim)
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