Back in May, I did a show for school called Rise. The theme was rags to riches and my inspiration drew from Josephine Baker.

The world of fashion can be full of mellow drama and crazy mishaps. The student world of fashion is like the “Real Housewives” of Apparel Design. Nothing like the hustle and bustle of the industry. Behind the scenes is a chaos unlike any other. I have to admit: Rise was complete C-H-A-O-S. The organization and communication lacked in such a unique way that I’m surprised the show made it to the end. Somehow it did and it was still a pretty great day in the end. Looking back, I grew.

Here are some of my favorite things about being a part of a fashion show:

 

1) Seeing my creations come to life. I love the adrenaline of putting them on the runway, aka playing adult dress up with real life dolls, and I even love the criticism. Fashion can make me feel so insecure and yet so confident. I second guess myself, compare myself to others but in the end I hold my ground. I was really proud of this collection once I got to see it with new eyes, come to life. I make looks that aren’t “typical” but I think that’s what I like about it. What IS typical?

 

2) Seeing the other designers creations. Everyone is so different and it’s amazing to see such a diverse amount of creativity, style and personal taste. Even if share different aesthetics we always find a respect for that persons creativity and vision.

3) Channeling my inner Jay Manuel (America’s Next Top Model). The photoshoot is all part of the fun, presenting and creative directing is something I would love to delve into further in future.

4) Spending time with great people. Making lifelong friendships with people who just get it.

 

5) “Model Behavior”. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded that these gorgeously beautiful human beings are still exactly that, human. Silly, fun loving human beings who enjoy a good sandwich.

 

6) Audience interaction? Otherwise known as my momma. I love my mom and seeing her having fun at my shows. Her support means a lot to me and is one of the reasons I’m able to do what I love. Here the MC asked her to get up and walk the runway to show off her own unique style.

7) Evolution and Experience. This field builds you up and breaks you down, you gain esteem and tough skin at the same time. Doing shows gives us experience to learn more about ourselves, what we’re capable of, ad to grow from it. We get so sick of seeing our looks and knowing or fixing every single flaw when we’re making them and then we see through new eyes as its finally real. Rise gave me a platform to create in a way that I like best: telling and relating to a story and moment in time. I think that drive was able to shine through because I was one of the winners that night. It made me feel like I do have a place. I want to create a story through clothing and evoke emotion, confidence, a sense of acceptance and proud to be uniquely you. Just like Josephine was proud to be uniquely her.

Keep on dreaming,
xoxo Sinéad Odessa