2023 Designers

ERA is about creating a visual representation for the boldest version of self. I’m a strong believer that tapping into this magic is as simple as slipping into a power suit. This has always been part of the allure of fashion for me: the idea that wielding fashion intentionally can change how the world sees you and how you see yourself. I wanted ERA to be that bold power suit in the form of dresses, corsets, deep necklines, and sheer fabrics. I want these looks to be something you slip into to transform and embrace that main character era.

Alisha's Website         Alisha's Linked In

Incognizable (adj. incapable of being recognized, known, or distinguished.) is influenced by my own mental state at the time of its creation. I was sad, I was anxious, my ADHD was running wild, and my thoughts felt like an image on a broken TV. Incognizable is a collection aiming to embody this feeling. Being inspired by glitchy computers and TVs, I want to give the impression of normal outfits filled with contrasting “glitched" features: sleeves that are far too long, jackets that are far too big, and chains barely holding disparate pieces together. My goal is to make contrasting elements come together in this collection, while still being aimed at my fellow nonbinary individuals. I want to make something not easily identifiable− something Incognizable.

Jae's Website

I’ve always believed fashion is a form of visualizing that which is too difficult to express. May Need Mending is an artistic representation of the confounding emotions that arise when facing mental illness alone. Pulling from a personal perspective of living with undiagnosed mental illnesses, this collection speaks to the vulnerability, pain, and gradual healing that leads to finally opening up and finding help. Harsh and intricate details adorn bold colors and textures throughout each look, illustrating the transition from an inner battle to a place of peace.

Chole's Website

Get Hurt is inspired by a literary examination of the Old Testament story of Cain & Abel. A peek into the work's language of origin reveals gripping poetic symbolism interwoven with the visual images provided in the text such as blood, man and earth. Enthralled by the crossover between the visual and literary arts, Get Hurt uses color, embellishment and texture to illustrate the themes of this ancient text. Get Hurt asks us to consider the ties that bind us to each other, and what happens when those ties are forcibly broken.

My collection focuses on taking on-trend, high-end garments and designing them so that they can be worn by people who need adaptive closures. Magnets, pull tabs, and zipper pulls were incorporated in the designs where they would still be fashionable and be able to be worn by anyone and everyone. I titled the collection Dopamine because I wanted it to bring happiness to this community. I know that when I personally have a fun outfit on, I get a rush of dopamine, and wanted to provide this feeling throughout the collection. I was really influenced by vintage images of Cher and Studio 54, and wanted to bring these fun, unique outfits of the disco era to the adaptive community with the use of color, trend-relevance, sparkle & glitter!

Jaedyn's Website         Jaedyn's Linked In

My collection was inspired by my journey of struggling with an SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) from a young age. My goal with this collection is to give others the opportunity to find clothing that is hypersensitive to their individual needs. I wanted to create something that allowed people to enjoy all the benefits of an extremely comfortable clothing line without sacrificing their taste in fashion-forward clothing. My collection is focused on incorporating techniques that address sensory comforts that are not exclusive to one type of person, something that could be worn and enjoyed by all.

Hali's Website

My collection is inspired by petite women. In the world of fashion there isn’t a lot to choose from regarding clothes that fit women with smaller proportions. I wanted to create something that is elegant and contemporary while also fitting someone with a petite frame. My design inspiration is based on the artwork on the ceilings in museums and churches around Europe. It is the beauty of looking up.

Anna's Website

Onyx is a genderfluid collection focusing on how the fabrication and construction of a garment can adapt to the individual wearing it. Each garment within the collection combines elements from what is typically seen as masculine or feminine to create diverse pieces that can be worn by anyone. Individuals in the non-binary community require clothing that needs to adapt and meet many needs that are unique to each individual. These pieces appeal to people on both sides of the spectrum, from those wanting revealing clothing to those who wish to be more modest without sacrificing their comfort or confidence.

Karrington's Instagram          Karrington's Linked In

Inspired by my grandmother, my collection LIMITLESS targets individuals with limited mobility who have trouble getting dressed and taking on daily tasks. My grandmother was diagnosed with Lou Gehrig's Disease, also known as ALS/Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, a disease that attacks the nervous system and weakens the muscles, therefore making it more difficult to move. I watched her struggle with clothing in the aspects of getting dressed as well as sacrificing her personal style for adaptable clothing. LIMITLESS helps those who had to make these sacrifices still feel a sense of individuality and personal style within their adaptable apparel. My collection touches on characteristics of utility wear while still accommodating the needs of this community by adding helpful details into the garments that provide ease to the process of getting dressed either by yourself or a caregiver.

Ava's Website          Ava's Linked In

The Comfortably Sick collection is an external representation of the internal discomfort of those who struggle with chronic illness. I have used my personal understanding and experiences with auto immune diseases to accurately depict and target specific symptoms come with these illnesses. Crohn’s disease has been my muse when designing this collection. Each garment represents and relieves a specific symptom of this auto immune disease. These garments also provide comfort and accessibility to facilitate treatments and surgical procedures. From zippers on the arms of a suit for IV infusion accessibility to a bustle that converts into a seat pillow for comfort, these pieces are adaptable, functional, yet beautiful. The goal is not to be cured, as there is no known cure, instead to provide comfort and beauty to those who seek relief. Those striving to be Comfortably Sick.

Macy's Website          Macy's Linked In

My collection is focused on plus size clothing that can be modified for a variety of figures. Each garment can be tailored by the wearer themselves through adjustable details including zippers and straps. Bodies in every shape and size ebb and flow. Unfortunately, most garments cannot be altered when a person experiences daily body fluctuation. Ebb and Flow is also inspired by my personal experience, and it is important that I provide an option that offers comfort and style to the wearer.

Maysa's Website          Maysa's Linked In