Embroidery Design for Lela Rose: Spring 2013
Summer of 2012 I interned in New York City for Ready-To-Wear designer Lela Rose. Being inspired by the work of Jim Hodges, Lela directed me to use my illustration skills to create the embroidery that was featured on several of the garments in the collection: An organza top, sheath dress, and an organza fit & flare dress. Following this collection, the embroidery was also featured on a piece in a bridal collection.
“Prints and surface treatments were the main focus here, with simple, nipped-waist silhouettes serving as canvases. One full-skirted organza dress with blurred, dreamy flowers growing from the hem looked like an Impressionist painting come to life.”
-Alison Baenen for VOGUE
Much of this internship included building this collection. Along with creating the embroidery, I draped and drafted patterns and sewed small details on garments. This was the beginning of my fashion journey and tapping into what I like to do most.
I’m an illustrator, a pattern maker, a researcher, a designer, and a storyteller. How I bring my art and ideas to life is one of the most rewarding parts of the design process.
Having Lela refer to me as, “the illustrator” was the fuel I needed to continue my journey as a designer. There were numerous occasions in high school and in college where my mentors discouraged me from continuing a career in design, but this experience pushed me to follow through.
